Is it a river? Or a canal? The Reitdiep is a bit of both. And to complicate matters further, it is actually the old Hunze River. Also known as the upper Drentse Aa, it has long been an important lifeline for local habitants and the city itself. To keep that lifeline navigable and allow boats to sail directly out from Groningen, the Hunze was ‘straightened’ and deepened. This is particularly noticeable between the city and Garnwerd, while further north the Reitdiep meanders through the Groningen countryside.