Discover Stieltjeskanaal – Routes, Canal History and Holiday Home

Stieltjeskanaal combines canal history with cycling and walking routes through waterways and meadowlands. The canal was constructed between 1882 and 1884 and runs from the town moat of Coevorden to the Verlengde Hoogeveensche Vaart in Nieuw-Amsterdam. Several farmsteads built shortly after 1900 can be found in Stieltjeskanaal. The farmsteads date from a later period than the canal construction and add an agricultural history to the historic waterway. For those interested in culture, Stieltjeskanaal thus brings together canal construction and cultivated-land farmsteads in a single local history.

A Canal in Transition

Another chapter in the canal’s history dates from the 1930s. During that decade, Stieltjeskanaal was widened and deepened so that it would remain suitable for larger ships. The work changed the width and depth of the existing canal. It therefore took place decades after the original construction of Stieltjeskanaal. Those interested in historic waterways can find both the canal’s origins and a later stage of its development here.

Cycling between Schoonebeek and the Canal

Several cycling routes from Schoonebeek pass Katshaarschans. The Borger–Hardenberg cycling route also leads to Stieltjeskanaal. The two routes offer different starting points for a cycling trip. Near Schoonebeek, Katshaarschans is part of the route, while the Borger–Hardenberg connection leads to Stieltjeskanaal. For planning a day trip, you can therefore start either in Schoonebeek or along the Borger–Hardenberg connection.

Walkers will also find specific options. The seventh stage of the Pieterpad runs via the Drostendiep and Stieltjeskanaal to Coevorden. Between Dalerveen and Stieltjeskanaal, a route passes through a meadow-bird area along the Drostendiep, one of Drenthe’s old canalised streams. The Drostendiep thus connects the route to Coevorden with the meadow-bird area between Dalerveen and Stieltjeskanaal. Those planning these walking options can choose the route to Coevorden or the trail through the meadow-bird area along the Drostendiep.

Eleven Kilometres, Turf Huts and a Parade

Another walking option is Route 2, “Stay in primeval landscape – Van Gogh walking route”. It is 11 kilometres long. Along this route, the “Turf huts” are located at the intersection of Dennenweg and Stieltjeskanaal. The fixed route length provides a clear framework for planning the day, while the Turf huts mark a specific point along the route. Route 2 therefore combines a clearly defined distance with the intersection of Dennenweg and Stieltjeskanaal.

There is a lot of fishing along Stieltjeskanaal. Fishing is a distinct attraction there, alongside the cycling and walking routes. The School en Volksfeest also takes place in Dalerveen/Stieltjeskanaal. It is held once every five years, with a parade featuring elaborate floats as its highlight.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

Sleen, Dalerveen, Meppen, Dalerpeel, Gees, Benneveld, Schoonoord and Wachtum

For the higher-level travel overview: Coevorden.