With the festive season, we all sit indoors. We watch films, play games and have a nice long dinner. But sometimes you do need to get out and get some fresh air. To help you with that, we have collected walks for these winter days. In every region there is something to wander around, so there is always a route close by. Embrace the cold, enjoy the lights and experience Groningen.
City
Art route
Explore your own path this winter and keep your eyes open. Crawl through the city's sneaky alleys and be surprised. Walking this route, you will pass street art in the Papengang, a metre-high mural, a remarkable installation, hidden gems and both underground and aerial art. Above all, look beyond just the creations we have highlighted in this route. If you pay attention, you will discover truly (un)remarkable beauties. In December, there are also many places in the city with the cutest atmospheric lights and Christmas decorations.
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Westerkwartier
Doezumermieden
Stap into the fascinating past of the Doezumermieden, where excavated capholes and former legacies bear witness to a rich history. Walk through the winter landscape and experience the trembling peat under your feet, far away from the hustle and bustle of all the holidays. With every stap, this area reveals something new to discover, bringing the memories of peat extraction back to life. Especially in these months, the path is very damp and is therefore sometimes called the 'boot path'. From that name, you can probably gather that it is wise to wear sturdy and waterproof footwear. And while you're at it, put on your warmest Christmas jumper.
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Waddenland
Pronkjewailpad
This route fits well with the Christmas spirit, where we warmly welcome others and share joy with each other. For walkers of the hundreds of kilometres long Pronkjewailpad, all doors open wide. Everywhere you go, you see, hear, feel and taste the hospitality of Groningen. For a walk in the Waddenland, choose the North route, but you can also go for the edition in the east, south or west of the province. Participants will receive something extra from entrepreneurs in each village on the route. So even more presents, but this time you can't just snatch them from under the Christmas tree.
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Westerwolde
Westerwolde path
Have several days off in the Christmas holidays and long distances don't scare you off? When following the Westerwoldepad, you will walk from Wedderveer to Ter Apel and back again in several days. The long-distance path stretches over 100 kilometres and is divided into 10 stages. Of course, you can choose how many stages you are willing to walk. Along the way, you will enjoy the beautifully varied nature that the Westerwolde region has to offer. For instance, one of the most beautiful stream valleys in Europe is located in the southern municipality. You will also pass through ancient forests and heathlands, past fens and arable land, through atmospheric villages and historic buildings.
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Midden-Groningen
't Roegwold
Between Overschild, Steendam and the sand ridge from Siddeburen to Harkstede lies 't Roegwold. Walk a short route or opt for a longer one. The many waters in this nature reserve are a true paradise for all kinds of water birds and provide a feast for the many hunters such as herons, harriers, sea eagles and foxes. Rest on a bench halfway along the Knuppelpad, before continuing your route across the 750-metre wooden decking through Dannemeer Lake. At an appropriate distance, enjoy the peat moor reed beds, rare nature where plants take precedence, or experience the ancient cultural-historical landscape in the herbaceous hay meadows around Woudbloem.
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Eemsdelta
Middelstum diversions
Stap inside the charming wierdedorp Middelstum, surrounded by a beautiful cultural landscape. This protected villagescape breathes history and stories that go back far before your time. And what could be finer during Christmas than heart-warming stories? The houses in Middelstum are built according to the pattern of a radial mound, so the streets run down from the highest point like the spokes of a wheel. Once inside the confines of the mound, you are surrounded by old buildings. In the streets leading from the church to the surrounding roads, you will find sights that take you on a winter journey.
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Oldambt
Midwolder forest
This walk starts at Ennemaborg, which was built as a stone house around 1391. There are also two workers' cottages on the estate, which are among the oldest dwellings in Midwolda. Behind the borg you will find the Midwolder forest. This very old forest used to be used for timber cultivation, but today you will find a beautiful piece of Groningen nature. The area was the first place in the Netherlands where konik horses were used for grazing and you can still find these animals here. You just walk between them. At the south-eastern tip of the forest, you will find a number of ponds where various species of birds perch. Here you are in the middle of greenery.
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Veenkoloniën
Veenjagerspad
There is also an interactive walking trail in the province for the children who want to release their energy after all the sitting still at Christmas dinners. You will join the Borgerswolf on an exploration of nature. On the Veenjagerspad in park Borgerswold you go on a moving adventure. Play, climb and clamber over play equipment. Climb the metre-high Veenjager tower and cross the river on the wobbly Jagersschip. If you manage to complete the adventure, you will also receive a nice souvenir. Mature, but still as energetic as a child? Then you can also use the Veenjagerspad for sports.
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