Stieltjeskanaal can be explored from several perspectives: the canal has a long history of construction and use, and there are also walking and cycling routes, as well as historic sites. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether you would rather focus on the waterway, a particular route or local history.
The Canal and Its History
Stieltjeskanaal was constructed between 1882 and 1884. It runs from the town moat in Coevorden to the Verlengde Hoogeveensche Vaart in Nieuw-Amsterdam. In the 1930s, it was widened and deepened to accommodate larger ships. The construction of the canal and its later adaptation for larger ships thus represent two distinct periods in its history.
Boats wishing to navigate the Stieltjeskanaal can contact the bridge keeper to arrange passage through the bridges. Bridge arrangements may change, so check the latest information before setting out. An open railway bridge can also still be seen at Stieltjeskanaal. There is a lot of fishing along the canal—another activity associated with this waterway.
Walking Along the Drostendiep and the Canal
The seventh stage of the Pieterpad crosses the Drostendiep and the Stieltjeskanaal on its way to Coevorden. A route between Dalerveen and Stieltjeskanaal passes through a meadow-bird area along the Drostendiep. The Drostendiep is one of Drenthe’s old, canalised streams. This section of the route therefore connects a type of landscape with a watercourse that is part of the region’s history.
Another option is Route 2, “Stay in primeval landscape – Van Gogh walking route.” It is 11 kilometres long. The peat huts are located along this route, at the intersection of Dennenweg and the Stieltjeskanaal. The Pieterpad stage leads to Coevorden, while Route 2 offers a different point of reference for planning, with its stated length and the location of the peat huts. You can choose between a stage of a long-distance trail and a walking route with a specific distance listed.
Farms, Fortifications and Festival Traditions
Stieltjeskanaal has several interesting reclamation farms, built shortly after 1900. They add another historical theme to the story of the canal’s earlier history. If you are interested in different periods of local history, you can explore these farms alongside the development of the waterway, without treating the two building histories as one and the same.
The Katshaarschans was built as a defensive position against an advancing enemy and was in existence by 1681 at the latest. Its history therefore goes back much further than the construction of the Stieltjeskanaal in the 19th century. Several cycling routes from Schoonebeek pass the Katshaarschans, so cycling and historical points of interest can be combined through a specific route.
The School- en Volksfeest in Dalerveen/Stieltjeskanaal may also be relevant when planning your trip. It takes place once every five years, with a parade of ornate floats as its highlight. If you would like to experience the festival, check before your trip whether a date falls during your stay. Given its five-year cycle, it makes sense to check the festival dates before planning your trip around it.
Cycling Along the Canal
In addition to the cycling routes from Schoonebeek, the Borger–Hardenberg cycling route also leads to the Stieltjeskanaal. The routes offer different points of interest: some pass the Katshaarschans, while the other leads to the canal. Which one suits your plans depends on whether you would like to visit the historic site or the waterway.
If you are planning a stay with several points of interest, it may help to organise your plans by theme: walk one of the routes mentioned, explore the canal’s history or choose a cycling route that takes in the Katshaarschans. These activities do not have to fit into a single outing; rather, they can help you shape your stay around the activities you actually want to do.
Discover more destinations: Dalerpeel, Zwinderen, Sleen, Schoonoord, Zweeloo, Wachtum, Aalden, Meppen.
Return to the main travel overview: Coevorden.
