Through the well-known and lesser-known spots
Walking through Winsum takes you back in time. With no fewer than 59 listed buildings, there’s something to see on every street corner. From a castle to old houses and historic farmsteads: here you’ll find distinctive buildings that have stood the test of time. It is therefore no surprise that the ANWB has named Winsum the most beautiful village in the Netherlands. Discover the historic and stunning Winsum for yourself – on foot, by bike or from the water.
“ ‘Why not take a look inside the windmill?’ ”
Impressive windmills
The wind is as old as humanity itself. We have been harnessing the wind for time immemorial. Windmills are a fine example of this. Winsum has two: De Ster on Molenstraat and De Vriendschap on Kerkstraat. Both are grain and husking mills. The former dates from 1851, whilst De Vriendschap dates from 1759 and was moved to Winsum in 1801. De Vriendschap is in fact one of the oldest working windmills in the country. De Ster is also still in operation. Can you see the sails of the mill(s) turning? If so, you can pop inside for a look.
From the water
Of course, you encounter a lot on foot too, but you look at the village differently from the water. You see more. You pass places you can't normally reach. Just around the corner. The Winsumerdiep, for instance, has a rich history. No fewer than three shipyards from the village used to make boats that sailed through this water. And now it's your turn. In a boat or a canoe, both of which you can rent at Marenland , among other places. Cruise past historic houses and under the two bridges that used to connect Winsum and Obergum.
“ ‘Sail past places you wouldn’t normally visit’ ”
Hills steeped in history
The province of Groningen is known for its many ‘wierden’. To be able to live in areas that were regularly flooded, people built wide mounds. On these, they could live high and dry. Winsum has no fewer than ten ‘wierden’, all of which are listed buildings. Two of the ten immediately catch the eye because of the churches standing on top of them. To find the other eight, you’ll need to look a little further afield.
Medieval religion
Winsum has two distinctive churches. The Torenkerk on Kerkstraat and the Sint Nicolaaskerk on Kerkpad. The latter has a largely intact ‘ossengang’ – the path around the church. A historical gem. Unique in its kind, as this path has been lost at many churches over the years. In addition, the village also has a synagogue, situated on Schoolstraat. But what is most striking are the stories about the Dominican monastery from the Middle Ages. Shrouded in mystery. To this day, nobody knows exactly where it stood. Only a few traces of the foundations have been found. The monastery of that time contained no fewer than seven altars and an organ, so it must have been quite large. One thing is certain.
“ ‘Sometimes you just have to look a little further’ ”
From Winsum
The village is also an excellent base from which to explore the rest of the surrounding area. Discover all the beauty around Winsum by bike. From the ‘Het Marenland’ tourist cycle point, you can head straight out into the Groningen countryside. Take a loop around the Reitdiep, follow the Lauwersmeer route or enjoy the fresh air in the polder landscape to the north. Prefer to get about on foot? It’s a lovely place for walkers too. However you choose to explore Winsum and its surroundings, the village and the surrounding countryside are a delight for the eyes and the soul. Get some fresh air. Here, you can truly unwind.
Meet local entrepreneurs with Moi Winsum
Winsum is a beautiful place with its many shops, pubs, windmills, churches, narrow streets – and, of course, that waterway running right through it. But is it the two bridges that connect Winsum and Obergum and offer such a lovely view over the meandering Winsumerdiep? The two windmills that spin merrily on windy days? Or is it the people who make Winsum unique? In the series ‘Moi Winsum’, we set out to discover the faces behind the most beautiful village in the Netherlands.
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Podwalk through Winsum
Winsum is steeped in history. Centuries ago, there was a monastery right in the centre of the village, and the steps of the Torenkerk also have a fascinating story to tell. With this podwalk, we’ll take you back to that era. As you walk, you’ll receive directions on which way to go to pass by the village’s most beautiful spots. Discover Winsum’s charm for yourself and experience the rich history that can still be felt in its streets.
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Out and about with the village guide
Of course, you will see a lot yourself, but the village guide will be happy to show you the hidden places. Learn all about Winsum's rich history and get to know its authentic and contemporary culture. There is a guided tour every Saturday at 10:30. Multiple times are also available on request. Walk along? Look here for more information.
“ ‘Here you can unwind’ ”
