The Foxhol Monument stands at the corner of Pluvierstraat and Meeuwenstraat; the Foxholstermeer is nearby. Together, they give Foxhol two distinct points of reference: local history and a waterside landscape. During a stay, you can connect the development of the village with the recreational uses of the lake.

Foxhol’s history along the waterways

Foxhol was first mentioned in 1460 under the historical name “Vossehol.” From a settlement at the end of the Middle Ages, the village developed over the following centuries into a canal village. Its history therefore spans an early settlement and a village shaped by water; the term “canal village” draws attention to this distinctive historical connection.

Part of the canal’s history begins with the Winschoterdiep: the section from Foxhol to Zuidbroek was completed in 1628 and was connected to the Hunze near Waterhuizen to the west. Between Foxhol and Martenshoek, the former disconnected sections of the Oude Winschoterdiep preserve the old canal profile. A historic waterway and a preserved canal profile offer two distinct perspectives on the area’s waterways.

The industrial history also leads to the Foxholstermeer. In 1842, W.A. Scholten chose Foxhol because of the lake’s clean water and built his first potato starch factory there. Thus, alongside the canal as a waterway, the lake’s importance in the choice of location at the time also comes into view.

Foxholstermeer and cycling routes

The Foxholstermeer is near Foxhol, in the municipality of Midden-Groningen, and is part of the Zuidlaardermeer area. The lake and its surroundings are used for boating, fishing and walking. These activities offer different ways to experience the landscape: on the water, while fishing or on foot. Specific facilities may change; if you are planning a particular activity, check the relevant information in advance.

American wind engines, including De Putter and Koetse Tibbe, stand in the vicinity of the Foxholstermeer. Alongside the lake, they are another named point of reference in the landscape.

For cyclists, two route connections should be distinguished: Rondje Zuidlaarmeer passes American wind engines near the Foxholstermeer, while the Westerbroek cycling route runs through Foxhol. The route of the Westerbroek cycling route may change, so check it before setting off. The two descriptions provide different guidance for planning and do not describe a single shared route.

Cultural traces and finding accommodation

Another cultural trace is the Petruskerk (1995), a church of the Molukse gemeenschap in Foxhol. For travellers interested in a place’s cultural and religious history, it adds another aspect to the connections with settlement, canals and industry.

When looking for a holiday rental in Foxhol, it helps to decide on the focus of your trip first: are you mainly interested in local history, or would you also like to include recreational activities at the nearby Foxholstermeer? This can help you make a choice that suits your actual plans.

Discover more destinations: Westerbroek, Hoogezand.

Back to the overview of the wider area: Hoogezand-Sappemeer.