A delightful cycle tour through East Groningen
From Groningen to Landwinkel Ol Diek
The starting point for your adventure is Scheemda station. Thanks to a handy cycle route network, you can easily find your way through the Groningen countryside. But it’s also fun to turn right once in a while when you’re actually supposed to turn left.
On the way, you will pass the characteristic church of Nieuw Scheemda, among other places. It was built in 1659. Over the centuries, life outside the church has changed enormously. Inside, everything has remained the same. Apart from a lick of paint here and there, almost everything is still original. On special occasions, such as Christmas, it is open to the public.
Landwinkel Ol Diek
They can be seen from afar; the vast apple, pear and cherry orchards. Spread over no less than 16 hectares, all kinds of delicacies are made here in Nieuwolda. The country shop offers not only Oldambster delicacies, but also regional products from the rest of the Netherlands. From different types of cabbage to cheeses and fresh jam. Both fruit and vegetable lovers will be in their element here.l When you leave, don't forget to take a package of real Groningen goodies with you for the home front.
From Ol Diek to the Groninger Genever Stokerij
With a freshly picked apple to go, you stap back on your bike. No superfluous luxury, because it is quite a bit of pedalling through the Groningen countryside. And you don't always have a tailwind. From Ol Diek, there are various ways to cycle to the Groninger Genever Stokerij in Oostwold. Do you follow the route on the map? Then you'll pass Nieuwolda's church. On top of the tower is not the usual rooster, but a mermaid. This symbolises the fact that the piece of land on which the church stands was once sea.
Of course, you can also ask Ol Diek for the shortest route to the Groninger Genever Stokerij. Then, just like us, you’ll cycle along a narrow path that even Google Maps hasn’t discovered yet.
The Groninger Genever Stokerij
In the middle of de Graanrepubliek sits the Groninger Genever Stokerij. The distillery distills gin, liqueur and whisky using traditional methods and local grain. The communist logo on the Genever bottle is a nod to the region's rebellious past. And also the only real Groningen drink: Fladderak is made here. A fresh liqueur with lemon and cinnamon. Learn more about this process on a guided tour with tasting or buy the products in the shop. Come along and taste the region.
From the Groninger Genever Stokerij to Hermans Dijkstra
Had your fill of the Groninger Genever Stokerij? Then cycle back towards Midwolda. On the way, you’ll pass the Oldambtmeer. Where yellow grain once stood, the wind now creates blue waves and you can enjoy a vast and diverse nature reserve. From April onwards, you can pop into the Paviljoen for a bite to eat or a drink by the water.
Hermans Dijkstra
Your legs have done the necessary pedalling by now. Time for a little break. Take a look at the nostalgic boerderij Hermans Dijkstra. A wedding, party and meeting location in one - one of the many manor farms in Oldambt. Even the garden, with its winding paths and water features, looks just as it did in its golden-yellow heyday. Behind the farm is Bed & Breakfast Graanzicht, where you can relax with a view of the farmlands. An appropriate end to your cycle trip through lovely Oldambt.
