At Siep&Co in Oude Pekela, the Siepco steam engine stands in a former strawboard factory—an impressive introduction to Pekela’s industrial history. The complex includes several large steam and diesel engines, some of which are partially operational. Visits are possible on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 5 pm; groups can arrange an appointment outside these hours.
Steam engines and waterways
The engine house contains a Stork steam engine with a large flywheel dating from 1929. A monument outside the factory also recalls the work that once shaped life on the water: “De Scheepsjoagers” by Hans Mes has stood in Oude Pekela since 1987. The bronze figure commemorates the men, women and children who pulled ships and barges by hand. The history of the town is closely linked to this: in the 19th and 20th centuries, Oude Pekela was a centre of the strawboard industry.
The Vaarroute Pekela runs through the heart of the Old Peat Colonies and through Oude Pekela, Nieuwe Pekela and Boven Pekela. A route along the Pekelder Hoofddiep offers views of the peat-colony landscape. There are mooring facilities on the Pekelder Hoofddiep at the marina in Oude Pekela and by the shopping centres in Oude and Nieuwe Pekela. In this way, waterways, local history and landscape offer different ways to explore Pekela.
Architectural history in many forms
In the municipality of Pekela, 22 buildings are designated Rijksmonuments; this number may change with future designations. QR codes on photos of the “Pekelder Pareltjes” provide information about individual sites and their locations.
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. The bridge “de Wedderklap” also tells a story: eight sandstone plaques in the bank walls depict the history of Oude Pekela.
Korenmolen De Zwaluw was built in 1891 as a round stone gallery mill and is one of the few surviving round stone mills in the northern Netherlands. Molen De Onrust is a historic grain and hulling mill. It can be visited on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm and by appointment; confirm access before travelling. In Nieuwe Pekela, the Kapiteinshuis dates from 1799. It was built during an early period of prosperity for seafaring in the peat colonies.
Art is another discovery to enjoy: Galerie Spavento is a small private art gallery run by artist Rolien Schrik in a converted farmhouse in Nieuwe Pekela. Her more than 70 paintings depict realistic flowers and animals, as well as portraits and landscapes. Small painting classes for up to four participants are offered regularly; the programme depends on the current schedule.
Walks, nature and waterside recreation
You can create your own routes using Pekela’s signposted walking and cycling networks. A walking trail of about five kilometres passes natural and historic sights in a village. The options offer different ways to explore: a route you put together yourself or a shorter circular walk of around five kilometres.
At Heeresmeer, recreation and nature come together. There are sandy beaches, clean swimming areas and opportunities for canoeing. The area was created through sand extraction and is now a recreational destination; birds found there include kingfishers and great crested grebes. Spielplek Heeresmeer includes, among other things, a zip line, swings and climbing equipment. As conditions for accessing the water may change seasonally, check the current situation before swimming.
Hoetmansmeer reveals a different landscape history: Staatsbosbeheer established a young forest on the site of a former peat lake. Winding paths run through open areas and peaceful natural surroundings where birds live. On the children’s cycling route in Pekela, participants collect letters from tasks and use them to solve a code puzzle. Signs marked “opdracht” identify stopping points; the format may vary between editions. In Nieuwe Pekela, the Dierenweide is freely accessible, allowing you to see animals up close. As opening depends in part on volunteers, check access before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Nieuwe Pekela, Delfzijl, Stadskanaal, De Marne, Bedum, Slochteren, Veendam, Zuidhorn.
For the main travel overview: Groningen.
