Gieterveen: Mill, Churches and Cycling Route

Gieterveen can be explored through three specific themes: the history of a village on the Hunze, listed buildings and a 19 km cycling route. There is also the cultural history of ’t Kleine Kerkje and individual market-related events. If you are looking for a hotel in Gieterveen, these highlights can help structure your trip planning: would you like to focus on local history, include a cultural activity or set aside time for cycling? The following places, dates and activities give you specific points of reference.

History and Monuments

At the end of the Middle Ages, Gieterveen emerged as a peat-colony village on a natural levee along the Hunze. In the 19th century, canals and waterways were dug from Nieuwediep towards Gieterveen, making the village more accessible. The village’s origins on the natural levee and its later improved accessibility by water can therefore be seen as two distinct chapters in its history.

De Eendracht mill is a Rijksmonument; its foundation stone was laid on 5 March 1877. The Hervormde Church at Broek 7 is also a Rijksmonument and was put into use in 1841. ’t Kleine Kerkje was put into use on 27 June 1924. After its restoration in 2008, it became a socio-cultural centre. These dates highlight different aspects of the history: the Hervormde Church is associated with its opening in 1841, while ’t Kleine Kerkje’s story also includes its later restoration and socio-cultural function.

Other monuments add to the picture: the hall house farm at Torenveen 2 is recognised as a provincial monument, as is the parsonage. Bonnerveen 52 in Gieterveen is a Rijksmonument. You will therefore encounter both Rijksmonumenten and provincial monuments, associated with buildings and addresses that can be distinguished by their names and the dates given.

Cultural Activities and Market Dates

’t Kleine Kerkje can be rented for concerts, small theatre performances, exhibitions, courses and workshops. If you would like to include one of these activities in your trip plans, check availability and make a reservation in advance; both can change. At a market near De Eendracht mill, fresh bread is baked in a clay oven. Since the baking takes place in connection with a market, check the programme before travelling.

Cycling and Landscape

The “langs de Hunze in Gieterveen” cycling route is 19 km long. A paper copy is available free of charge from ÁMOI Gieterveen; check before travelling to see if it is available. Its stated distance makes the route a clearly defined activity that can be included in your trip plans alongside the cultural and historical highlights.

A meander of the old Hunze has been preserved in Torenveen between Gasselternijveen and Gieterveen. The Hunze features in two contexts: in the history of Gieterveen’s origins and as an old river with a preserved meander in Torenveen. This adds a distinct landscape aspect to the village’s history, without implying that the cycling route and the meander are part of the same route.

Gieterveen Annual Market

The Gieterveen Annual Market is always held on the first Sunday in July. Check the current date before your trip so you can take the market into account when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Anloo, Papenvoort, Gieten, Nijlande, Schoonloo, Vredenheim, Rolde, Nooitgedacht

For the broader travel overview: Aa En Hunze.