From family outings to quiet forest walks: get some fresh air.
In need of peace and quiet? In the province, you'll find beautiful forests to explore. Put on your walking shoes and experience the freedom and silence of Groningen's nature. As autumn approaches, the leaves turn red and orange, making a walk through the forests an enchanting experience. Below, we have highlighted some forest walks to fully enjoy the landscape in autumn.
Slochterbos | Hidden gem
Starting point: car park Fraeylemaborg. Hoofdweg 30, Slochteren
Length: 4.6 kilometres
Duration: 55 minutes
During this walk, you will walk past the famous Fraeylemaborg surrounded by water. If you are a lover of museums, you have come to the right place. With fascinating exhibitions, the borg also serves as a museum and is definitely worth a visit. Stap into the feet of an inhabitant of a Groninger borg in the 20th century. For children, there are also all kinds of activities on the agenda. For instance, you can go on an adventurous scavenger hunt in the borg or let the dressing-up box transform you into a real prince or princess. Behind the beautiful English landscape garden, located at the borg, hides a fairytale forest. Here you can completely unwind, while spotting new bird species along the way. The Slochter forest is full of surprises.
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Noordlaarderbos | Walk through history
Starting point: Bus stop Lageweg, near the church, Lageweg 8, Noordlaren
Length: 5.8 kilometres
Duration: 1 hour and 9 minutes
Where there is another such history is the Noordlaarderbos. On the way, you pass the Bartholomeus church, an impressive 13th-century building used not only for church services, but also as a wedding location and for cultural activities. A little further on, you pass the Galgenberg, a striking hill where criminals used to be executed. A sinister piece of history that contrasts with the forest that feels like an oasis of calm and peace. Between the golden yellow oaks and red beeches, with a bit of luck you will see roe deer walking. Woodpeckers and other forest dwellers also make themselves heard. So you are 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 near farm Hooilanden 12, Lettelbert
Length: 3.3 kilometres
Duration: 39 minutes
North of the Leekstermeer you will find the Lettelberterpetten. Here you can take a lovely walk along and through the swamp forest. Thanks to the many species of plants and animals, this area is ideal for spotting different types of birds, such as the lapwing, the yellow wagtail and the ruff, from the bird hide. The plank path running right through the swamp makes the experience extra special. You really become one with nature. As the water can be high, rain boots are no luxury unless you want to come home with wet socks.
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Ter Apeler woods | Monnikenwerk
Starting point: Boschhuys Ter Apel, Boslaan 6, Ter Apel
Length: 7.8 kilometres
Duration: 1 hour and 33 minutes
The Ter Apeler woods are among the oldest in the province, and this is reflected in the historical buildings hidden in the middle of them. The highlight of this walk is undoubtedly the medieval monastery of Ter Apel. Founded in 1465, this former Cross Men's Monastery is the only surviving rural monastery from the Middle Ages in Groningen. For centuries, people lived, worked and prayed here with abandon. You can still taste that atmosphere during a visit. Wander in the monks' footsteps through the cloisters and discover the medicinal herbs in the monastery garden. The walk leads you further into the surrounding woods on winding forest paths through a beautiful landscape of woods, heathland, arable land, fens and streams. Should you want to enjoy this unique place even longer, you can have a cup of coffee or something to eat at the Bosch House 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 belong together, because in the Midwolderbos you will find the Ennemaborg, one of the characteristic borgen of the province. This mansion, with a grand driveway and surrounding moats, serves as the starting point of the walk and shows how nature and heritage come together beautifully. The forest behind it is gradually being transformed into primeval forest. Untouched fallen trees, providing the perfect opportunity for the growth of brightly coloured mushrooms. And if that's not special enough, you might just bump into a herd of Konik horses here. It is a beautiful sight to see these semi-wild horses grazing among the trees or in an open field.
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