The leaves are falling from the trees. Time to discover Groningen in autumn spheres. With no fewer than eight different walking routes, you can enjoy Groningen's autumn landscape to the full this season. From beautiful forest walks to a fun city walk and from a cable car to a borg. Put on your walking shoes and discover the best of Groningen. What are you waiting for?
Midwolderbos | Experience tranquillity and character
Starting point: De Ennemaborg, Hoofdweg 96, Midwolda
Distance: 5.3 kilometres
Duration: 1 hour and 4 minutes
An autumn walk along the Ennemaborg takes you past a lovely mix of landscapes: a Baroque park garden, an atmospheric wood, open fields and a tranquil natural lake. Along the way, you’ll find yourself walking right among the Konik horses – something that makes this area special. Keep your eyes peeled in the Midwolderbos, because with a bit of luck you might spot a spotted woodpecker or a barn owl. Finish off the walk with a lovely cup of coffee or tea at the Koetshuis.
View routeWesterwoldepad | A winding and colourful stream valley
Starting point: Car park at De Boshoeve restaurant, Ter Apelerstraat 20, Sellingen
Distance: 13 kilometres
Duration: 2 hours and 55 minutes
The Westerwoldepad lets you experience autumn. Hear the leaves crunch under your feet and enjoy the autumn colours around you. This route is divided into several stages, each with a fun highlight. During stage 5, you will pass a unique, hand-powered Cable Car 'Ol Graitje' and the atmospheric Hotel Boschhuis. The route also includes some of Europe's most beautiful stream valleys, such as those of the rivers Ruiten Aa. Will you also walk this stage?
View routeHofjeswandeling | Oases of calm in the inner city
Starting point: Groningen Store, Nieuwe Markt 1, Groningen
Length: 7 kilometres
Duration: 1 hour and 24 minutes
The city is the perfect place for a lovely autumn walk. Stroll through the streets ablaze with autumn colours and discover Groningen’s most beautiful courtyards. Stop off at one of the city’s many cosy cafés for a cup of tea or coffee with ‘kouk’. Stroll through the beautiful ‘ Prinsentuin ’ and take a leisurely walk past dozens of guesthouses. Pick up the ‘Courtyards en Gasthuizen’ city walk guide at the Groningen Store in the Forum or online, and walk past and through Groningen’s hidden gems.
View routeNature park Tussen de Venen | From adventure to ultimate tranquillity
Starting point: Heemtuin car park, Nieuweweg 127, Muntendam
Length: 2.1 kilometres
Duration: 27 minutes
Discover nature park Tussen de Venen this autumn on a refreshing autumn walk. The area near Muntendam is known for its rich flora and fauna. From a beautiful open landscape to a hilly and wooded part, every stap offers a new view. Also visit the Heemtuin and take time to wander around delightfully. Pause here in the sustainably built pavilion, while overlooking the distinctive garden.
View routeAppelbergen | Where nature comes to life
Starting point: Hoge Hereweg car park, Hoge Hereweg 50, Glimmen
Length: 3.4 kilometres
Duration: 41 minutes
Put on your walking shoes and stap into nature. About 10 kilometres from the city of Groningen is this beautiful nature reserve. Appelbergen boasts a wooded landscape full of lakes, hills and drifting sand. Walk along ancient cart tracks and past prehistoric pingo ruins. The active hike starts in Glimmen in Groningen, but the nature reserve is also partly in Drenthe. After the hike, you can round off the day at Paviljoen Appelbergen or Bistro Landing.
View routeEkenstein | A blend of nature and culture
Starting point: Ekenstein car park, Alberdaweg 70, 9901 TA Appingedam
Length: 7 kilometres
Duration: 1 hour and 24 minutes
You’ll start with a walk on the Ekenstein estate, between Wirdum and Appingedam. With its stately approach, large park and distinctive architecture, Ekenstein has been a landmark in the region for generations. A lovely spot to have a look around before you set off. From the park, you walk straight out into the open Groningen countryside: narrow, unshaded lanes, vast skies and a distant horizon. Along the way, you’ll pass the charming church village of Tjamsweer. In short: there’s plenty to see and do along the route.
View routeNienoord | For a unique experience
Starting point: Borg Nienoord, Nienoord 20, Leek
Length: 4 kilometres
Duration: 48 minutes
Discover autumn on the Landgoed Nienoord in Leek. See the historic borg, enjoy the magnificent view of Midwolde church and watch deer in the deer park along the way. Many activities are available during this walk. For example, visit the Landgoedboerderij Oosterheerdt, have lunch at Grand Café Borg Nienoord or have fun at the Family Park. All in all, it is a unique and atmospheric walking tour you don't want to miss.
View routePunt van Reide | Meeting of nature and history
Starting point: Pertus Muntinghepad, Termunten
Length: 7.6 kilometres
Duration: 1 hour and 31 minutes
In the middle of the Dollard you will find the Punt van Reide, where nature and history come together. During an autumn walk you will enjoy the silence, fresh sea air and beautiful views. Start at the Bezoekerscentrum Dollard and learn all about the landscape. Birds are not strange here and with a bit of luck you will spot a seal. Moreover, it is a nature reserve with traces of an impressive history. See, for example, the Germans' defence work during this adventurous walk.
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