The Peel region is historically a raised bog area consisting of a large marshy expanse that formed a natural border between Brabant and Limburg. The Limburg band ‘Rowwen Hèze’ sings about this romantic landscape in their songs. The area was formed by the Peel edge fault line in the earth’s crust, which pushed up layers of loam. This caused the soil to become impermeable to moisture, resulting in peat formation over the centuries. In the 19th and 20th centuries, much of this peat was excavated in the form of turf, which served as fuel for stoves. Today, the Peel region consists of a mix of nature and cultural history, forming an ideal environment for cycling and walking excursions, among other things. Additionally, the village of Asten is known for its bell foundry (the largest in the world). The village of Asten has a bustling center with various good restaurants and cafes, shops, and cozy squares.
