Turfvaart - Achtmaal

In the 17th century, the Turfvaart was dug as a vital transport route for peat production in the region between Achtmaal and Breda. Peat was extracted from the vast bogs around Zundert and Achtmaal, then shipped to Breda, where it was sold and used as fuel for homes and industries. In 1618, the decision was made to build a canal to make this transport more efficient. Brewers in Breda in particular, who relied on peat for their brewing process, were quick to support the plan.

The canal mostly followed the valley of the Bijloop stream, which lay beneath the peat and was not suitable for transport. The Turfvaart allowed for quicker peat transport and also helped drain the peatlands, making extraction more efficient.

Towing paths ran along the canal, where people or horses pulled the peat barges. For a long time, the Turfvaart remained an essential transport route, until peat production declined and coal became the main source of fuel.

Today, the Turfvaart is no longer navigable but survives as a narrow ditch, surrounded by nature and historic sites. The water still tells the story of a time when peat shaped the economy and landscape of this region. Along the old canal, walking trails and nature areas give you a glimpse into the rich past of peat cutting and this centuries-old waterway.