Meppeler Toren

Meppel is a small city in the province of Drenthe, and its historic centre grew up around the canals that once carried goods to and from the surrounding peat lands. The Meppeler Toren, the Meppel Tower, is a church tower in the centre of town, located on the Kerkplein, the church square, close to the Grote Kerk, or Saint Martin's Church. Access to the tower itself may be limited, so it is worth checking locally for the latest information.

Church towers are the main landmarks of Dutch towns, and in a flat landscape they can be seen from a long way off. A tower such as this one served as a lookout, a place to hang the bells that marked the hours and warned of danger, and a symbol of civic pride. Meppel was never a large town, but its position at a junction of waterways made it a trading place, and the tower and church are evidence of the community's growth. The square in front is a natural meeting point, with benches and cafes nearby.

Meppel has other things to see. The canals in the centre, known as the Grachten van Meppel, are lined with trees and old houses and can be explored on foot or by boat, and they give the town a quiet charm. The Drukkerijmuseum, a printing museum, shows old presses and the history of printing, which matters to a town that had a significant printing industry. The market days bring stalls of food, flowers and goods to the centre, and the weekly market is a lively occasion. Bad Hesselingen, a swimming facility, offers a place for leisure.

The town is also a good base for exploring the wider region. The countryside of Drenthe and the neighbouring province of Overijssel includes the nature reserve of Weerribben-Wieden, famed for its reed and peat landscape, with canals that can be explored by boat or canoe, as well as the pretty village of Giethoorn, which is only a short ride away. Cycle routes link the villages and nature areas.

The tower suits those exploring the centre of Meppel and interested in local history. It is best viewed from the square, as access to the interior may be limited. Combine it with a walk along the canals and a coffee on the terrace.