Fancy some woodland, peace and quiet, and a brisk walk? Groningen has plenty of places where the rustling of the trees takes over for a while. Especially in autumn, when the green gradually gives way to yellow, red and rust-brown. So, put on your walking boots. Here are five woods where you can enjoy a leisurely wander.
Slochterbos | Hidden gem
Starting point: Fraeylemaborg car park. Hoofdweg 30, Slochteren
Length: 4.6 kilometres
Duration: 55 minutes
During this walk, you’ll pass the famous Fraeylemaborg which is surrounded by water. If you’re a museum lover, you’ve come to the right place. With fascinating exhibitions, the manor house also serves as a museum and is certainly worth a visit. Follow in the footsteps of a20th-century resident of a Groningen manor house. There are also all sorts of activities on the programme for children. Go on an adventurous treasure hunt in the manor or let the fancy dress box transform you into a real prince or princess. Hidden behind the beautiful English landscape garden, situated next to the manor, lies a fairytale forest. Here you can completely unwind, whilst perhaps spotting some new species of bird along the way. Be sure to pop into De Boerderij restaurant for a tasty treat.
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Noordlaarderbos | Walk through history
Starting point: Lageweg bus stop, near the church, Lageweg 8, Noordlaren
Length: 5.8 kilometres
Duration: 1 hour and 9 minutes
Another place steeped in history is the Noordlaarderbos. Along the way, you’ll pass the Bartholomeus Church, an impressive13th-century building that’s not only used for church services but also as a wedding venue and for cultural activities. A little further on, you’ll pass the Galgenberg, a striking hill where criminals were once executed. A grim piece of history that contrasts with the woodland, which feels like an oasis of tranquillity and peace. Amongst the golden-yellow oaks and red beeches, with a bit of luck, you might spot roe deer. Woodpeckers and other woodland creatures can also be heard. In this way, you’re not only taking a journey through time, but also a journey through nature.
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Moerasbos Lettelberterpetten | Get your feet wet
Starting point: Car park at Hooilanden 12 farm, Lettelbert
Distance: 3.3 kilometres
Duration: 39 minutes
North of the Leekstermeer lies the Lettelberterpetten. Here you can enjoy a lovely walk along and through the marsh forest. Thanks to the many species of plants and animals, this area is ideal for spotting various types of birds from the birdwatching hide, such as the lapwing, the yellow wagtail and the ruff. The boardwalk that runs straight through the marsh makes the experience even more special. It takes you into a part of nature that would otherwise be inaccessible. It also adds that touch of adventure. Head to where the frogs are croaking and the lively ground bubbles beneath your feet. As the water can be quite deep, wellington boots are no luxury. Unless, of course, you want to come home with wet socks.
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Ter Apeler woods | Monnikenwerk
Starting point: Boschhuis Ter Apel, Boslaan 6, Ter Apel
Length: 7.8 kilometres
Duration: 1 hour and 33 minutes
The Ter Apel woods are among the oldest in the province, and this is evident from the historic buildings tucked away in their midst. The highlight of this walk is undoubtedly the medieval monastery of Ter Apel. This former Carthusian monastery, founded in 1465, is the only surviving rural monastery from the Middle Ages in Groningen. For centuries, people lived, worked and prayed here with devotion. You can still sense that atmosphere during a visit. Wander in the footsteps of the monks through the cloisters and discover the medicinal herbs in the monastery garden. The walk takes you further into the surrounding woods along winding forest paths through a stunning landscape of woods, heathland, farmland, small ponds and streams. If you’d like to enjoy this unique spot for a little longer, you can stop off at the Boschhuis for a cup of coffee or a bite to eat after your walk.
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Midwolderbos | Back into the wilderness
Starting point: De Ennemaborg, Hoofdweg 96, Midwolda
Length: 5.3 kilometres
Duration: 1 hour and 4 minutes
Forests and ‘ borgen ’: they seem to go hand in hand. In the Midwolderbos, you’ll find the Ennemaborg, one of the province’s characteristic ‘ borgen ’. This mansion, with its grand driveway and surrounding canals, serves as the starting point for the walk and demonstrates how nature and heritage come together beautifully. The woodland behind it is gradually being transformed into a primeval forest. Untouched fallen trees provide the perfect opportunity for brightly coloured mushrooms to grow. And if that isn’t special enough, you might just come across a herd of Konik horses here. It’s a wonderful sight to see these semi-wild horses grazing amongst the trees or in an open field.
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