Winter walks

Discover winter at its best with these eight walking routes. From the quiet Onlanden to the icy vistas of Noordpolderzijl; here you will experience the tranquillity of winter nature. With ease, you'll get your daily dose of daylight. Walk through the beautiful Roegwold or explore Groningen's atmospheric city centre. Put on your walking shoes and be enchanted by Groningen's winter wonderland.

Noordpolderzijl

In the northernmost part of Groningen lies Noordpolderzijl, with the smallest open sea port in the Netherlands. An oasis of peace and space, where winter covers the polder fields with a fine layer of hoarfrost. Birds flutter over the icy water in search of their meal, while you stroll along the dike. Here you enjoy the wide views over the mud flats, with the Wadden Islands of Schiermonnikoog, Rottumeroog, Rottumerplaat and German Borkum in the distance. Afterwards, you can enjoy a hot farmer's toast or a piece of arretjescake at Café 't Zielhoes, the perfect way to end your winter adventure.

Kloosterbos Ter Apel

The village of Ter Apel grew up around a monastery in the ^15th century. This monastery is also the starting point of numerous beautiful walking routes. The imposing old oaks and beeches of the Kloosterbossen make it an oasis of tranquillity. The forest also has a hand-powered cable car. This 22.4-metre-long cable car is the first in the Netherlands and runs along the banks of the Ruiten Aa. Use the spinning wheels to get yourself to the other side. With a bit of strength, you can spin yourself across in no time. If that doesn't warm you up yet, you can always go to Hotel Boschhuis for a well-earned piece of apple pie.

Onlands

Just outside the hustle and bustle of the city, you will discover the peaceful winter leasehold of De Onlanden. This nature reserve offers an oasis of silence and beauty. In the nature of de Onlanden , you encounter a lot of water. The area is closely connected to streams and other waters nearby and serves as a water storage area for the city. So in winter, the landscape transforms into an enchanting scene of frozen lakes and ponds. Rising above nature is the area's large observation tower. At 26 metres high, you can see endlessly far. You can see Leekster Lake in the distance and have a breathtaking view of the city. Also wave at the people on the Martinitoren, they might even wave back.

't Roegwold

Just half an hour from the city you will find 't Roegwold: a unique nature area with swamps, reed beds and many special bird species. In this area lies 't Roege Pad, which consists of four 'rugged' walking routes through 't Roegwold and the surrounding villages. The routes often run over unpaved terrain, along ditches and ancient church paths. The routes are all about twenty kilometres long and for each route, you will receive a matching pin with a full stamp card. A nice reward for a wonderful walk.

City walk

You can of course take a lovely walk in the city. Especially in winter, this is a good idea, as the city is perhaps at its cosiest during these months. Walk through the beautifully lit streets and discover the always beautiful Hoge der A. Pause at one of the many cosy coffee shops for a hot chocolate and stroll along atmospheric shop windows. Not so familiar with the city yet? Then get a city walk from the Groningen Store in the Forum and discover Groningen's icons right away.

Podwalk through Winsum

Discover the history of Winsum, voted the most beautiful village in the Netherlands in 2020. Centuries ago, there was a large monastery in the centre, where monks and squires walked the streets. Did you know that there is a special story behind the steps of the Tower Church? During this podwalk, we will take you back to those times. During the walk, you will be given directions on which direction to go to pass various historical sites.

Dark sky park

Have you ever tried counting the stars? The less light there is around you, the more stars you see. At the Dark Sky Park Lauwersmeer, you experience this in a big way. It is so dark here at night that you can actually see everything. And at this time of year, you don't even have to stay up late. Walk one of the trails or join an excursion and learn all about nocturnal animals and constellations.

Punt van Reide

At the Punt van Reide , the water has free rein. This is where the fresh water of the Eems and the salt water of the Wadden Sea meet. This creates a wide variety of animals that seek refuge here. In winter, admire the spectacular attacks of the peregrine falcon from the bird-watching hut or visit Batterij Fiemel. And while you're in the area: get a bowl of kibbeling at Vispaleis Westerhuis in Termunterzijl after your walk.