Tour of Stadskanaal, Gieterveen and Gasselte

Your route starts at Camping het Horstmannsbos. A century ago, the region through which this cycle route passes was one of the most important peat colonies in the Netherlands. The Bourtanger Marsh was located here, which was cultivated from 1600 onwards. Canals were dug to open up and drain the wet area. Many canals have been filled in again after all the peat was removed, but there are still plenty in East Drenthe and East Groningen that make the landscape there so characteristic. Stadskanaal, where this cycle tour starts, was also initially a peat colony along the canal of the same name. The place has grown into a regional center but still has the typical ribbon buildings along the canal that you will see much more often in this region.