Wind along to the mill

Cycle route along Reitdiep

As you traverse the Groningen countryside, you pass special places. Where time seems to stand still. Where the wind is embraced. Where products are made according to traditional methods. On the way to these places, you will marvel at northern nature. Join us on this cycle route through your own backyard. There is so much to see.

" 'One minute you are still in the city, the next you are greeted by the lambs in the meadow.' "

Spring around you

Cycling past the many cottages on the banks of the Reitdiep, you enter the surrounding countryside. One moment you are still in the city, the next you are greeted by lambs in the meadow. They look at you with their woolly heads, soft bleating and characteristic sheep-like gaze. A little further on, the flowers bloom along the waterfront.

Via the Jaagpad and the Spikkenburg, you exchange the Reitdiep for the Aduaderdiep. The further you cycle, the vaster the landscape. The longer the roads and the greater the emptiness. Along the way, you see cows grazing and geese nesting. Rustic farmhouses and meadows characterise the vast surroundings. On the horizon, you can see the village centre of Feerwerd. An old windmill towers above the trees.

At the mill, you are most welcome. Miller Dirk Douglas greets you. Together with two others, he runs the Joeswert. A 165-year-old corn mill under the smoke of Feerwerd. Its large sails glisten in the spring light. Inside the mill, time has stood still. From dusty corners to old scales and weathered wood. The miller's profession is therefore 200 years old. And you can feel it.

Here, milling is done traditionally and organically. From Groningen grain to wheat flour and spice cake and poffert mix: this is pure nature. And you can taste it. Want to know for yourself how it tastes? Bake a nut cake, for example, using our recipe with flour from the mill. You can take it with you in your rucksack. The little shop next door is full of goodies to take home and is open every Friday and Saturday afternoon. Or give Dirk a call, he is often nearby.

From suburb to city

With a packed rucksack, you stap on your bike. On the de molenaar 's advice, you head back towards town via Garnwerd. On your left, you see the village's 13th-century church, hidden behind the blossom. The soft pink of the flower makes it look peaceful. Further on, you look out over the meadows and greenery and hear the sound of the many birds. As the sun shines through the trees, you'll eventually arrive back at the town past Krassum and Oostum. Don't hesitate to take an alternative route from the mill. There are plenty of them.