Sailing the Peat District

Bridgemasters friendly welcome sailing holiday-makers to the area. Moor your boat in Veendam town centre or at one of the berths in the villages of Wildervank or Oude Pekela or Nieuwe Pekela. Dozens of drawbridges typical of the area are operated during the sailing season – from May through September. The Veenkoloniën provides plenty of excellent connections to the Zuidlaardermeer lake, Germany, and other places. You will soon see how the wealth of the peat district really comes into its own from the water.

The ‘Knoal vaarroute’ sailing route takes in various places of interest beside the canal from Bareveld to Munnekemoer. It tells the story of the peat district, the canal and adjoining towns and villages. Anyone entering the ‘Het Stadskanaal’ by boat receives the route free of charge. The route is also suitable as a bicycle trail. Download the route here

The waterway from Nieuw Amsterdam/Veenoord to Ter Apel is called the Veenvaart – the Peat

Route. Now that the Koning Willem-Alexanderkanaal canal between the villages of Erica and Ter Apel has been opened, you can explore the entire province of Drenthe by boat. The canal traverses a wonderful area with beautiful scenery and characteristic linear villages. Take in the wealth of cultural heritage – listed buildings, regional museums and works of art – all included in the Veenvaart. Alternatively, venture out to see some beautiful places in the countryside, such as the Bargerveen scenic area and the Bourtanger Moor in Germany. This spacious and tranquil area is perfect for a hike or bicycle ride.

Starting out in Winschoten, the ‘rondje Veendam’ (Veendam trip) route heads eastward to the Pekel Aa, where it takes a turn to the south. Once you pass the Winschoterhoogebrug bridge, you will soon find yourself near Oude Pekela. View the route here.

The spacious Borgerswold recreation park, located on the western outskirts of Veendam, provides various options for canoeists. In summer, the Borgerswoldhoeve in Veendam hires out canoes, and motorised boats are permitted on the sailing lake in Langebosch, provided they don’t exceed 6 km/h. After all, safety and quiet must be maintained on the lake, and damage to the banks must be prevented.

The Van Turfroute naar Toervaart route forms the connection between the Zuidlaardermeer lake and pleasure cruising network in Oost-Groningen. From the Zuidlaardermeer lake, sail directly to the Langebosschemeer in Wildervank. View the route here.

Some bridges and locks in the province of Groningen are operated by sailors themselves. In some cases, a touch button or pull is provided, but usually a ‘self-service key’ is required. The key is available at the VVV Veenkoloniën tourist information office and some other locations, for a deposit. The sailing season runs from May through September, during which the bridges can be opened from Monday through Sunday (from 08.00 am – noon and 01.00 pm – 05.00 pm). Passage is free