Veendam and Wildervank developed along the Ooster- and Westerdiep canals. Both waterways were used for peat extraction; once extraction ended, the reclaimed land was used for agriculture. A look at the canals thus offers a glimpse into the history of the Groninger Veenkoloniën: at the Veenkoloniaal Museum Veendam, that story spans peat extraction, shipping and industry.
Canals, Museum and Industrial Heritage
The museum building is itself a Rijksmonument and has both architectural and cultural-historical significance. The boat route along the Oosterdiep complements a visit to the museum with buildings from Veendam’s industrial history: it passes large mansions built by Veendam industrialists in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The route also passes the Sarabrug, considered Veendam’s oldest bridge, and the Catholic church. It was built in 1845 as a so-called Waterstaatskerk.
Another industrial monument is the Museumspoorlijn STAR. It runs between Stadskanaal and Veendam and is considered the longest museum railway in the Netherlands. STAR was founded in 1992 to preserve the railway line as an industrial monument. Since operating days may vary, it is worth checking the timetable before your trip. Alida's Poppenhuis Museum offers another perspective on local collecting: it includes around 140 dollhouses, doll rooms, shops and antique toys. The oldest dollhouse dates from 1880.
Explore Borgerswold on Foot and on Two Wheels
On the outskirts of Veendam lies Borgerswold, a 450-hectare recreation area rich in water and woodland. Several paths provide access to different parts of the landscape. The Compagniepad is five kilometres long and runs through the southern part of the area, with views of the Veenkoloniale landscape. Wold & Wotter is also five kilometres long, but runs through the forest and alongside bodies of water. Here, the routes are the same length but have different descriptions.
The approximately 2.5-kilometre Veenjagerspad runs through Borgerswold and is equipped with activity and exercise stations. Along the way, there are tasks to complete with the help of a booklet; a small reward can be earned at the end. The booklet and reward may change, so check in advance what is currently on offer. Mountain bikers can choose between a 24.5-kilometre route and a separate 19-kilometre route with technically challenging singletracks. Route details may change due to maintenance or redesign.
Cyclists can also take in a variety of landscapes: several cycling routes in the area around Veendam run along canals, nature reserves and linear villages. Veendam is part of the Groningen province cycling node network, which visitors can use to plan their own routes. Since the network and signage may change, it is advisable to check the current route before setting off.
More Activities and Practical Information
Skills Garden Veendam is a free sports and exercise park for all age groups. The facilities listed 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 sessions. 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 excursions; activities may vary by season or booking format.
For another way to get active, Veendam has the subtropical Tropiqua swimming pool, with a water temperature of 32 °C. Operating arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit. Boaters can moor at the passantenhaven on Molenstreek; check the harbour facilities and boating regulations before your trip.
Veendam railway station offers a direct train connection to Groningen; check current operating times before travelling. The vanBeresteyn cultural centre has a tourist information office with information about the surrounding area, walking and cycling routes, attractions and events. Opening hours and services may vary. For a break, Grand Café In de Brouwerij is less than ten metres from the museum and serves house-brewed Bogdike beer on tap. Van Heijningen Bosch offers lunch, high tea and wine tastings in a monumental setting; availability and booking arrangements may change.
Discover more destinations: Veendam, Delfzijl, Oldambt, Slochteren, Haren, Pekela, Leek, Winsum
For the main travel overview: Groningen.
