Veendam, Borgercompagnie, Muntendam

Cycle with us through the Groningen peat colonies. Passing vast landscapes, charming villages and old canals, you will experience how this area has developed over the centuries.

During this trip you will cycle right through the ‘Oude Veenkoloniën’ nature reserve, a landscape that was formed by centuries of peat extraction. Where once there were vast swamps, a characteristic peat colony landscape emerged with long, straight canals and waterways that were used to transport peat. These waterways, together with the characteristic ribbon villages, give the area a unique appearance. As you cycle, you can still see traces of this past everywhere: dead straight ditches, historic bridges and monumental farms that once belonged to the peat bosses and skippers. This landscape tells the story of hard work, trade and progress.

Borgercompagnie is a typical ribbon village of the peat colonies that was founded in the 17th century by citizens of Groningen (‘borgers’) to reclaim the peat. Along the former Borgercompagniesterdiep you can see how elongated the village is: the historic farms are all located along the dead straight canal.

Veendam is another town that grew into a flourishing trading centre thanks to peat extraction. In the 17th century it was the centre of the Groningen peat colonies. Education was important in the town from an early age. In the 19th century there was already a wide range of educational opportunities. There was a primary school, secondary schools, supplementary schools, a playgroup, pre-university education, practical school, secondary vocational education, a French and Latin school and a specialised maritime academy. The building that currently houses the Veenkoloniaal Museum was the first ‘Rijks Hoogere Burgerschool’ (national secondary school) in the Netherlands. This type of education had already been established in 1866. This now monumental building opened its doors in 1911.

The historic shipyard in Sappemeer also shows that shipping and shipbuilding were important in this region. This industry contributed to local prosperity.

Muntendam was founded around a dam in the Munter Ee. This village has its own unique history, in which traders – known as ‘apples’ – travelled through the region with their wares. Here you can experience the transition from the Veenkoloniën to the Oldambt, with panoramic views and waterways criss-crossing the area. Make one last stop at a historical point or an idyllic bench along the route before returning to your starting point.

Photo: ©Nationaal Archief