Appingedam tells its story through its buildings and waterways. The oldest sections of the Damsterdiep were created before the year 1000, giving the city an open connection to the sea. The way homes and water meet here is particularly striking: the Hanging Kitchens project like bay windows over the Damsterdiep. They were created when former warehouses were converted into homes. Because space was limited, the kitchens were built over the water.
Church, Museum, and Synagogue
The Museum Stad Appingedam is housed in two historic buildings in the center. The NicolaĂŻkerk is also located in the center. It is also called the Nicolaaskerk and is a Romanesque-Gothic hall church; its oldest section dates to the early 13th century. In addition to religious services, the church is used for concerts, exhibitions, and lectures. Alongside its architectural history, it therefore provides a setting for a variety of events.
Another historic site is the Appingedam Synagogue. Built in 1801, it is the oldest synagogue in the province of Groningen. Along with the city of Groningen, Appingedam is also the only place in the province with medieval city rights. These two facts place the town’s history in a broader time frame: from the oldest sections of the Damsterdiep to medieval rights and a 19th-century building.
Collections and Exhibitions
The Groninger Zilverkamer has an extensive silver collection, with objects dating from the 17th through the 20th century. Lectures, workshops, master classes, and silver weekends are also held occasionally. The Museum Mohlmann takes a different approach, presenting three exhibitions a year. These include the Onafhankelijke Realisten tentoonstelling, held annually since 1998. Choosing between these cultural offerings means choosing between different focuses: silver objects spanning several centuries on the one hand, and a recurring exhibition format on the other.
On Foot, by Bike, or on the Water
A brochure for a walking tour of the city is available at the city’s information points. For an audio option, try the “Verhalen van Appingedam” podwalk: you can follow the audio trail using a digital map, and start at the Nicolaïkerk. Another option is the “Stadswandeling Appingedam” route. It is suitable for people with limited mobility, but also includes a stretch of compacted sand and some wooden bridges. If accessibility is important, we recommend checking the current route conditions locally.
The routes listed vary considerably in length and activity. “Ekenstein en Rusthoven” is a 7 km walking route listed for Appingedam. The “Welkom op de wierde: van kerken en kloosters tot de kust” cycling route is listed as 56.8 km. Comparing the distances can help you choose a route of the right scale, but the distance alone does not indicate how long it will take or how difficult it is.
A boat trip is another possible activity: from April to September, the Damsterveer operates an approximately one-hour round trip from the marina through Appingedam’s waterways. The landing is by the bandstand behind the Nicolaïkerk. As the service is seasonal, check departure times before your trip. The marina is located between the historic city center and the Overdiep shopping area.
Getting There and Finding Your Way
Appingedam can be reached by bus routes 6 and 41 and has a railway station with train connections. Check current connections when planning your journey, as timetables may change. Once there, the walking tours, routes, and trip along the Damsterdiep offer different ways to discover the city’s history, with clear differences in how you get around and in route length.
For the broader travel overview: Appingedam.
