Along famous and lesser-known spots
Walking through Winsum you imagine yourself in earlier times. With no fewer than 59 national monuments, there is something to see on every street corner. From a castle to old houses and historic farms: here you will find characteristic buildings that have stood the test of time. So it is not for nothing that the ANWB has voted Winsum the most beautiful village in the Netherlands. Discover historic and beautiful Winsum for yourself. On foot, by bike or from the water.
" 'Take a look inside the mill' "
Mighty mills
Wind is as old as mankind itself. Since time immemorial, we have manipulated the wind to our liking. Mills are a fine example of this. Winsum has two: De Ster on Molenstraat and De Vriendschap on Kerkstraat. Both are both corn and flour mills. The former dates from 1851, De Vriendschap is from 1759 and was brought to Winsum in 1801. In fact, De Vriendschap is one of the oldest working mills in our country. De Ster is also still active. Do you see the sails of the mill(s) turning? Then you can take a look inside.
From the water
Of course, you encounter a lot on foot too, but you look at the village differently from the water. You see more. You pass places you can't normally reach. Just around the corner. The Winsumerdiep, for instance, has a rich history. No fewer than three shipyards from the village used to make boats that sailed through this water. And now it's your turn. In a boat or a canoe, both of which you can rent at Marenland , among other places. Cruise past historic houses and under the two bridges that used to connect Winsum and Obergum.
" 'Cruise past places you don't normally go' "
Hills full of history
The province of Groningen is known for its many mounds. To still be able to live in places that flooded regularly, people built wide mounds. On these, they could live high and dry. Winsum has no fewer than ten mounds, all of which are national monuments. Two of the ten stand out immediately because of the churches on top of them. To find the other eight you have to look a little further.
Medieval religion
Winsum has two distinctive churches. The Torenkerk on Kerkstraat and the Sint Nicolaaskerk on Kerkpad. The latter has a largely intact ‘ossengang’ – the path around the church. A historical gem. Unique in its kind, as this path has been lost at many churches over the years. In addition, the village also has a synagogue, situated on Schoolstraat. But what is most striking are the stories about the Dominican monastery from the Middle Ages. Shrouded in mystery. To this day, nobody knows exactly where it stood. Only a few traces of the foundations have been found. The monastery of that time contained no fewer than seven altars and an organ, so it must have been quite large. One thing is certain.
" 'Sometimes you just have to look a bit further' "
From Winsum
The village is also an excellent base from which to explore the rest of the surrounding area. Discover all the beauty around Winsum by bike. From the ‘Het Marenland’ tourist cycle point, you can head straight out into the Groningen countryside. Take a loop around the Reitdiep, follow the Lauwersmeer route or enjoy the fresh air in the polder landscape to the north. Prefer to get about on foot? It’s a lovely place for walkers too. However you choose to explore Winsum and its surroundings, the village and the surrounding countryside are a delight for the eyes and the soul. Get some fresh air. Here, you can truly unwind.
Meet local entrepreneurs with Moi Winsum
Winsum is beautiful with its many shops, pubs, mills, churches, narrow streets and then that deep right through it. But is it the two bridges connecting Winsum and Obergum that give such a fine view over the meandering Winsumerdiep? The two windmills that spin lustily on windy days? Or is it the people who make Winsum unique? In the series Moi Winsum, we look for the faces behind the most beautiful village in the Netherlands.
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Podwalk through Winsum
Winsum is steeped in history. Centuries ago, a monastery stood right in the centre, and the staircase of the Tower Church also carries a special story. With this podwalk, we take you back to these times. As you walk, you will be given directions which way to go to pass the most beautiful places in the village. Discover for yourself the charm of Winsum and experience the rich history that can still be felt in its streets.
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Out and about with the village guide
Of course, you will see a lot yourself, but the village guide will be happy to show you the hidden places. Learn all about Winsum's rich history and get to know its authentic and contemporary culture. There is a guided tour every Saturday at 10:30. Multiple times are also available on request. Walk along? Look here for more information.
" 'This is where you come to rest' "
