Best lakes around Stadskanaal are found in a region characterized by its historical canal system and diverse recreational water bodies. The town of Stadskanaal developed along its namesake canal, historically important for peat transport. Today, the area offers a blend of historical significance and natural landscapes, including various lakes and nature reserves. These water bodies provide opportunities for recreation and connection with the flat Groningen landscape.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Natural
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Showing Translation
Tip by
Highlight • Natural
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Stadskanaal.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Stadskanaal
Tour of Groningen – 350 kilometers around the province
Right in the middle of nature - 20 accessible routes in Groningen
Rural delights in the north – 10 routes around farm shops
Hiking around Stadskanaal
Cycling around Stadskanaal
Road Cycling Routes around Stadskanaal
MTB Trails around Stadskanaal
Running Trails around Stadskanaal

Gravel biking around Stadskanaal
Due to sand excavation, large ponds have formed here, making it a real gathering place for various birds. It is now a beautiful and quiet area where you can cycle and walk.
0
0
It's completely different here and there are lots of birds.
0
0
I like to cycle through it, lots of space, flowers, grasslands, wet reed beds, birds of prey, and much more beauty.
0
0
Wonderful bathing lake with a great sandy beach, ideal for cooling off on the tour.
1
0
9698 XV Wedde ROUTE At the foothills of the Drenther Hondsrug, near the German border, you will find the family campsite "Wedderbergen". The campsite is located in the 'green heart' of the Westerwolde area (southeast Groningen), surrounded by forests, waterways and a large recreational lake. During the school holidays, the campsite with its varied recreational program is an excellent holiday destination for families with children and teenagers. Outside the holiday season, it is popular with active campers and peace-loving seniors. The campsite is an ideal starting point for cycling, hiking, boat trips, fishing, cultural history, day trips, etc., literally without limits. Wedderbergen is therefore a real family campsite with great comfort, well-maintained sanitary facilities and many sports, play and recreation opportunities, as well as the rental of luxury chalets, camper cabins and tents.
1
0
The flow fields are a remnant of potato flour factory "de twee Provinciën" (1914-1979) and are now a beautiful nature reserve.
0
0
The flow fields are a remnant of the potato flour factory "de twee Provinciën" (1914-1979) and are now a beautiful nature reserve.
1
0
Along the core of LOFAR (Low Frequency Array), over an asphalted / paved road. If you cycle in between, the technology is not so noticeable, especially because it is also a resting area, with many birds and wildlife. Until you read the information boards, which suddenly appear
1
0
For families, the Recreational Lake at Camping Wedderbergen is an excellent choice, offering a varied recreational program, sports, and play opportunities. Weddermeer also features two sandy beaches perfect for a family day out. Additionally, Pageplas in the Pagedal recreation area is very family-friendly, with an adventure park and entertainment during school holidays.
The region boasts diverse natural features. The Uilenbroeken Nature Reserve is a significant wetland area known for its many birds, diverse flora, and open spaces. You can also find the Veenhuizerstukken Liquid Fields, a beautiful nature reserve that was once part of a potato flour factory. The Pagedal recreation area, surrounding Pageplas, offers forests and meadows for peaceful walks.
Yes, several lakes offer swimming opportunities. Weddermeer is a popular swimming lake with two sandy beaches. Pageplas also features a beach suitable for swimming during the summer months. The Sellingerbeetse Lake and Beach is another excellent spot with clear water and a fine beach for a refreshing dip.
The Stadskanaal Canal itself is rich in history, originally serving as a vital route for peat transport. Walking along its banks, especially in the historic center, reveals the town's past with shops and cafes that thrived due to the canal's busy shipping traffic. You can even experience historical boat trips on paddle steamers or replica barges, reliving the peat colony era.
The area around Stadskanaal offers numerous routes for outdoor enthusiasts. For hiking, you can explore trails like the 'Low-threshold Groningen routes - Waterways and views in the Vledderbos' or 'The Old Weir on the Ruiten Aa – Deer Spotting Near Smeerling loop'. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'Pagedal Beach – The Rode Loper Bridge loop' or 'Stadskanaal Water Tower – Stadskanaal Canal loop'. Gravel biking options include the 'Sellingerbeetse Lake – Cycle Path Along the Ruiten-Aa loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide, cycling guide, and gravel biking guide for Stadskanaal.
Yes, De Sellingerbeetse Lake, also known as Beetserkoeln, is particularly unique. It consists of three large sand lakes, formed by sand mining operations. The presence of glauconite in the sand gives the water a distinctive blue-green hue, making it visually striking. The Stadskanaal Canal itself is unique for its linear settlement and historical significance as a peat transport route.
The summer months are ideal for visiting, especially if you plan to enjoy swimming and beach activities at lakes like Pageplas, Weddermeer, or The Sellingerbeetse Lake and Beach. The Pagedal recreation area also offers a varied entertainment program during school holidays. For cycling and hiking, spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in the area. The Kanaal Veendam-Musselkanaal, part of the larger canal system near Stadskanaal, is known for its 90 fishing jetties, including one accessible for disabled individuals. Pageplas is also considered an ideal spot for anglers.
The Kanaal Veendam-Musselkanaal, which is part of the broader canal system near Stadskanaal, features a fishing jetty specifically designed to be accessible for disabled individuals, allowing everyone to enjoy the fishing opportunities.
Visitors particularly appreciate the peaceful environment and the opportunity to connect with nature. Many enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches at lakes like Weddermeer, finding them idyllic spots to relax. The Uilenbroeken Nature Reserve is praised for its abundant birdlife and diverse natural beauty, making it a favorite for cycling and wildlife observation.
Yes, the area offers options for dining and accommodation. Along the Stadskanaal Canal, you'll find various shops and cafes, especially in the historic center. For longer stays, the Recreational Lake at Camping Wedderbergen is located at a family campsite that provides comfort, well-maintained facilities, and rental options for luxury chalets, camper cabins, and tents. There is also a camping site near De Sellingerbeetse Lake.


Still not found your perfect lake around Stadskanaal? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.