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Let the wind carry you to the windmill

Cycling route along the Reitdiep

As you travel through the Groningen countryside, you’ll pass special places. Places where time seems to stand still. Where the wind is embraced. Where products are made using traditional methods. On your way to these places, you’ll marvel at the northern countryside. Join us on this cycle route through our own back garden. There’s so much to see.

“ ‘One moment you’re still in the city; the next, you’re greeted by lambs in the meadow.’ ”

Spring all around you

Cycling past the many cottages along the banks of the Reitdiep, you’ll soon find yourself in the countryside. One moment you’re still in the city; the next, you’re greeted by lambs in the meadow. With their woolly heads, soft bleating and that characteristic sheep-like gaze, they look right at you. A little further on, flowers are blooming along the water’s edge.

Via the Jaagpad and the Spikkenburg, you’ll leave the Reitdiep behind and head towards the Aduaderdiep. The further you cycle, the more expansive the landscape becomes. The roads stretch on and on, and the open spaces grow ever wider. Along the way, you’ll see cows grazing and geese nesting. Rustic farmhouses and meadows characterise the expansive surroundings. On the horizon, you can see the village centre of Feerwerd. An old windmill towers above the trees.

You’re very welcome at the mill. Miller Dirk Douglas greets you. Together with two others, he runs the Joeswert – a 165-year-old corn mill just outside 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. After all, the miller’s trade is 200 years old. And you can really 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 the countryside to the city

With your rucksack packed, you stap on your bike. On de molenaar advice, you head back towards the city via Garnwerd. On your left, you can see the village’s 13th-century church, hidden behind the blossom. The soft pink of the flowers creates a peaceful scene. Further on, you look out over the meadows and greenery and hear the sound of the many birds. As the sun glistens through the trees, you pass Krassum and Oostum before finally reaching the city again. Don’t hesitate to take an alternative route from the mill. There are plenty to choose from.