- The town's famous 'hanging kitchens' (hangende keukens) were built over the canal to save space and improve hygiene by allowing kitchen waste to be dropped directly into the water.
- Appingedam was granted city rights in 1327, making it one of the oldest cities in the northern Netherlands.
- The local Damsterdiep canal was historically vital for commerce, connecting the city to both the city of Groningen and the Ems estuary.
- The town's historic center is designated as a protected cityscape to preserve its 14th-century merchant house architecture.
About Appingedam
Appingedam is a historic town in the province of Groningen, distinguished by its unique hanging kitchens that extend over the Damsterdiep canal. Visitors can explore a rich religious heritage across the surrounding Ommelanden region, featuring sites like the Kerk Zeerijp⛪ and the Kerk van Eenum. The town serves as a gateway to the Schildmeer lake area, where visitors often spend time at Summio Villapark Schildmeer. Its medieval layout is remarkably preserved, reflecting its former status as a prominent trading hub in the Middle Ages.
Highlights of Appingedam
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
This park offers direct access to the Schildmeer lake for water-based recreational activities.
Natural attractions
This trail provides an engaging outdoor experience for families through the woods of Steendam.
Temples
This church is renowned for its elaborate Gothic vault paintings dating back to the 16th century.
Temples
Visit to see the 13th-century brick structure, which houses a notable organ built in the 18th century.
Temples
Features a prominent detached bell tower typical of the region's medieval ecclesiastical architecture.
Temples
A historic structure that reflects the classic Romanesque building style prevalent in Groningen.
Top things to do in Appingedam
The 38 highest-rated places in Appingedam, ranked by travellers.
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Parks
Fraeylemaborg is an 18th-century country estate situated in the province of Groningen, originally built as a defensive t...
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Museums
Museum Menkemaborg is a preserved 14th-century brick manor house located in Uithuizen, Groningen. The current appearance...
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Parks
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Natural attractions
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Temples
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Historical places
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Venues
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Temples
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Appingedam on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Appingedam
Late spring to early autumn, as the temperate coastal climate is most conducive to cycling and canal-side exploration during these months.
2 days, which provides sufficient time to tour the historic town center and visit several of the distinctive medieval churches in the surrounding villages.
The historic center is highly walkable, while the surrounding rural villages and nature areas are best accessed by bicycle or regional bus.
Stay in the historic city center to be within walking distance of the hanging kitchens and canal-side dining, or opt for a villa at the nearby Schildmeer for a nature-focused retreat.
Mid-range, with costs primarily driven by accommodation and dining in the historic core.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 38 curated attractions in and around Appingedam, ranked by traveller ratings.
Fraeylemaborg is the highest-rated place to visit in Appingedam right now.
The largest category is temples, with 18 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague.
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