During the festive season, we all love to cosy up indoors. We watch films, play games and enjoy long, cosy meals. But sometimes you just need to get out for a breath of fresh air. To help you with that, we’ve put together a selection of walks for these winter days. There’s something to explore in every region, so there’s always a route nearby. Embrace the cold, enjoy the lights and experience Groningen.
City
Art Route
This winter, discover your own path and keep your eyes peeled. Wander through the city’s hidden alleyways and let yourself be surprised. As you walk this route, you’ll come across street art in the Papengang, a metre-high mural, a remarkable installation, hidden gems and both underground art and art in the sky. Be sure to look beyond just the creations we’ve highlighted on this route. If you pay close attention, you’ll discover some truly remarkable (and sometimes unremarkable) treasures. In December, there are also plenty of spots around the city where you’ll find the most charming festive lights and Christmas decorations – you just need to take a little detour.
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Westerkwartier
Doezumermieden
Stap into the fascinating past of the Doezumermieden, where excavated peat pits and former peat cuttings bear witness to a rich history. Walk through the wintry landscape and feel the quivering peat beneath your feet, far away from the hustle and bustle of the festive season. With every stap , this area reveals something new to discover, bringing memories of peat extraction back to life. Particularly at this time of year, the path is very damp and is sometimes referred to as the ‘boot path’. As the name suggests, it’s wise to wear sturdy, waterproof footwear. And whilst you’re at it, why not pop on your warmest Christmas jumper too?
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Waddenland
Pronkjewailpad
This theme fits in well with the spirit of Christmas, where we warmly welcome others and share joy with one another. For walkers on the Pronkjewailpad – which stretches for hundreds of kilometres – all doors are thrown wide open. Wherever you go, you’ll see, hear, feel and taste Groningen’s hospitality. For a walk in the Wadden region, choose the Northern Route, but you can also opt for the routes in the east, south or west of the province. Or why not walk them all? In every village along the route, participants will receive a little something extra from local businesses. So, even more presents – but this time, you can’t just snatch them from under the Christmas tree.
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Westerwolde
Westerwoldepad
Do you still have a few days off during the Christmas holidays and aren’t you put off by long distances? By following the Westerwoldepad, you can walk from Wedderveer to Ter Apel and back again over several days. This long-distance trail stretches over 100 kilometres and is divided into 10 stages. You can, of course, choose for yourself how many stages you’d like to cover. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the beautiful and varied natural scenery that the Westerwolde region has to offer. For instance, one of Europe’s most beautiful stream valleys is located in the southern municipality. You’ll also pass through ancient woods and heathland, past small ponds and farmland, and through charming villages and historic buildings.
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Midden-Groningen
’t Roegwold
’t Roegwold lies between Overschild, Steendam and the sand ridge stretching from Siddeburen to Harkstede. Take a short walk or opt for a longer hike. The abundance of water in this nature reserve is a true paradise for all manner of waterbirds and provides a feast for numerous predators such as herons, harriers, white-tailed eagles and foxes. Take a break on a bench halfway along the Knuppelpad before continuing your route along the 750-metre wooden boardwalk through the Dannemeer. Admire the sphagnum moss reed beds from a safe distance – a rare natural habitat where plants take precedence – or experience the ancient cultural-historical landscape in the herb-rich hay meadows around Woudbloem.
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Eemsdelta
A stroll around Middelstum
Stap into the charming wierdedorp Middelstum of wierdedorp Middelstum, surrounded by a beautiful cultural landscape. This listed village exudes history and stories dating back to times long before your own. And what could be nicer over the Christmas period than heart-warming stories? The houses in Middelstum are built in the pattern of a radial mound, so that the streets run down from the highest point like the spokes of a wheel. Once inside the boundaries of the mound, you’ll find yourself surrounded by old buildings. In the streets leading from the church to the surrounding roads, you’ll discover sights that take you on a winter journey.
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Oldambt
Midwolderbos
This walk begins at the Ennemaborg, which was built around 1391 as a stone house. The estate also features two workers’ cottages, which are among the oldest dwellings in Midwolda. Behind the manor house lies the Midwolderbos. This ancient woodland was once used for timber production, but today it is a beautiful piece of Groningen’s natural landscape. The area was the first place in the Netherlands where Konik horses were used for grazing, and these animals can still be found here today. You simply walk right through them. In the south-eastern corner of the forest, you’ll find a number of ponds where various species of birds come to rest. Here, you’re right in the heart of the countryside.
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Veenkoloniën
Veenjagerspad
There’s also an interactive walking route in the province for children who want to burn off some energy after sitting still during all those Christmas dinners. You’ll set off on a journey of discovery through nature together with the Borgerswolf. On the Veenjagerspad in park Borgerswold , you’ll embark on an action-packed adventure. Play, climb and scramble over the playground equipment. Climb the metre-high Veenjagerstoren and cross the river on the wobbly Jagersschip. If you manage to complete the adventure successfully, you’ll also receive a lovely souvenir. Are you an adult, but still as energetic as a child? Then you can also use the Veenjagerspad for a spot of exercise.
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