Middelstum ‘Ommetje’ walking route

The start of the route is at borg Ewsum, the remains of a borg with a long and rich history. Little is known about the origins of the borg. The name Ewsum, from the Ewsum family, first appears in a charter from 1371. But it could well be that the borg stood there for much longer. The family ruled the region for centuries. They were known as fighters, who could sometimes act ruthlessly. Eventually, the van Ewsum family died out in the early 17th century. The borg was given to a cousin of the family, named Ripperda. In 1626, the borg passed to the Lewe family, who had it thoroughly restored in 1650. It was a beautiful building, with a 30-metre-high tower. However, the borg was sold in 1856 and the buyer had it demolished a few years later.

Nowadays, therefore, little remains of what was once one of Groningen’s most impressive borgen . Only the gun turret and one of the treasury buildings have survived. The tranquillity you now experience on the grounds stands in stark contrast to its turbulent family history. You can pop in for a cup of coffee or tea at the tea room. Treats such as apple pie or brownies are baked here on the premises. The tour takes you through the manor gardens, where they still work in the traditional way. Fruit and vegetables are grown here just as they were in 1800. A living time capsule where you can sample the authentic flavours of vervlogen tijden. The old fruit-bearing wall retains the sun’s heat, allowing peaches and apricots to grow.

On the fourth Saturday of the month, in the months of April to September, you will also find a regional produce market on the borg grounds. At this cosy market, you can buy all kinds of local delicacies, such as cheese, sausages, honey, bread and jam.

The route takes you along old paths through the characteristic arable and pasture land of the Hogeland. Along the way, you will come across a number of cultural-historical sights that recall how people used to live here. Ready for a break? Then deviate slightly from the route and visit Herberg in de Valk, a place where time seems to stand still. The monumental house and gelagkamer date from 1630 and exude a rich history. Guests used to arrive by coach, draught barge or snikke at De Kolk harbour. In 1810, Enne Reintjes, the innkeeper of the time, organised a spectacular hard trotting with two beautiful bridles at stake. How exciting it must have been then to watch the brave riders compete on their horses for the prize. The Inn was the hub of the community and brought people together. The Inn has changed a few times over the years, the old harbour has since been filled in and guests no longer come on horseback. The hospitality has remained and you are welcome on the terrace.

In Toornwerd, situated opposite the Ewsum manor grounds and thus at the end of your route, lie the remnants of a bygone era. Centuries ago, this little village was at its peak, when it had its own church and pastorie . Unfortunately, over time the building proved too small and fell into disuse. Fortunately, not everything has been lost. The churchyard has been preserved, and in 1894 it was given a new stone tower in which the old bell from the previous tower was hung.