10x Most beautiful places to recharge your batteries

Sometimes you just need a place where you can hear the silence and clear your head. In Groningen you will find many such places, surrounded by nature, space and a surprising amount of peace and quiet. Whether you opt for a quiet canoe trip, a walk on a plank path or yoga in the middle of the Wadden Sea, here you really recharge yourself.

North round trip

The Elfstedentocht, but just that bit different. In the north it is a big concept. A long journey to clear your head completely. Since 1940, this beautiful skating tour has been ridden no less than eleven times. And until another harsh winter arrives, a nice alternative has fortunately been thought up: the Elfstedentocht by bike. For real fanatics, there is the full 144-kilometre route. Think that's just a bit too much? No problem, you can also split the tour into two loops. One route is 84 kilometres long and the other 60 kilometres. Along the way, you cycle past the province's hidden gems. You will ride past picturesque villages such as Loppersum and enjoy the beautiful forests and the vast landscape that nature has to offer here. A sporting challenge and a wonderful way to really clear your head.

Rare darkness at the Lauwersmeer

The Dark Sky Park is so dark that you can see everything. Here you can enjoy silence and nature going its own way, far away from artificial lights. At night, the animals come to life and the stars twinkle in the sky. On some nights, you can even admire the Northern Lights here. During the day it is also beautiful here. You can see all kinds of birds and flowering plants, and discover how rich and varied this nature area is. Not for nothing is National Park Lauwersmeer one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands.

Canoeing on Groningen's waters

Get a breath of fresh air in a canoe, surrounded by the beautiful Groningen countryside. From the Paterswoldsemeer to Winsum and even to the Wadden Sea: by canoe you will discover the best of the North. Bring a well-stocked picnic basket and enjoy breakfast or lunch in the middle of nature. Or moor up at a cosy café, fully deserved after a relaxing boat trip.

Across the Dannemeer

In the heart of the marsh area 't Roegwold meanders a 750-metre long wooden plank path: the Knuppelpad. Some 6,000 years ago, this area was densely forested, but now you walk straight through the mysterious marshland. Here and there, old tree trunks stick out of the water. The boardwalk takes you across the Dannemeer, where birds can be found everywhere on the breeding islands and where nature shows its best side. It is no surprise that the Knuppelpad is perhaps the most photographed footpath in Groningen.

Mountain biking in Westerwolde

Through a landscape full of forests and winding paths, on a mountain bike you can see Westerwolde from its best side. The largest mountain bike network in the Netherlands takes you through varied landscapes, dense forests, open meadows, fields and canals. Get moving in the fresh air and clear your head.

Through the history of Middelstum

Discover the charming wierdedorp Middelstum, situated in a beautiful cultural landscape. This atmospheric village is bursting with stories from the past and has a special radial construction: the streets run down from the highest point like spokes of a wheel. Walking through the village, you will be surrounded by historic buildings, while along the way you will encounter all kinds of sights that bring the rich history to life. At the start of the route, for example, you will find borg Ewsum. This route will take you through the borg gardens and the old fruit wall where peaches and apricots can grow, among other things.

Peace and quiet in de Onlanden

This peaceful nature area, as big as 3,500 football fields, is a true paradise for nature lovers. You will find rough hay meadows, marsh forests and plenty of space for excess water. The area plays an important role in water collection and ensures that Groningen keeps its feet dry, but above all, it is a paradise for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle. Climb to the top of the 26-metre-high watchtower and be surprised by the panoramic view: as far as you can see, you see nature, water and sky. Along the way, you hear nothing but birdsong, the rustle of the wind and your own footsteps. In de Onlanden you will come back to yourself.

Yoga on the mud flats

Totally unwind on a deserted sandbank in the middle of the Wadden Sea. All you hear is the murmur of the sea and birdsong. The trip starts with a boat trip to the Engelsmanplaat. Once you arrive, you are on a sandbank between Schiermonnikoog and Ameland, surrounded by nothing but sand and sea. The perfect place to completely unwind.

Mammoth path at de Heemtuin

De Heemtuin, located in the heart of Groningen, is a place where nature still really rules. All around you see greenery and sheep and goats roam freely over the vast landscape. Besides the rough nature, you will also find a beautiful cultural garden with a fruit orchard, where you can spot all kinds of animals, from colourful butterflies and graceful dragonflies to birds. Everything here breathes pure nature: take off your shoes, walk barefoot along the water and enjoy the peace and quiet.

On the pedals with children

Go cycling together to recharge your batteries. Choose a nice route, they are up to 15 kilometres long, so perfect for little legs and adults alike. Cycle through the countryside and enjoy what you see along the way. The accompanying booklet contains fun assignments to do together. For example, cycle through charming Appingedam with its hangende keukens, or past atmospheric Stadskanaal.