Boating in the Veenkoloniën

Boaters are kindly welcomed in this area by the bridge keepers. Boats can be moored in the centre of Veendam or at the moorings in Wildervank and the Pekelas. Dozens of characteristic drawbridges are operated for boating guests during the boating season, from May to September. From the Veenkoloniën, there are good boating connections to Zuidlaardermeer and Germany, for example. From the water, the richness of the Veenkoloniën is even more apparent.

The 'Knoal sailing route' shows various places of interest along the canal from Bareveld to Munnekemoer. It depicts the history of the peat-colonial area, the canal and neighbouring towns. The sailing route is distributed to all boating tourists entering 'Het Stadskanaal'. This route can also be used as a cycle route. You can download the route here.

The sailing route from Nieuw Amsterdam/Veenoord to Ter Apel is called the Veenvaart. With the opening of the Koning Willem-Alexanderkanaal, between Erica and Ter Apel, it is possible to sail around the whole of Drenthe. The canal leads through a special area with unique nature and characteristic ribbon villages. Along this Veenvaart canal, you will see a wealth of cultural heritage including monuments, regional museums and works of art. You can also visit beautiful places in the landscape, such as the Bargerveen nature reserve and the Bourtanger Moor in Germany. There is plenty of space and tranquillity. Furthermore, this area also lends itself well to hiking or cycling.

The 'round Veendam' route starts in Winschoten and heads east to the Pekel Aa, which turns south. Past the Winschoterhoogebrug, you soon end up at Oude Pekela. View the route here.

On the western edge of Veendam lies the sprawling recreation park Borgerswold. Here there are various opportunities for canoeists to practice their sport. For canoe rental, visit the Borgerswoldhoeve in Veendam during the summer months. On the sailing lake in Langebosch, sailing with motorised boats is permitted. A maximum speed of 6 km/h is allowed. This is to maintain safety and peace on the lake and to prevent damage to the banks.

This route connects the Zuidlaardermeer with the touring boat network in eastern Groningen. You can sail by boat from the Zuidlaardermeer directly to the Langebosschemeer in Wildervank. View the route here.

Some bridges and locks in the province of Groningen are self-service. Sometimes this can be done with a push button or pull cord, but in most cases you use a 'self-service key'. These can be obtained for a deposit from, for example, the Veenkoloniën tourist office. The sailing season runs from May to September. During the boating season, the bridges can be opened from Monday to Sunday (from 8 a.m. - 12 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.). Passage is free of charge.