Helenaveen: Peat history and trails through the Peel

Helenaveen is closely linked to the history of peat extraction. This is reflected in the development of the village, the designation of part of its centre as a protected village conservation area, and memorial sites in the landscape. There are also various options for walks and cycle rides: nature areas, a route featuring poetry and another linked to the liberation.

Peat extraction and local history

One historic milestone is the year 1853: at that time, Helena Panis’ husband Jan van de Griendt and his brother Nicolaas bought 610 hectares of raised bog in Helenaveen for peat extraction. The so-called three-pronged system was used to transport the peat, which was used as fuel. Three small canals, known as wijken or wieken, flowed into a side canal running parallel to the Helenavaart. This was directly connected to the main canal, allowing the peat to be transported by boat.

Helenaveen is considered the oldest example of planned private peat extraction in the southern Netherlands; its various stages of development are still clearly visible. The dates for other historic buildings belong to a later period: nine large, monumental farmsteads were built along the Helenavaart between 1908 and 1920. These so-called koningshoeven were established by the Maatschappij Helenaveen.

Village character and special places

A large part of the village centre has been designated by the Dutch state as a protected village conservation area. The Protestant hall church in Helenaveen is part of a church complex. These features give the village several distinct historical facets: a protected village scene, a church ensemble and the farmsteads along the Helenavaart. Keep these connections distinct: the farmsteads date from the building period between 1908 and 1920, while the raised bog was purchased as early as 1853.

On the edge of Helenaveen, a distinctive monument marks the discovery site of the Gouden Helm. It was created by the artist Joep Coppens from Vlierden. The artwork at the discovery site of the Roman Gouden Helm is located at the corner of Oude Peelstraat and Centurioweg. Another place connected with the village’s history is Mijmerplek Helenaveen. It stands on the site of a former koningshoeve and includes a former house pit that has been excavated again, as well as a restored orchard with fruit trees and a walnut tree. There is also an information board, a bench and a work of art.

Peeltroef Helenaveen connects landscape and history in its own way: from here, you can look out over the new landscape that emerged after agricultural use ended. Peeltroef is one of the special places in and around De Peel that together tell the region’s story, with a focus on peat, war and raised bog.

Walking and cycling

Deurnese Peel and Mariapeel preserve remnants of the once-vast raised-bog landscape around the former peat colonies of Griendtsveen and Helenaveen. Together, they form a special nature area for walking. The Deurnese- en Mariapeel walking route is 7.7 kilometres long and starts at the Mariapeel car park at Koolweg 36a in Helenaveen. Check the route details before setting out.

The Gedichtenroute Helenaveen-Neerkant cycle route starts in Helenaveen. It runs through the surrounding countryside from Helenaveen to Neerkant and back; there are poems at four points along the way. The Death Valley De Peel cycle route passes through Deurnese Peel and Mariapeel and by Griendtsveen, Helenaveen and Neerkant. It is linked to 75 years of liberation. The routes therefore differ in the features described: the Gedichtenroute includes the journey to Neerkant and back and the four poetry stops, while Death Valley De Peel takes in the two nature areas and the places mentioned.

Discover more destinations: Liessel, Deurne, Neerkant.

Back to the main travel overview: Deurne.