Road trip through southern Groningen

Why not spend a day on holiday in Groningen? Close to home, you will find the best moments of happiness. Meet the friendly villagers, taste the Ommelander craft and discover how creeping roads take you to the most beautiful views. A day on a road trip through Groningen is a day on an adventure. Are you coming?

You wake up in the centre of Groningen with yesterday's pleasant evening still in the back of your mind. In the midst of the bustling nightlife and shopping streets, with theatre and museums just a stone's throw away, you find yourself in the Schimmelpenninck Huys. The nostalgic and peaceful look of the Huys gives a special golden edge to your overnight stay. The sun shines down on you through the curtains. After a good breakfast, tie your laces, pack your bag and you're ready for adventure - a great day to hit the road by car. The south of the province awaits you.

But first depart from the Groninger Museum Museum northwards to, yes: Noordbroek. A peat extraction village from the tenth or eleventh century. Nobody knows exactly, but that doesn't really matter. You taste the history. The beacon of the village is the characteristic church, built in late Romanesque style. Standing in front of it, you are gripped by its splendour. And if you make sure you get there a little after ten, the doors are open for you. Walk across the threshold and you won't know where to look. Painted ceilings, ornamental brickwork and other beauty clothe the church. The church guide will be happy to tell you more about it. Hungry from listening? Then drive down Zuidstraat towards Meinardi, a household name in Groningen and the surrounding area. The farm shop sells fresh strawberries and asparagus from the Groningen countryside. So you can get back in the swing of things. And are you an art lover? Then be sure to drop by Galerie Waarkunst in 't Waar. Walk through the large garden and let the works of art capture your imagination.

With a full stomach and good mood, you drive a little further. On to the east. To Midwolda. On to the (old) granary of the province. A place where the wealth of a century ago can still be seen in the grand houses of prosperous gentleman farmers. If you look out of the window, you will undoubtedly come across them. After you have stretched your legs in the green area behind Ennemaborg, you pass one such striking example of a manor farm: Hermans Dijkstra. The English winding garden leads you to the imposing building. Beautiful on the outside, but perhaps even more so on the inside. The rooms breathe nostalgia and take you back in time. A good place for a cup of coffee with some local delicacies.

Time to move further into the province. On Hoofdweg in Finsterwolde sits weaving centre Golden Haand. A Valhalla for weaving enthusiasts. The enthusiastic owner welcomes you with open arms. Her enthusiasm is contagious. You could almost start weaving a pot yourself. After a nice chat, you head for Noordpolderzijl, near Hongerige Wolf- not a character from a book, but just a place name in Groningen. Walk along the dike and enjoy vast vistas. The silence does you good. You could stick around here for a while. Indeed, at the foot of the dyke there are hiker's huts where you can spend a lovely night. Are you more of a camper? Then drive a little further to Camping Noorderloo, where you can pitch your tent in the woods.

Wonderfully rested, you start day two of your adventure. De molenaar of the Korenbloem in Vriescheloo will be happy to help you on your way. The mill shop sells many local delicacies to give you the energy to carry on. After visiting the castle in Wedde, pick up a fresh bread roll at Leta bakery. She is famous for her rye bread, so be sure to grab a few thick slices of that too.

On to Veendam, the bustling heart of the Veenkoloniën. Peat used to be dug here on a large scale. The peat power station in the village is a reminder of this. Today it is a breeding ground for all kinds of creative people. From painters to metalworkers and other craftsmen. Feel free to walk in and see what everyone is working on. Who knows, you might come across something nice for your home.

The last part of the route takes you via Muntendam to the Kropswolderbuitenpolder, a beautiful nature reserve where you will see many birds flying and the famous Scottish Highlanders grazing. Feel free to Stap out of the car and switch to the footpath. Here you will find peace and quiet. And before you return to the city, pay a visit to ecological care farm De Mikkelhorst. Peek inside the wood splitting shop or buy a nice block of cheese in the country shop. Or pick up a few fresh stalks of rhubarb. You will have earned that after the long but wonderful journey through the province.