Travelling by bus through the Groningen countryside, you sometimes pass the most beautiful spots without even realising it. From idyllic villages to stately borgen and a zoo: in Groningen, anything is possible. Take bus route 65 from Groningen to Zoutkamp and stap off somewhere along the way. Come along and discover what’s on offer.
The most beautiful village in the Netherlands
When you ride the bus out of town, you also leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind you. Looking out of the window, the meadows seem to stretch infinitely far. Via Adorp and Sauwerd, you arrive in perhaps the most famous village in Groningen: Winsum. The village was voted the most beautiful village in the Netherlands in 2020 and soon you will notice why. Take a walk past the various windmills or have a drink at one of the waterside terraces. Would you rather go on the water? At Marenland, among others, you can rent a boat for a trip on the Winsumerdiep.
Villages with their own character
As the bus continues, you pass three villages, each with a very distinct character. The first stop can be recognised by the artwork STEENTIJD standing along the road. When you get off, you are at the edge of Mensingeweer. Above the village towers windmill 'de Hollandse Welvaart'. At the bottom is a coffee and tea shop and regular exhibitions are organised. A village further on in Eenrum, you can get to know all kinds of floral splendour in the Arboretum Notoarestoen. If you decide to stay a little longer, you'll end up in Wehe-den Hoorn. From the road you can already see Luchtwachttoren 7O1, which you can walk to from the village. Those who fancy a bit of a challenge can also visit Waddenfun, the largest indoor climbing park in the Netherlands.
Borgheren and monkeys as neighbours
After Wehe-den Hoorn, the next village soon awaits you: Leens. Before you have even entered the village, you are already in front of the driveway of Museum Borg Verhildersum. Here you can literally step out in front of the door. On the estate and in the stately borg, you will discover how the lives of the Groninger borghers and farm workers used to be. Less than 300 metres further on, you will already find Leens' next attraction. This is where monkeys, emus and all sorts of creepy-crawlies live in DoeZoo. A zoo where you can do a bit more than usual. Do you dare pet a bearded dragon?
Port city on the Reitdiep
The bus's last stop is in Zoutkamp, a village that once flourished thanks to a large fishing port by the sea, until it lost this important position after the closure of the Lauwersmeer. At the Fisheries Museum, you will learn all about this special history of the village. Maybe the village's harbour isn't as big as it used to be, but that doesn't mean there's no more fishing from Zoutkamp. You can hardly get your fish fresher than at Gaele Postma 's quay. From Zoutkamp you can also take a boat out onto the Lauwersmeer. Tired after a day full of activities? Then catch the bus back in no time. It's nice not to have to drive yourself and to be able to relax completely.
Broezz'n
At weekends, during holidays or on public holidays, you can also travel inexpensively through the province thanks to the Broezz'n card. For just €13.00, the two of you can travel unlimitedly on all Qbuzz buses throughout Groningen for a whole day. Out and about with children? Check the website for more information, as they can often travel for free.
