Stadskanaal

After the Stadskanaal was dug towards the city of Groningen in 1856, this canal became one of the busiest shipping routes in the Netherlands. Due to the crowds on the canal and the long waiting times it entailed, shops and cafés were built in various places along the water. The town of Stadskanaal grew out of this. When you walk along the water in the centre, the contours of the past can still be recognised. In the Streekhistorisch Centrum you will learn all about the history of the Kanaalstreek.

Besides a history with water, Stadskanaal also has a history with trains. Where goods trains once ran, nowadays you can dive into the past of the railway in the museum trains of the STAR. Take a trip to Veendam and discover all about the railway line on the border of Groningen and Drenthe along the way. A little further on in Stadskanaal, you'll find the town's old water tower. This 43-metre-high Amsterdam School-style tower is one of the region's icons. You keep encountering the past everywhere in Stadskanaal, but newer styles also get a stage. Huge murals have been painted on a number of apartment buildings. They make Stadskanaal extra colourful.

Stadskanaal is known for its peat and peat history, but did you know that there is also a lot to experience and taste? After the Stadskanaal was dug towards the city of Groningen in 1856, it became one of the busiest shipping routes in the Netherlands. Due to the crowds on the canal and the long waiting times it entailed, shops and cafés were built in various places along the water. You can still enjoy these special spots today. The 'Taste & Experience Stadskanaal' map guides you through 26 experiences and tastings. 13 tips for experiencing, 8 tips for regional products and 5 tips for tasting are guaranteed to make for a fun day. Get the map at Pengels Outdoor, City Hotel or Gasterij Natuurlijk Smeerling.

You can still find a wide variety of shops along the waterfront. Here, in the centre of Stadskanaal, you will find the well-known chains alongside local entrepreneurs. Strolling through the streets, they know how to surprise you every time. Need a break between shopping? Then take a seat at one of the outdoor cafés, there are plenty of those too.