Walking along the Bosbeek in Ter Apel

At the starting point of the route, you simply cannot miss the monastery at Ter Apel. This building, dating from 1465, is the only remaining rural monastery in the whole of north-western Europe. In the past, it was a place where travellers and pilgrims could rest for a while, and 40 Crusaders lived there. Today, its history is brought to life through exhibitions and activities. Since 1930, the old monastery courtyard has been home to a herb garden where all manner of plants grow, including medicinal plants, herbs for cooking and those used to make dye. Stap inside and discover how the monks used to live here.

If, after a while, you start to feel a bit of a twinge in your legs, they’ve come up with something unique here: the Netherlands’ first hand-powered cable car! By pulling on the ropes with your arms, this 22.5-metre-long cable car takes you across the Ruiten Aa. The little gondola is inspired by ‘Ol Graitje’. This was the nickname of a steam tram that operated in East Groningen in the early^20th century. This way, the walk is 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.