Zwartsluis: Hotels Between Locks and Waterways

Zwartsluis lies where the Meppelerdiep flows into the Zwarte Water. The town’s history dates back to the late 14th century: “De Swarten Sluys” referred to the dammed-off entrance from the Meppeler Diep to the Zwarte Water, where a settlement grew. Two periods help put the history in context: the early settlement at this entrance and the later historical connections with locks and the canal.

Locks and peat history

The Grote Kolksluis was built in 1879 and remains important for recreational boating. The Arembergersluis, at the start of the Arembergergracht, dates back to 1826 in its original form. The canal itself was built around 1560 to transport peat from Friesland. These dates bring different stages of the town’s history to life: peat transport is central to the canal’s history, while the Grote Kolksluis remains important for recreational boating to this day.

Peat was once transferred on the Turfeilanden, or Peat Islands. Today, the islands are open to visitors who want to discover Zwartsluis’s history. Their former role in goods handling and their current purpose as a visitor attraction give the story both historical and contemporary relevance. The history of peat is therefore connected not only to the canal but can also be explored at an accessible site in Zwartsluis.

Maritime history and trips on the water

The wooden fishing vessel ZS13 was built as a Marker botter in 1870, returned to Zwartsluis and is kept seaworthy by volunteers. The Botterhuus is a distinctive wooden maritime building on the Zwartewater. It serves as a meeting place for volunteers and visitors, where stories about Zwartsluis’s maritime past are shared. The vessel and the building each have a different focus: the ZS13 is a preserved fishing vessel, while the Botterhuus is a place for sharing maritime stories.

There are also different ways to take a trip on the water. From mid-May to the end of August, the “Sluuspoort 1” excursion boat runs daily, taking tourists and other interested visitors past the Turfeilanden in Zwartsluis’s inner harbour. Pico Bello Varen rents out an electric Pettersloep in Zwartsluis for relaxing day trips in Weerribben-Wieden National Park. The excursion boat offers a seasonal trip along the islands; the Pettersloep is a rental option for a day trip in the national park. Check the timetable when planning, and check the Pettersloep’s availability before travelling.

Nature, museums and local culture

Visitors can cycle from Zwartsluis to Weerribben-Wieden National Park, where various cycling routes are signposted. The park is a valuable wetland where water and land alternate, providing a habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species. Tourist Info Zwartsluis at Sluuspoort provides cycling routes and other maps. If you are planning a cycling trip, these maps can help you find your way; the park’s signposted routes offer specific ways to enjoy its natural setting by bike.

The Schoonewelle Museum displays natural history specimens, animal dioramas and showcase exhibits about the nature of Northwest Overijssel and the surrounding area. Its focus differs from the maritime history of the locks, boats and Turfeilanden: here, the emphasis is on depictions of nature. The churches also have distinct historical connections. The Doopsgezinde Kerk was built in 1842 by Zwartsluis’s Mennonite community; the Hervormde Kerk is still used for church services. Check the service schedule before visiting. At the Frederik Weijs Gallery, artist Frederik Weijs has exhibited watercolours and oil paintings since 2006.

Discover more destinations: Genemuiden, Hasselt.

Go to the main travel overview: Zwartewaterland.