Discover Zuidbroek: Church, Museum and Routes

When looking for a hotel in Zuidbroek, you can match the area’s highlights to your travel plans. Local history, church architecture and railway themes sit alongside walking and cycling routes and the visitor marina. The attractions differ considerably: some tell the story of the town’s development, while others offer practical starting points for an outing.

Local History and Memorial

In the Middle Ages, Zuidbroek developed as a road village on a cover-sand ridge. Another change came after the Winschoterdiep was dug as far as the vicinity of Zuidbroek in 1628: a canal district sprang up there. This local history connects two distinct developments—the location along a road and the later relationship with the canal.

The Jewish Memorial is located in the Jewish cemetery on Botjesweg in Zuidbroek. It is a dedicated place of remembrance, alongside the historical themes explored through the church, canal and railway.

Petruskerk: Architecture, Organ and Bell Tower

Petruskerk in Zuidbroek came into use around 1280 and is an early example of the Romanesque-Gothic period in Groningen. Its organ adds a distinct historical note: it has 28 stops and a Rückpositiv, and was built between 1793 and 1795 by H. H. Freytag and F. C. Snitger (junior). The church thus offers a chance to explore both its early architectural classification and a later, precisely dated feature of its interior.

The ensemble also includes a detached bell tower. It served as a prison for a long time; two of the original four cells can still be seen. The tower’s former use adds another perspective on the building to the church’s history.

Railway and Tram History

Zuidbroek has had a railway station since 1868. The Noord-Nederlands Trein & Tram Museum is housed in the former station building. It presents the history of train and tram transport in the northern Netherlands. Visitors can experience what it is like to be a conductor or train driver. In this way, the museum combines a regional transport theme with a visitor’s perspective on the work performed aboard a train.

Exploring on Foot and by Bike

The 11.5 km Groninger Borgenpad runs from Sappemeer to the car park on Spoorstraat in Zuidbroek. Its stated length provides a useful reference point for planning. Check the trail conditions and signage before setting out.

Cyclists will also find a range of options in Zuidbroek. One of the town’s story benches is part of the Verhalenbanken cycling route. The route passes through cities, villages, urban neighbourhoods and rural areas. The Verhalenbanken project includes glass mosaics that depict events from local history in imaginative ways. In addition, two regional cycling routes intersect in Zuidbroek, making it possible to extend a ride if desired. As route details can change, it is worth checking the current route beforehand. Unlike the 11.5 km walking trail, the intersecting cycling routes offer the option of extending a ride as needed.

The Visitor Marina

Zuidbroek’s small visitor marina is directly connected to the Winschoterdiep and has room for around 15 pleasure boats. Capacity and facilities may change. Before setting out on the water, check navigation conditions and find out about the marina’s current arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Noordbroek, Tripscompagnie.

Return to the main travel overview: Menterwolde.