A journey through history
During your visit to the historic village of Baflo, you will be welcomed by a street plan that runs like a wheel to the heart of the village. Baflo is built on a mound, so the roads radiate like spokes to the highest point. Go on a journey of discovery and be inspired by the village where multi-talented Roelof Huesman was born in 1443. Later known as Rudolf Agricola, one of the founders of humanism in northern Europe.
" 'A broad forehead, chestnut brown hair and a protruding nose' "
Village of Agricola
As you stroll through the village, you may just come across unusual historical figures. Look carefully around you and you might come across Agricola. One of his friends described Agricola as having "a broad forehead, chestnut brown hair, a protruding nose, a friendly and open look." On Rudolf Agricolastraat, you will find a statue paying tribute to the man who could do so much: from building organs, including the one in the Martini church, to reading and writing Latin and Ancient Greek, from poetry to boxing.
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Walking on the mound
Explore the footsteps of famous humanist Agricola with a four-kilometre walking trail, nearly 600 years old. Pick up your free directions at Laurentiuskerk or at Proef Lokaal Bakkerij Rutgers. Discover more routes with the Waddenland Routeland app. Walk through Baflo with the Grunneger Taalroute and enjoy beautiful poems, or choose the longer route "High and dry on the mound". The app is available for free in the App Store and Play Store.
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Tough church
Right in the middle, on the highest spot of the mound, stands the Laurentiuskerk. This sturdy church with its detached tower is over nine centuries old, making it one of the oldest churches in Groningen. Baflo used to be an important centre: one of the proosdries (main churches) in the Ommelanden. That explains why the church is so big. More than 30 parishes were governed from here. Curious? The church and tower are free to visit every day from 1 April to 1 October from 10 am to 6 pm.
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" 'In the footsteps of Agricola' "
North round trip
The Noorderrondrit is a classic among Dutch skating tours. The route can now be cycled, as Groningen's first signposted road cycling route. But it is also a beautiful route for less fast cyclists. Smuggle a bit by covering part of the route by train and start at the station in Baflo.
Groningen delicacy
For a real homemade Groningen eierbal, head to the über cosy grand café De Hoek, near the train station. Looking for more great places to eat nearby? Then drop in at the Toerist Information Point Baflo. Get your free Waddenland magazine or an overview map of the area here.
Out and about with the village guide
You'll see a lot yourself, of course, but the village guide will be happy to show you the hidden spots in Baflo during the summer months. Learn all about the village's rich history and get to know its authentic and contemporary culture. Would you like to join us? Click here for more information.
