Through the veenkoloniën

This expedition takes in the special history of the Veenkoloniën (peat district), with its straight canals that cut right through the countryside, infinite ribbon villages with beautiful farms and rich industrial heritage.

Recreational 54.7 km

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Sights on this route

Starting point: Borgercompagnie 4
9611 TB Sappemeer

De Vosholen 60
9611 TD Sappemeer

Veenkoloniaal Museum

Museumplein 5
9641 AD Veendam

Molenstreek 312314
9641 KX Veendam

Nijverheidskade 14
9648 JG Wildervank

Torenstraat 108
9648 CW Wildervank

J. Kammingastraat 103A
9648 KK Wildervank

Museum railway line STAR

Stationsstraat 3
9503 AD Stadskanaal

Feiko Clockstraat 31
9665 RD Oude Pekela

J.R. Stuutstraat 5
9663 SE Nieuwe Pekela

Nieuweweg 127
9649 AD Muntendam

End point: Borgercompagnie 4
9611 TB Sappemeer

Take a look

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Not everyone immediately falls in love when they see the Veenkoloniën on their first visit to the region. This part of Groningen tends to draw a particular type of visitor. But if you give the Veenkoloniën some time, you are sure to become fond of it. For centuries, high moorland lay thick in this area. In the Middle Ages, people started cutting it for fuel: peat or turf. Later on, in the 19thcentury, the Veenkoloniën developed into the home of Groningen coastal trade and agribusiness. By then, turf huts had long become a thing of the past in this highly industrious area.

Attributes

Trip/route

Marked: No
Type of Route: Recreation
Route characteristics: From A to A