Ysselsteyn reveals several aspects of Peel history: the German War Cemetery, military traces along the Defensie or Peelkanaal, and the collections of Museum De Peelstreek. De Rouwkuilen, a protected nature area northeast of the village, adds another dimension. Remembrance, rural life and landscape thus stand side by side as distinct focal points.

Places of Remembrance and Architectural History

The German War Cemetery in Ysselsteyn was established in 1946 on behalf of the Dutch government. Visitors can discover the stories behind the crosses in a multimedia exhibition; the visitor centre provides practical information. The site is wheelchair accessible. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.

The Defensie or Peelkanaal also has cultural and historical value: it bears witness to the reinforcement and subsequent defence of the Netherlands during the Second World War. West of Ysselsteyn, several reinforced-concrete S-type casemates stand on the west bank. They were built in 1939–40 as part of the Peel-Raamstelling and are arranged at regular intervals.

A small cruciform church was built in 1927. After war damage in 1944, a new, rounded apse replaced the transept and choir. It was built in 1947 to plans by architects A.T.J. Margry and P.W. Lerou.

Peel History in the Museums

Museum De Peelstreek presents history from several perspectives. Its themes include peat extraction, land reclamation and transport routes, as well as old boundaries and border disputes. The founding of Ysselsteyn in 1921 is also covered. The collection includes machinery, equipment, tools and household items from earlier rural life.

Ròwkoelehof houses an extensive collection of large agricultural machines and related items. De Peelstreek thus takes a broader look at the history of the Peel and everyday life in the past, while the collection at Ròwkoelehof focuses on agricultural machinery. De Peelstreek offers guided tours for groups and individual visitors, led by volunteer staff trained by the board. Primary school children have a programme of their own, with a scavenger hunt in which they search for objects and answer questions about them.

Museum De Peelstreek’s visitor season runs from 1 April to 31 October. Visits are possible without an appointment on Saturdays from 13:30 to 16:00; visits at other times can be arranged by email, telephone or message. Check the seasonal opening times before your trip.

De Rouwkuilen and the Museum Route

Nearby, northeast of Ysselsteyn, lies De Rouwkuilen, a 56-hectare protected nature reserve with coniferous forest and a fen. The Ysselsteyn Museum Route leads to two museums in Ysselsteyn and, on the way back to Lovinckplein, passes through the De Rouwkuilen nature area. The route described therefore combines museum destinations with a stretch through the landscape.

The Peel’s former use for sheep grazing is also part of its history: sheep belonging to farmers from Venray and the surrounding villages traditionally grazed there from 19 March until the first Sunday in October. This perspective on the Peel adds another aspect of the region’s past to the themes of the museums and fortifications.

Discover more destinations: Veulen, Venray, Wanssum, Geijsteren, Merselo, Smakt, Oostrum, Blitterswijck.

Back to the main travel overview: Venray.