Watch towers in Groningen

You can admire Groningen in many different ways. For instance by bicycle, on foot, by boat or on horseback. But did you know that Groningen is also breathtakingly beautiful from high up? See the province in a different way and climb one of these beautiful lookout towers. Enjoy magnificent views and discover Groningen's vast landscape.

Uitkijktoren Reiderwolde

On the eastern side of Blauwestad lies the Reiderwolde nature reserve. On one of the hills, in the southern part of the nature reserve, stands a stone-red watchtower, 7.20 metres high. From here, you have an excellent view of the entire area, including Blauwestad, Winschoten, Finsterwolde and Beerta.

View tower the Old Reed

Between Boerakker and Noordwijk lies reserve the Oude Riet. Between 1811 and 1990, this was the border between Oldehove and Zuidhorn. Now it is a nature reserve where many birds live. The meadows include many geese and occasionally a great egret is spotted. At the Roordaweg is a watchtower. From here, the various birds that live in the area can be easily admired.

Uitkijktoren Selwerd

The meadow area to the north of Selwerderhof cemetery has a rich history. In the Middle Ages, for instance, a castle and a monastery stood here. Since 1975, the site has been a protected archaeological national monument. The monument is mainly underground, so it is hardly visible to the public. Fortunately, the area is easy to overlook thanks to the watchtower and it is possible to walk here on specially laid out footpaths.

Uitkijktoren Overschild

Near Schildwolde and Overschild, in the Duurswold region, lies the Schildmeer. The Schildmeer is also the starting point of canal De Groeve. From the watchtower on the north side of the Schildmeer, you can overlook much of the area and enjoy the beautiful view. Indeed, the Schildmeer is almost completely surrounded by nature reserve. Can you spot the different species of birds from up high?

Air watch and observation tower 701 Warfhuizen

This air watch tower is a special relic of the Cold War. In the 1950s, there was no proper radar equipment to keep a close eye on the skies. Therefore, this tower was built in 1955. In total, there were 276 observation posts scattered throughout the Netherlands. This tower is one of nineteen remaining air watch towers in the Netherlands and is fortunately relatively well preserved. Climb this historic tower and enjoy the beautiful surroundings in the Hogeland.

View tower de Onlanden

Visit the special watchtower in the nature and water storage area De Onlanden, just under the smoke of the city of Groningen. From the car park at Noorddijk Peize, you can walk to this special watchtower in just under a kilometre. At every level of the tower, you literally have a different view of the natural surroundings. The tower has 127 steps, is 26 metres high and definitely worth a visit.

View tower Meerstad

The 8-metre-high watchtower 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 wonderful view of the Woldmeer, Meeroevers and Tersluis. The Woldmeer is also a great place to swim in warm weather. When will you come climbing?

Observatietoren Ballastplaatbos Lauwersoog

After the closure of the Lauwerszee, the Ballastplaat forest was planted in the Lauwersmeer area. As many birds live in the area, the Forestry Commission installed an observation tower from which you can observe birds. The area is home to many spoonbills in particular and many geese in winter. But it is also possible that a white-tailed eagle or another awesome bird of prey will fly over. The tower in the forest can be visited all year round.