Veeningen: Farms, Trails and Equestrian Sports

Veeningen is a suitable destination for travelers who want to take rural architectural history, walking routes and an equestrian event into account when choosing where to go. The village’s history dates back to its medieval origins as an esch village on elevated sandy ground in the peatland west of Zuidwolde. Today, historic farms, two distinct walking experiences and CH de Wolden – CSI Zuidwolde also offer different perspectives on the village. When planning your trip, it comes down to whether you want to discover Veeningen primarily through its old settlement pattern, specific architecture, a walk with stops or an event.

Village History and Farm Architecture

Veeningen originated in the Middle Ages as an esch village on elevated sandy ground in the peatland west of Zuidwolde. Oud-Veeningen was able to preserve its original settlement pattern because the new village center was built separately. This development makes two layers of the village’s history distinct: early settlement in the peatland landscape and the coexistence of the older settlement pattern with a separately laid-out village center. Those interested in historic village landscapes will find a clear connection here between the landscape and the settlement form.

The farms at Veeningen 42 and 44 can also be compared through their architecture. Veeningen 42 is a large 19th-century farm with a rear gate, an attached barn and a hip roof partly covered with tiles and partly with thatch. Veeningen 44 also dates from the 19th century and likewise has a rear gate and a hip roof partly covered with tiles and partly with thatch. In addition, Veeningen 44 has Rijksmonument status. Veeningen 42 has an attached barn, while number 44 has Rijksmonument status. This keeps their architectural similarities and individual features clearly distinct.

New Greenwich Village is located outside Veeningen on Willem Moesweg and is an old Saxon museum farm complex. This provides a distinct cultural connection outside Veeningen, alongside the farms within the village. The distinction between the farms in the village and the complex outside it provides another clearly defined geographical point of reference for rural building and farm history.

Routes with Different Highlights

The Belevingspad te Veeningen starts at a playground with slides, swings and a zip line. Arrows lead from there to an insect hotel, a sports box, wooden animals, tree houses and climbing ropes. The route thus connects a starting point with play equipment to several specific stops along the way. After a few kilometers, the playground can be seen in the distance again; this view marks a distinctive point along the route.

The Voetveer Veeningen walking route offers a different experience: it starts at the Dorpshuis 't Markehuus. It passes through open agricultural landscapes, old hamlets, meadows and waterways, and includes a crossing on the Fort-Veeningen passenger ferry. This gives you two different kinds of routes to choose from: the Belevingspad is shaped by play and discovery stops, while Voetveer Veeningen focuses on the landscape and the ferry crossing. For planning your trip on the day you want to travel, it is advisable to check the passenger ferry schedule.

Equestrian Sports and Travel Dates

CH de Wolden – CSI Zuidwolde is a two-week equestrian event with the competition address Veeningen 1, 7924 PG Veeningen; this duration and address refer to the 2026 edition. The De Wolden Summer Sale is a regular, recurring part of the CSI de Wolden program. The program for July 25, 2026 included an offering of 21 bred show jumping foals. If you are planning your trip for another edition, check its event dates.

Discover more travel destinations: Drogteropslagen, Ansen, Ruinerwold, Linde, Koekange, Ruinen, Zuidwolde, Echten.

For the overarching travel overview: De Wolden.