Discover Pekela: Industrial Heritage, Mills and Waterways

Pekela combines the history of the strawboard industry with the waterways of the peat colonies and routes through peatland and woodland landscapes. During your stay, you can plan around the opening hours of individual places, a walking or cycling route, or a trip on the water.

Industrial history and historic buildings

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Oude Pekela was a center of the strawboard industry. Siep&Co is located in a former strawboard factory and houses several large steam and diesel engines, some of which are partially operational. The Siepco steam engine can be visited on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Group visits outside these hours are possible by arrangement.

The engine house contains a Stork steam engine with a large flywheel dating from 1929. Another testament to local working life is the bronze monument “De Scheepsjoagers” by Hans Mes. It has stood in Oude Pekela since 1987 and commemorates the men, women and children who pulled ships and barges by hand.

Sacred buildings and architectural details also tell the story of the area. The Hervormde Kerk in Oude Pekela was built between 1683 and 1685 as a simple hall church; some of its furnishings date from the 17th century and others from the 18th century. Eight sandstone plaques depicting the history of Oude Pekela are set into the retaining walls of the “de Wedderklap” bridge. The Kapiteinshuis in Nieuwe Pekela was built in 1799, during an early heyday of seafaring in the peat colonies.

The mills differ in their design and history: Korenmolen De Zwaluw was built in 1891 as a round, brick gallery mill and is one of the few surviving round brick mills in the northern Netherlands. Molen De Onrust is a historic grain and hulling mill. Visitor information updated in April 2022 lists tours on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and by arrangement; check access before setting out.

Exploring on foot and by bicycle

Pekela has signposted walking and cycling networks that you can use to put together your own routes. A basic route of about 35 kilometers runs through Veendam and Pekela. For a shorter outing, the children’s cycling route features activities and collected letters that form a code puzzle. Safe stopping points are marked with signs reading “opdracht.”

Waterways and moorings

The Pekela boating route passes through the heart of the Old Peat Colonies and through Oude Pekela, Nieuwe Pekela and Boven Pekela. The route along the Pekelder Hoofddiep offers views of the peat-colony landscape. Moorings are available at the marina in Oude Pekela and near the shopping centers of Oude and Nieuwe Pekela.

The lock on the Pekelerhoofddiep is part of the waterway’s history. A lock keeper’s house was built there in 1898; the lock allowed boats to pass despite differences in water levels. The house is now a private residence. The route and the history of the lock offer different perspectives on the waterway: one focuses on the landscape and localities, the other on the waterway’s practical function.

Lakes, woodland and nature

A young forest was planted at Hoetmansmeer on the site of a former peat lake. Winding paths in the woodland lead through open areas and quiet natural spaces where birds live. Heeresmeer has sandy beaches, swimming areas and opportunities for canoeing; kingfishers and great crested grebes can also be found there. As conditions by the water can change with the seasons, check them before your visit.

Heeresmeer is also home to Spielplek Heeresmeer, with a zip line, swings and climbing equipment. In Nieuwe Pekela, you can also visit the Dierenweide, where you can see animals up close. Admission is free, but opening depends in part on the availability of volunteers, so check locally to see if it is open.

Art in Nieuwe Pekela

Galerie Spavento is a small private art gallery run by artist Rolien Schrik in a converted farmhouse in Nieuwe Pekela. It displays more than 70 paintings featuring realistic depictions of flowers and animals, as well as portraits and landscapes. Small painting classes for up to four participants are held regularly. As the classes depend on the current program, it is advisable to check the dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Nieuwe Pekela, Zuidhorn, Haren, Winsum, Loppersum, Vlagtwedde, Marum, Delfzijl.

For the broader travel overview: Groningen.