The Mussenkeet Tour

Walking tour through the Deurnsche Peel and the small Peel village of Griendtsveen. The Mussenkeet, also written as the Muschenkeet, was a shack made of peat, planks, reeds, and other cheap building materials. The name was likely a corruption of ‘de Musch z’n keet’ (the Musch's shack); every peat cutter knew the place. Such shacks typically served as temporary accommodation for seasonal workers.

Route.

• In Griendtsveen, you will feel as if you have stepped back into the era of peat extraction.
• The village was founded around 1885 by the Van der Griendt family, who were responsible for the large-scale peat cutting in the region.
• While walking, you will pass picturesque drawbridges, straight peel canals, and characteristic buildings.
• You will pass historic landmarks such as the St. Barbara Church, Villa Sphagnum, and the unique apostle houses.
• The apostle houses (apostelwoningen) were built for the staff members—locally nicknamed the 'followers' or apostles—of the peat extraction company.
• The route takes you along a section of the newly created Mussenkeetpad, named after a historic peat cutter's shack.
• Next, you will walk along the Nonnenpad, a narrow path on a ridge between the Helenavaart and the Deurne Canal, offering beautiful scenic views.
• The route runs mostly through the Deurnsche Peel, which officially forms part of the Natura 2000 network.