Dedemsvaart, Gramsbergen, Slagharen

The Dedemsvaart was dug in the early 19th century on the initiative of Willem Jan baron van Dedem. With the permission of King Louis Napoleon, the ambitious project began in 1809. The original plan was for the canal to run from Hasselt, above Zwolle, to Ane, where it would connect to the Vecht. The construction of the canal served as a crucial transport link for the eastern part of the Netherlands. At this time, a lot of peat was mined for peat extraction, and transporting this peat, among other goods and people, required an efficient waterway.

At its peak, the Dedemsvaart had eight locks and a large number of bridges, making it a busy waterway. Several settlements sprang up along the canal, of which the present-day village of Dedemsvaart is the best known. Because of the canal, several districts developed in the surrounding peat landscape, such as the waterways near Rheezerveen and between Slagharen and Coevorden. These ‘districts’ were essential for the removal of peat and played a major role in the regional economy.

To further stimulate transport, the Dedemsvaartsche Steam Tramway Company was founded along the canal. From around 1900, steam trams ran between Zwolle, Dedemsvaart, Lutten, Slagharen and Coevorden. The steam trams enabled many people to travel quickly through the region, and together with shipping, they formed an extensive transport network. However, with the rise of modern means of transport such as cars and buses, the use of both trams and canal transport declined. The steam tram company was eventually disbanded, and many parts of the Dedemsvaart were subdued, with the N377 provincial road lying on the original canal route.

Today, you can still experience the rich history of this unique waterway on a cycle route along the historic sites of the canal the Dedemsvaart.