Groningen has something to offer for everyone. Fanatical walking and cycling enthusiasts can indulge themselves with beautiful routes, but families with children also have plenty to discover. Walk barefoot through the mud with the whole family or go on a special adventure with a donkey.
Blotevoetenpad Trail Opende
Is it an obstacle course? A walking trail? Both? In the Westerkwartier lies a rather special path: ‘t Blôde Fuottenpaad, or the Opende Blotevoetenpad . Two things are certain: you’ll be taking off your shoes and socks, and you won’t stay clean. Walking barefoot through mud, across water and over grass. Along the way, you’ll climb over tree trunks and crawl along a rope to cross the ditch. Messy fun in nature for young and old alike.
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Lettelberterpetten walking route
Near the village of Lettelbert, you’ll find a boardwalk around a marsh forest. The name ‘Lettelberterpetten’ refers to the so-called ‘petgaten’ (peat pits) that were created after peat extraction. These filled with water. The wet peat was drained on the narrow strips of land between the ‘petgaten’, known as ‘legakkers’. This structure is still recognisable in the landscape. The 2.5 km walking route runs around the swamp forest.
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Ger’s Ezelstal , Vriescheloo
In the woods around Vriescheloo, you can go on a truly special walk. Here, you can set off on an adventure through the countryside with a donkey. At Ger’s Ezelstal , they have eight different donkeys you can take out for a walk. Various routes ranging from 4.5 to 12 kilometres have been mapped out for you to walk. Along the way, there’s plenty of time for a lovely picnic. Not much of a walker? You can also pop in for a cuddle session or some yoga with the donkeys.
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Appelbergen
The primal force of nature has left an indelible mark on the Groningen landscape. In the Appelbergen near Glimmen, this has created a wooded landscape full of small lakes, rolling hills and drifting sand. Being so close to the city, it’s a popular spot for a family day out. Don’t be alarmed if you suddenly spot an adder slithering away! At the Paviljoen, you can play in the playground and enjoy delicious pancakes.
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Zeehondenkijkwand
Seals regularly swim via the Eems to the Dollard. The mothers give birth to their pups on the sandbanks close to the coast. That is why the Dollard is nicknamed ‘the maternity ward of the Wadden Sea’. From spring to autumn, a zeehondenkijkwand is set up on the sea wall, allowing you to get a good look at the mothers and their pups without disturbing them.
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Car puzzle tours
Discover special spots in the province whilst solving puzzles. Will you choose the route through the Westerkwartier or the Hogeland, or opt for the new route through Midden-Groningen? During a journey of around 70 kilometres, you’ll pass beautiful nature reserves and interesting sights. Find out more and more about the route you’re going to drive and answer questions about the things you see. Can you answer all the questions correctly? For the children in the back seat, there are extra fun puzzles and a car bingo game.
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Egelpad Sellingen
Meet the little prickly hedgehog in the Sellinger Forest. There you’ll find a special trail: the Egelpad. Along this route, the hedgehogs show you the way. You’ll complete various little tasks along the way. Can you run as fast as a hedgehog? Or do you know what a hedgehog’s paw print looks like? You’ll find the answers to these and many more questions as you walk along this trail.
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Birdwatching Trail
National Park Lauwersmeer is a wonderful place to enjoy birdwatching. Especially for children aged 6 to 12, there is the Bird Discovery Trail at Activiteitencentrum Lauwersnest . Pick up the free booklet with the tasks at the centre, keep your eyes and ears peeled, and search for eight nesting boxes. There, you can complete the tasks from the booklet.
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Gnome Trails
Did you know that gnomes live near Sellingen, Roegwold and Lauwersmeer? The gnomes are busy all day long. What are they up to? If you follow the gnome trail, you’ll find out for yourself. The gnome trails are marked routes ranging from 500 metres to 1.5 kilometres, designed for children aged 3 to 7. The children are given a rucksack and a red pointed hat to wear.
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Cycling routes for children
Great cycling routes for children have been mapped out in various places across the province. During a ride of up to 15 kilometres, they set out to solve various mysteries. Along the way, they must complete tasks to collect letters, which can be used to crack the code. Found the solution? Then you can move on to the next level!
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Routebureau Groningen
Need a different route or want to decide which way to go? Then take a look at the Routebureau Groningen. There you will find even more beautiful routes through the province and you can easily put together your own route using the junction network. There is something for everyone.
