Veendam: Canals, industrial heritage and Borgerswold

Veendam and Wildervank developed along the Ooster- and Westerdiep canals. They were used for peat extraction; after the peat was removed, the reclaimed land was used for agriculture. This history of peat, shipping and industry also forms the narrative arc of the Veenkoloniaal Museum Veendam. The museum building is a Rijksmonument and has architectural and cultural-historical significance.

Canals and industrial heritage

The boating route along the Oosterdiep passes large mansions built by Veendam industrialists in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Sarabrug, considered Veendam’s oldest bridge, is also on this route. The Catholic church there is also part of the area’s architectural history: it is a so-called Waterstaatskerk, built in 1845. Boaters can moor at the visitors’ harbour on Molenstreek; check the harbour facilities and boating regulations before your trip.

The Museumspoorlijn STAR offers another perspective on the area’s industrial heritage. Its route runs between Stadskanaal and Veendam, and it is the longest heritage railway in the Netherlands. STAR was founded in 1992 to preserve the railway line as an industrial monument. Operating days may vary, so it is advisable to check the timetable before making plans.

Another collection is devoted to the world of toys: Alida's Poppenhuis Museum has around 140 dolls’ houses, dolls’ rooms, shops and antique toys. The oldest dolls’ house in the collection dates from 1880. Less than ten metres from the Veenkoloniaal Museum Veendam is Grand Café In de Brouwerij, which serves house-brewed Bogdike beer on tap; drinks and food offerings may change. Van Heijningen Bosch serves lunch and offers high tea and wine tastings in a unique heritage setting. Availability and booking arrangements may change.

Borgerswold: trails through forest and water

On the edge of Veendam lies Borgerswold, a 450-hectare recreational area rich in water and woodland. For walks, the Compagniepad and Wold & Wotter offer two different landscapes. Both trails are five kilometres long: the Compagniepad runs through the southern part of Borgerswold and offers views of the Veenkoloniale landscape; Wold & Wotter passes through the forest and alongside bodies of water. Signposting and maintenance may change.

The Veenjagerspad is an approximately 2.5-kilometre activity and exercise trail through Borgerswold, with activity and exercise equipment. Along the way, you complete tasks using a booklet; a small reward can be earned at the end. Equipment and route details, as well as the availability of the booklet and reward, may change.

Mountain bikers can also choose from different distances: Borgerswold has a 24.5-kilometre mountain bike trail and a separate 19-kilometre route with technically challenging singletrack. Route details may change due to maintenance or redesign; check the latest route information before setting off.

Sport, nature and navigation

The free Skills Garden Veendam is an activity and sports park for all ages. Facilities include football pitches, a basketball court, badminton courts, a track for BMX and cyclocross riders, and a baseball field. Access may vary during organised training; facilities may change as a result of construction work. Tropiqua is a subtropical swimming pool in Veendam with a water temperature of 32°C; operating arrangements may change.

Borgerswold Experience offers paintball for adults and children, as well as laser games for younger visitors. Other activities include a survival course, archery, GPS tours and canoe explorations. Activities may vary depending on the season or booking format. The area also has dozens of horse-riding trails through woodland, waterside areas and open terrain. Manege Lipizza offers riding lessons for people who want to learn to ride.

If you would like to include golf in your trip, Golfclub Landgoed De Compagnie has an 18-hole, A-status championship course designed by golf course architect Gerard Jol. The golf club is situated in a nature area of more than 90 hectares.

For travel, Veendam railway station has a direct train connection to Groningen; check operating arrangements before your trip. Veendam is also part of the Groningen province cycle junction network, which you can use to plan your own routes. Other cycling routes in the surrounding area pass along canals, nature reserves and ribbon villages. Information about walking and cycling routes, attractions and events is available from the tourist information office in the vanBeresteyn cultural centre. Opening hours and services may change.

Discover more destinations: Veendam, Eemsmond, Haren, Oldambt, Slochteren, Appingedam, Vlagtwedde, Pekela.

For the main travel overview: Groningen.