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Observation towers in Groningen

There are all sorts of ways to admire Groningen. For example, by bike, on foot, by boat or on horseback. But did you know that Groningen is also breathtakingly beautiful from above? Why not see the province in a different light and climb one of these lovely observation towers? Enjoy stunning views and discover the vast Groningen countryside.

Uitkijktoren Reiderwolde

To the east of Blauwestad lies the Reiderwolde nature reserve. On one of the hills, in the southern part of the nature reserve, stands a brick-red observation tower 7.20 metres high. From here, you have an excellent view of the entire area. You can see Blauwestad, Winschoten, Finsterwolde and Beerta, amongst other places.

De Oude Riet observation tower

Between Boerakker and Noordwijk lies the Oude Riet nature reserve. Between 1811 and 1990, this was the boundary between Oldehove and Zuidhorn. Now it is a nature reserve home to many birds. The meadows are home to many geese, amongst other birds, and the occasional great white egret is also spotted. There is a viewing tower on Roordaweg. From here, you can get a good view of the various birds that live in the area.

Uitkijktoren Selwerd

The meadowland to the north of Selwerderhof Cemetery has a rich history. In the Middle Ages, for example, a castle and a monastery stood here. Since 1975, the site has been a protected national archaeological monument. The monument is mainly underground and is therefore barely visible to the public. Fortunately, the area is easy to survey thanks to the observation tower, and it is possible to walk here along specially laid-out footpaths.

Uitkijktoren Overschild

Near Schildwolde and Overschild, in the Duurswold area, lies the Schildmeer. The Schildmeer is also the starting point of the De Groeve canal. From the observation tower on the northern side of the Schildmeer , you can take in a large part of the area and enjoy the beautiful views. The Schildmeer is, in fact, almost entirely surrounded by nature reserve. Can you spot the different species of birds from up there?

Air Raid Warning and Observation Tower 701, Warfhuizen

This air defence tower is a remarkable relic from the Cold War. In the 1950s, there was still no adequate radar equipment to monitor the airspace effectively. That is why this tower was built in 1955. In total, there were 276 watchtowers scattered throughout the Netherlands. This tower is one of the nineteen air defence towers still standing in the Netherlands and, fortunately, is relatively well preserved. Climb this historic tower and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Hogeland.

de Onlanden Observation Tower

Visit the unique observation tower in De Onlanden nature and water retention area, just on the outskirts of the city of Groningen. From the car park on Noorddijk Peize, it’s just under a kilometre’s walk to this remarkable observation tower. At every level of the tower, you literally get a different view of the natural surroundings. The tower has 127 steps, is 26 metres high and is definitely worth a visit.

Meerstad Observation Tower

The 8-metre-high observation tower is one of Meerstad’s first striking structures. The wooden tower has stood on the edge of the Woldmeer since 2013, right next to the beach in Meeroevers. From the tower, you have a stunning view over the Woldmeer, Meeroevers and Tersluis. In warm weather, the Woldmeer is also a lovely place to go for a swim. When are you coming to climb it?

Observatietoren Ballastplaatbos Lauwersoog Observatietoren Ballastplaatbos

Following the closure off the Lauwerszee, the Ballastplaatbos was planted in the Lauwersmeer area. As the area is home to many birds, Staatsbosbeheer has erected an observation tower from which you can watch birds. The area is home to large numbers of spoonbills in particular, and many geese in winter. But you might also spot a white-tailed eagle or another amazing bird of prey flying overhead. The tower in the forest is open to visitors all year round.