Stieltjeskanaal: Canal History, Farms and Routes

Stieltjeskanaal can be explored through several specific themes: the waterway it is named after, historic structures, and walking and cycling routes. When planning a stay, you can focus on what interests you most— the history of the canal, Katshaarschans and the farms, or a particular route. These themes offer different ways to include culture and activities in your travel plans.

The canal and its history

The Stieltjeskanaal was constructed between 1882 and 1884. It runs from Coevorden’s city moat to the Verlengde Hoogeveensche Vaart in Nieuw-Amsterdam. In the 1930s, the canal was widened and deepened so it could accommodate larger vessels. Its history therefore encompasses both the construction of the waterway in the late 19th century and its later expansion for larger vessels. For a stay focused on water engineering, this transformation over time offers a tangible historical connection.

An open railway bridge can also be seen on the Stieltjeskanaal. Boats wishing to travel along the canal can contact the bridge operator to arrange passage at the bridges mentioned. Since bridge regulations may change, it is advisable to check in advance.

Historic structures and a festival

Katshaarschans was built as a defensive position against an advancing enemy and was in existence by 1681 at the latest. Stieltjeskanaal is also home to several interesting reclamation farms, built shortly after 1900. The historical span therefore ranges from the defensive position that existed by 1681 at the latest to the farms dating from shortly after 1900. The School and Folk Festival in Dalerveen/Stieltjeskanaal takes place once every five years. Its highlight is a procession featuring decorated floats. If you want to plan your trip around this event, check the specific festival dates before making plans.

Walking, cycling and fishing

For a walk, Route 2, “Stay in primeval landscape – Van Gogh walking route,” is a specific option: it is 11 kilometres long. The peat huts are located on this route at the intersection of Dennenweg and Stieltjeskanaal. The length gives you a point of reference for planning the walk, while the intersection locates the huts along the route.

The seventh stage of the Pieterpad passes over the Drostendiep and the Stieltjeskanaal on its way to Coevorden. The Drostendiep also features on a route between Dalerveen and Stieltjeskanaal: it passes through a meadow-bird area along the Drostendiep, one of Drenthe’s old canalised streams. The Drostendiep is therefore both part of the Pieterpad stage and a landscape feature along the route through the meadow-bird area.

Cycling routes offer other points of interest: several routes from Schoonebeek pass Katshaarschans, while the Borger–Hardenberg cycling route leads to the Stieltjeskanaal. You can use these different points of interest to help you choose between routes. Fishing is popular along the Stieltjeskanaal, making it a distinct water-based activity alongside the walking and cycling routes mentioned above.

Discover more destinations: Benneveld, Erm, Wachtum, Noord-Sleen, Wezup, Zweeloo, Dalen, Oosterhesselen

For the main travel overview: Coevorden.