Ter Apelkanaal – Canal Village with Locks and Bridges

Ter Apelkanaal developed into a canal village after the Stadskanaal was extended beyond Musselkanaal to this location in 1856. The canal was initially called Stads Ter Apelkanaal. This history provides a concrete point of reference when choosing a destination: the village is shaped by its origins along the canal and its locks. Those interested in regional architectural history and historic waterways will find several clearly identifiable themes here—from the settlement pattern to individual bridges and houses.

The Village Along the Canal

A partly linear settlement extends along both sides of the canal. It is somewhat denser at the western lock, but otherwise the buildings are more scattered. Workers’ houses predominate, complemented by town houses and a few farmsteads. Most of these buildings date from the first half of the 20th century. This means that different types of houses from a later period stand alongside the village’s history, shaped by the canal. The mix of workers’ houses, town houses and farmsteads makes the area more than just a story about a single building.

Locks and Drawbridges

At the northern end of Ter Apelkanaal, just beyond the bend in the canal near Jipsingboermussel, lies the lock complex of the 6de Verlaat, also called Gekoppelde Sluis. Both names refer to the same complex and help place this landmark in the village’s history. In 1910, pedestrian drawbridges designed by the J. Coning engineering works in Groningen were built over the Gekoppelde Sluis. In the south of Ter Apelkanaal, a post-war drawbridge stands in line with the Nulweg. The two details show different building phases: the dated bridges at the lock complex and the post-war bridge in the south.

Houses with Distinctive Architectural Details

The lock keeper’s house, dating from around 1875, stands by the southern bridge. It features a krimp as well as plastered, wedge-shaped and eyebrow-shaped forms above the windows. In addition to its approximate date, the house therefore has distinctive façade details. At the corner of Schaalbergerweg stands a large farmstead of the Oldambtster type, for this region. The former Coöperatieve Bakkerij “Eendracht” is also a notable feature in the south. Together, the houses, farmstead and former bakery add to the picture of the canal village’s architectural history.

Cycling Tour and Cultural Events

The Dorpshuis Ter Apelkanaal’s program includes an annual cycling tour. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the specific date in the Dorpshuis program. Another cultural highlight is the Westerwolder Schriefwedstried, a competition for stories and poems in the Groninger language. The annual competition was held for the 31st time in 2026. The awards ceremony was scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Dorpshuis d'Oale School in Ter Apelkanaal.

Hiking in the Region

The Westerwoldepad is another regional point of interest for hikers. This waymarked circular route is 99 kilometres long and runs from Wedde via Ter Apel back to Wedde. Its length, the two named places and its circular route provide a concrete framework if you include this hiking trail in your trip planning.

Discover more destinations: Sellingen, Bourtange, Vlagtwedde, Ter Apel.

Go to the main travel overview: Vlagtwedde.