Get the ultimate breath of fresh air on the dike. You can go to the dike in many places in Groningen. Some are well-known, such as Noordpolderzijl. Others take some searching. There you will find beautiful views over the salt marshes and the only remaining true nature of the Netherlands: the Wadden Sea.
Pieterburen
From the Netherlands’ mudflat-walking capital and the village home to the well-known seal centre, you can of course easily reach the mudflats. There’s a lovely cycle path between Pieterburen and the dyke. You can also get there by car. Although, of course, it’s nicer to simply go for a walk or a cycle here too. Up to Pieterburen and back via Wester-nieland, for example.
Punt van Reide
This narrow spit of land is all that remains of the once-prosperous Reiderland. Now, nature reigns supreme here. Along the way, you’ll pass the Fiemel Battery: a remnant of the German Atlantic Wall from the Second World War. The Punt van Reide lies to the east of Termunten. You cannot reach the Punt by car, but you can on foot or by bike.
Lauwersoog
The boat to Schiermonnikoog departs from the harbour at Lauwersoog. But there’s so much more to do. On and around the dyke, you’ll find art: from a huge fishing net and a lookout point to a staircase built into the dyke. It’s a great place to enjoy a fish meal, with views of the mudflats. Walking, cycling: you can do it all here. And by car, this is perhaps the easiest of all the destinations along the dyke to reach.
Noordkaap
The northernmost tip of the Dutch mainland is Noordkaap. The artwork ‘De Hemelpoort’marks the spot. From here, you have an unobstructed view of the water and the endless sky above the Wadden Sea. Noordkaap is situated about ten kilometres north of Uithuizermeeden. There are signposts from the village. Follow the route by car, bike or on foot.
Nieuwstad
There’s no sign of a town at Nieuwstad, but there is a double dyke: a high one on the sea side and a lower one inland. This is where safety, nature, agriculture and recreation come together. From the dyke, you can see the bird-breeding island of Stern. Nieuwstad is situated above Bierum. You can get there by bike, car or simply on foot.
Termunterzijl
In Termunterzijl, you eat fish – or at least, that’s what many people do. And preferably as simply as possible. At the Landman fish restaurant, for example, or Vispaleis Westerhuis. On the dyke, you can enjoy the fresh air whilst taking in the view of the Eems. Don’t forget the beautiful ‘Boog van Ziel’ lock either. Cycling in the area is highly recommended. And you can park your car practically right on the dyke.
