City centre Hoogeveen - Hoogeveen

Hoogeveen was founded by two investors from Leiden who were at odds with the baron Roelof van Echten. The gentlemen from Leiden felt that workers should be allowed to settle permanently on their fens. And so it happened.

Hoogeveen remained a peat colony for centuries. It was not until the end of the 19th century that peat became less important and agriculture and cattle breeding, but especially industry, caused an expansion of the village. The construction of the railway in 1870 brought many new opportunities. Many large factories and many workers provided glory years.

A peat village, grown into a place with a cosy compact town centre with a market twice a week and many events. Like the six Thursdays in summer when Pulled Day is celebrated, a nod to the dairy and the collection of milk cans in the area. And, of course, there are lots of great restaurants, terraces and shops for an afternoon's entertainment.

Photo: ©Zuidwest Drenthe