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Groningen (province), Netherlands
Photo: Michielverbeek, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The (Groninger) Veenkoloniën (Dutch for Peat Colonies (of Groningen city)) or Peat District is a region in the southeast of the province of Groningen, the Netherlands. The region used to be uncultivated land, but starting in the 16th and 17th centuries the city of Groningen started to colonise more and more of the area for the extraction of peat, to be used as fuel. The earliest 'peat colonies' were near to the city, such as Hoogezand and Sappemeer in Midden-Groningen. Later, also the bogs further away from the city, to the southeast, were exploited. This is seen as the heart of the Veenkoloniën region, and includes the municipalities of Veendam, Pekela, and Stadskanaal. Talks are ongoing on a possible merger of these municipalities.
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Museum of the Peat Colonies
Museum on the history of the peat colonies and regional agriculture, and the maritime history of the region (in the 19th century seafarers from the region used to sail especially to the Baltic Sea). The museum is located in a national monument building that was built in 1910 as a school.
Regional History Centre
Museum on the history of the Veenkoloniën region and the Westerwolde region to the east. The museum is in the national monument villa 'Huize Ter Marse', built in 1884.
Water Tower
Water Tower built in 1935. The tower, 43 metres high with 208 steps, can be climbed for a great view of the surroundings.
Captain's House
Captain's house built in the 18th century. The museum shows items, books, and paintings related to the history of the village and the region, and the maritime history in particular. In the 19th century, the captains and seafarers used to be out on the sea for months, but most of them still had a so-called 'captain's house' to call home.
In the Borgerswold recreation park, water sports activities including water skiing and wake boarding.
In the Borgerswold recreation park, activities including paintball, archery, kayaking, and pedaloing.
In recreation park Borgerswold. A wide range of activities including water sports, miniature golf, games, and a buffet restaurant.
18 holes golf course.
Wide selection of meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes.
Adriatic International Veendam
Near Veendam railway station and along a canal. Mediterranean food, mainly from the Balkans.
Italian restaurant with pastas, pizzas, and a wide range of Italian meat and fish dishes.
FOX Stadskanaal
Night club, several times chosen as 'discotheque of the year' of the Netherlands.
Uitgaanscentrum Jinx
Night club.
In the town centre of Veendam, next to the Veenkoloniaal Museum and the tourist information office.
In the town centre of Stadskanaal.
By train
There is a twice-hourly train connection to and from Groningen city, operated by Arriva, with Veendam being the terminus of the line.10).
By bus
In addition to the railway to Veendam, there are several bus routes that are useful to get to the Veenkoloniën, from the main railway and bus station in Groningen city, as well as other destinations…
The fastest way to get around in the Veenkoloniën is by car. There is an extensive road network connecting the towns and villages. However, the best way to get around is arguably by bicycle.
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Groningen · International · GRQ
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