Veendam

Veendam is a town in southeast Groningen, with a population of approximately 27,000. It is the largest settlement in the Veenkoloniën (Peat Colonies) region, an area that was transformed from vast peat bogs into agricultural land during the 17th to 19th centuries. Veendam grew as a centre for peat digging, canal transport, and later shipbuilding and agriculture. The town's history as a peat colony is central to its identity, and this heritage is celebrated at the Veenkoloniaal Museum (Museum of the Peat Colonies). The surrounding landscape is characterised by long, straight canals, linear villages, and fields stretching to the horizon.

By Plane

Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ) is 25 km northwest (30 min by car). Schiphol (AMS) is 2.5 hours by train via Groningen.

By Train

Veendam railway station is the terminus of a branch line from Groningen via Zuidbroek, with Arriva trains running hourly (35 minutes to Groningen).

By Car / Road

From Groningen, take the A7 east then follow the N33 south (30 km, 25 minutes). Parking in the town centre is free.

Veendam is walkable in the centre. A bicycle is useful for exploring the surrounding Veenkoloniën canal landscape.

• Veenkoloniaal Museum (Peat Colony Museum) — The region's premier museum, housed in a grand 19th-century villa on the main canal. Exhibits cover peat digging, the canal system, traditional costumes, and the daily life of the peat workers (€8, Tue–Sat 10:00–17:00, Sun 13:00–17:00).

• Veendam Canal (Kanalen) — The town is laid out along the Stadskanaal and the Verbindingskanaal, with 19th-century merchants' houses and warehouses lining the quays. A walking route follows the canals.

• Grote Kerk (Great Church) — A neoclassical church from 1832 on the main square, with a striking domed tower.

• Park Vijverberg — A large, landscaped park on the edge of the town centre with ponds, walking paths, and a bandstand used for summer concerts.

• Cycle the Veenkoloniën — The long, straight roads along the canals make for excellent cycling, with views over the open peat-colony landscape. The Veenkoloniën cycle route network is well signposted.

• Boat trip on the peat canals — In summer, small tour boats operate from the museum, offering a 1-hour cruise along the historic peat canals.

• Sunday market — Veendam hosts a weekly market on the main square every Saturday with local produce, cheese, and crafts.

• De Huiskamer — A cosy restaurant near the museum serving regional specialities including eierbal, stamppot with rookworst, and fresh local fish (mains €14–20).
• Brasserie 't Proathuus — Canal-side brasserie with a sunny terrace, serving lunch and dinner with a focus on seasonal Dutch cuisine (mains €16–22).
• Eetcafé De Kolk — A friendly, affordable pub offering steaks, schnitzels, and satay (mains €10–15).

• Café 't Veen — A traditional Dutch pub on the market square, popular with locals and serving Grolsch and local beers.
• Stadsbrouwerij De Veenkoloniën — A small craft brewery near the museum offering tastings of their pilsner, IPA, and seasonal beers.

• Mid-range — Hotel Faber (doubles from €85), a family-run hotel on the edge of the town centre with a restaurant.
• Budget — B&B Veendam, guesthouse in a historic canal house (doubles from €60).
• Self-catering — Vakantiehuis Veendam, holiday homes along the canals (from €70/night).

• Stadskanaal — 15 km south, another peat colony town with a museum railway.
• Bourtange — 30 km east, star fortress with historical re-enactments.
• Groningen — 30 km northwest, the provincial capital.
• Emmen (Drenthe) — 40 km southwest, home to the Wildlands Adventure Zoo.