Walking along the Bosbeek in Ter Apel

At the starting point of the route, you cannot avoid the Ter Apel monastery. This building from 1465 is the only remaining rural monastery in the whole of north-western Europe. It used to be a place where travellers and pilgrims could catch their breath and 40 monks of the Cross lived there. Today, history is relived through exhibitions and activities. Since 1930, the old cloister has housed a herb garden in which all kinds of plants grow, such as medicinal plants, herbs for cooking and paint. Stap inside and discover how the monks used to live here.

Should you start to feel some discomfort in the leg carriage after a while, they have come up with something unique on this: the first hand-powered cable car in the Netherlands! By putting your arms under tension, this 22.5-metre-long track will take you across the Ruiten Aa. The gondola is inspired by "Ol Graitje". This was the nickname of a steam tram that operated in eastern Groningen in the early ^20th century. This way, the walk becomes slightly shorter than 12.5 km.

Hidden among the greenery and opposite the monastery is Hotel Boschhuis. Until the year 1619, monastery beer was brewed here by the Crusaders and this building also served as a "Bakhuys". Now it has been a welcoming place for travellers, holidaymakers and festive events for more than 100 years. The ideal place to reward yourself after a pleasant walk through the forests of Ter Apel.