Veendam: Canals, Industrial History and Trails

Veendam tells a story of peat extraction, shipping and industry. Those exploring the town can learn about these themes at the museum and at monuments scattered throughout the area. The water- and woodland-rich Borgerswold recreational area adds another dimension: trails and activities offer a counterpoint to culture and local history. This makes it possible to include a range of interests in your plans.

Industrial history at the museum and throughout the town

The permanent exhibition at the Veenkoloniaal Museum Veendam covers a wide range of subjects: from prehistory and peat extraction to colonial maritime shipping and life along the canal, as well as shipwrecks, Sluiskade and Ebenhaëzer. The straw and cardboard industry and the potato starch industry are also among the exhibition’s themes. This breadth makes Veendam’s history accessible from several perspectives and offers visitors with different interests points of connection.

The townscape also reflects its industrial past. Numerous monuments are scattered throughout Veendam; the houses along the Oosterdiep and the grand villas in the centre also reflect the town’s history. Those wishing to view the listed buildings along the Oosterdiep from the water can enjoy a special perspective. Boats can moor at the visitor harbour on Molenstreek, which is within walking distance of the shopping centre.

It is also useful to know your way around when planning a museum visit: Veendam railway station is about a 15-minute walk from the Veenkoloniaal Museum. The museum is accessible to wheelchair users and to families with prams or pushchairs. This makes it a specific cultural stop to include in your plans, even if members of your travel group have different interests.

Trails, water and activity

Borgerswold is a 450-hectare recreational area rich in water and woodland, within walking distance of the centre of Veendam. The park has ATB routes and horse-riding trails, as well as an extensive network of cycling and walking paths. If you are looking for a route with a specific stated distance, consider the Veenjagerspad: this trail for experiences and exercise is about 2.5 kilometres long and equipped with activity and exercise equipment. Veendam also has walking routes of varying lengths, including a walking junction network and themed routes.

There are specific options for a range of activity interests, too. Borgerswold Experience offers paintball, laser tag, a survival course, archery, GPS tours and canoeing. Watersportcentre Veendam offers water skiing, wakeboarding and an aqua park; its modern cableway is suitable for beginners and advanced users. Activities may change, so it is a good idea to check the current offerings before your visit.

Another option for getting active is Skills Garden Veendam, a free, adventurous exercise and sports park for all age groups. It is described as Europe’s largest Skills Garden. Kinderboerderij 't Hoeske Veendam offers a different focus: rabbits, goats, chickens, pigs and many other animals live there. For golf enthusiasts, Golfclub Landgoed De Compagnie offers an 18-hole, A-status championship course designed by golf course architect Gerard Jol.

Combine culture and active days

Those choosing Veendam as a holiday destination can tailor their outings to their preferred focus: the museum and monuments for local history, trails for walks and cycle rides, or the leisure and water activities mentioned above for a more active day. The historic STAR museum railway adds a distinctive touch: on operating days, steam and diesel locomotives run between Veendam, Stadskanaal and Nieuw Buinen. Check the operating-day timetable when planning your visit. Tropiqua can be reached by public transport, car or bicycle; free parking is available for drivers.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Veendam, it helps to first consider which aspects of the town you would like to shape your stay. The museum and architecture offer a cultural focus, while Borgerswold and the various trails put nature and activity centre stage.

For the main travel overview: Veendam.