At Holten’s Molen, three wind-powered functions come together: grinding grain, pressing oil and sawing wood. The mill shows how these different tasks work together under one roof. On request, Holten’s Molen organises group excursions and guided tours. On group tours, visitors learn about the mill, the oil press and the sawmill.
Windmills, Churches and Architectural History
The St Willibrordus Church in the centre of Deurne also brings together several layers of history. The Gothic cross-shaped church has a west tower dating from around 1200; the choir and transept date from around 1460 to 1470. The design of the choir is considered unique in the region. The Smits organ still contains valuable historical Smits elements from 1838. A crypt beneath the high choir has been open to the public since 2005.
There are fixed conditions for visiting the church: from 1 May to 1 November, the building is open outside service times every day except Mondays, from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. For a small fee, guided tours of the tower room and vaults are offered at 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm. If a church attendant is present, the tour also includes a view of Deurne. As opening times may change, it is advisable to check them before your visit.
Kasteeldomein Haageind is home to two castles with outbuildings, gardens and parks. Groot Kasteel also has an animal park and an English-style park. The estate also includes a watermill: it was restored in 1980 and received a new waterwheel in the weir area in 1994. These dates add another historical layer to the estate, alongside the castles and their grounds.
Helenaveen offers a different picture of cultural heritage. The village is a protected townscape and can be considered the oldest example of planned private peat colonisation in the southern Netherlands; its various stages of development are still clearly visible. Nine monumental so-called Koningshoeves, built between 1908 and 1920, stand along the Helenavaart.
The Peel: Landscape and Orientation
Deurnese Peel is a nature area in Deurne covering more than 1,400 hectares. It comprises a central section, the northern area of De Bult, and the southern sections of ’t Zinkske and Heitrakse Peel. Together with Mariapeel in Limburg, it forms a continuous area of around 2,750 hectares. This division shows that the Peel is not just one area, but consists of several named sections.
On the edge of Deurnese Peel, Natuurpoort De Peel offers several signposted routes for exploring the area. De Ossenbeemd is a visitor centre about the Peelrandbreuk and also a starting point for cycling and walking routes. A film and an exhibition wall there explain the Peelrandbreuk. On display are also soil profiles, characteristic bog iron ore and ceramic water pipes that served as Deurne’s first water supply. The landscape is presented alongside its geological and local context.
Natuurpoort De Peel also serves dishes made with fresh daily produce from nearby farms and from its own butcher’s shop. The menu may change. Experiencing nature and enjoying regional cuisine are two different reasons to stop at the same place.
Art, Literature and Routes
De Wieger is a museum in Dr Wiegersma’s home. It offers constantly changing exhibitions, as well as courses and stage performances. The permanent exhibition includes works by Charley Toorop, Jan Sluijters, Leo Gestel, Theo van Doesburg, Jan Mankes and Else Berg; individual presentations may change. The programme therefore ranges from the collection to changing exhibitions and events.
Toon Kortooms Park is located where the well-known novelist grew up. The park includes a barefoot trail of around 1.5 hectares, with different surfaces and a sound trail. Along the way, there are viewing towers, hammocks, benches, tunnels and huts. Kortooms’ connection to the area and the outdoor features give the park two distinct points of interest; check the availability of the facilities before your trip.
Guided routes have a focus of their own: on the Echte-Deurnenaren walk, led by a guide from Toeristisch Deurne, you visit notable historic places connected with Hendrik Wiegersma, Antoon Coolen, Jules de Corte and Toon Kortooms. Availability may change. If you would rather choose your own route, Deurne’s route network offers cycling, walking, mountain biking, singletrack and horse-riding routes. Toeristisch Deurne provides route maps for cycling, walking, mountain biking and horse riding; check the current collection point in advance. The “Deurne Palet van De Peel” walking route starts at Deurne’s market square, Deurne railway station and the centre of Vlierden.
Discover more destinations: Helenaveen, Deurne, Liessel, Neerkant, Cranendonck, Cuijk, Sint Anthonis, Oss.
For the broader travel overview: North Brabant.
