Stadskanaal

Stadskanaal is a town in the southeast of Groningen province, with a population of approximately 20,000. Like Veendam, it grew out of the peat-digging industry of the 18th and 19th centuries. The name means 'City Canal' — Stadskanaal was built around a canal dug to transport peat to markets. Despite its size, it was never granted city rights. The town is long and linear, stretching for over 15 km along the canal that gives it its name. Stadskanaal is best known for the STAR (Stichting Stadskanaal Rail) museum railway, which operates steam trains through the peat colony landscape in summer.

By Plane

Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ) is 35 km northwest (40 min by car). Schiphol (AMS) is 3 hours by train via Groningen.

By Train

Stadskanaal's original railway station now serves as the terminus of the STAR heritage railway. For regular transit, buses connect to Veendam (20 min) and Groningen (50 min). The nearest NS station with Randstad services is Groningen.

By Car / Road

From Groningen, take the A7 east, then the N33 south to Veendam, then follow the N366 east (45 km, 35 minutes). Parking is free in the town centre.

Stadskanaal is a long, linear town along the canal — a bicycle is ideal for getting around. The main sights are spread out over the canal-side route. Walking works if you focus on the central section.

• STAR Museum Railway — The town's main attraction: a 16-km heritage railway running steam and diesel trains between Stadskanaal and Veendam through the peat colony landscape. The departure point is the beautifully restored 1910 station building (€15 return, summer schedule).

• Stadskanaal Canal — The main canal that shaped the town, lined with 19th-century workers' cottages, warehouses, and bridges. A walking and cycling path runs its full length.

• Museum Café Modern — A small local history museum in a former café, with exhibits on the peat industry, the canal, and daily life in the Veenkoloniën (free entry).

• Winschoterdiep — The historic canal junction at the southern end of town, where the Stadskanaal meets the Winschoterdiep — a busy waterway during the peat era.

• Ride the STAR train — The main reason to visit: a 45-minute round trip on a heritage steam or diesel train through the flat, open peat landscape, with stops at intermediate stations (€15, runs May–October).

• Cycle along the canal — The canal-side path extends for over 30 km, with excellent flat cycling through the quintessential Veenkoloniën landscape.

• Visit the weekly market — Stadskanaal's Saturday market on the Europaweg is one of the largest in the region.

• De Oude School — A restaurant in a converted school building near the railway station, serving modern Dutch cuisine (mains €16–24).
• Brasserie 't Haventje — Canal-side brasserie with a sunny terrace, offering lunch, high tea, and dinner (mains €14–20).
• Grieks Restaurant Alexandros — A popular Greek restaurant on the main road, offering hearty Greek classics (mains €12–18).

• Café De Spoorzoeker — A pub next to the railway station with a railway theme, popular with train enthusiasts and locals alike.
• Proeflokaal De Kanaalzicht — A canal-view bar offering local beers and a friendly atmosphere.

• Mid-range — Hotel Restaurant De Oude School (doubles from €80), with comfortable rooms above the restaurant.
• Budget — B&B Stadskanaal, several small guesthouses in the town centre (doubles from €55).
• Self-catering — Vakantiehuis Stadskanaal, holiday homes along the canal (from €60/night).

• Veendam — 15 km north via the STAR train or by car, with the Peat Colony Museum.
• Bourtange — 25 km east, the 16th-century star fortress.
• Groningen — 45 km northwest, the provincial capital.
• Ter Apel — 20 km south, home to Ter Apel Monastery, the northernmost monastery in the Netherlands.