Hanging Kitchens

The Hanging Kitchens of Appingedam are one of the odd sights of the north of the Netherlands. Along the Damsterdiep canal, in the centre of this small town in Groningen, the backs of old houses face the water, and extensions that look like little wooden boxes stick out over the canal on supporting beams. These are the kitchens, built out over the water to add space to houses on narrow plots, and they have become a symbol of the town. They are best seen from the bridge or from a boat on the water, and they photograph beautifully.

The explanation lies in the structure of the town. Appingedam was a trading town on a canal, and the land along the water was in great demand. The plots were narrow and deep, and the houses stood shoulder to shoulder, leaving little room for expansion. The canal, however, belonged to the community, and the owners found a practical solution: they built small rooms on beams that projected over the water, using the airspace above the canal to gain a little space for the kitchen. Hanging kitchens of this kind date back centuries, and some of those seen today have been restored.

They are charming and a little precarious in appearance, with timber frames, windows overlooking the water and sometimes flowerpots and washing lines. The kitchens were practical because waste and washing water could go straight into the canal, which in earlier times was the standard way of disposal. Today, hygiene regulations mean this no longer happens, and some of the kitchens are used for other purposes, such as extra living rooms, studios or even guest rooms. Visitors may find that one is open for visits as part of local tours.

Appingedam has other attractions that make it a pleasant stop. The compact centre has a town hall, shopping streets and a medieval church, and a cheerful market atmosphere on market days. The Winkel Centrum, the shopping centre, offers places for lunch. The town lies in the Groningen countryside, which is flat, open and dotted with medieval churches on mounds, and cycling in the area is a delight.

The kitchens suit photographers, architecture fans and anyone who likes quirky places. A short walk along the canal takes in the best views, and a boat trip gives a view from the water. Check whether any tours are available, and bring a camera.