Day trip by bike through northern Groningen

Outfit? Check. Tyre pressure? Check. Then the tour can begin, and where better to do so than in Bedum? This Groningen village is known, among other things, as the birthplace of Arjen Robben and for its striking Walfriduskerk. This piece of heritage was built in the village in the 11th century. The church is best known for its leaning tower. The difference between the top and bottom is a whopping 2.61 metres. That means the tower is 4.2 degrees out of plumb. That is even more skewed than the world-famous leaning tower of Pisa, which is 'only' 3.19 degrees out of plumb.

Before you leave Bedum behind, a good cup of coffee at De Koffieleut cannot be missed. After a kick of caffeine and Bedumer hospitality, you leave the village via the Sint-Annerweg and set course towards Stedum. The landscape opens up almost immediately: wide skies, long lines and that typical Groningen feeling that everything can go just a bit slower.

In Stedum, the Bartholomeüskerk is already waiting for you. Park your bike, walk around the church, look up and take it in. The village with less than 1,000 inhabitants breathes Groningen: characteristic brick houses, with narrow streets that tell stories of the past. Between Stedum and Loppersum is organic farm Eikemaheert. An ideal stop to take in what you have seen so far, and where you not only see what the region produces, but can also literally taste it. Good to know: the Eikemaheert is only open on Saturday mornings between 10.00 - 13.00.

Loppersum feels like a village with a solid core: welcoming and quirky, with plenty of reasons to stop off. Via Molenweg (the name says it all), windmill de Stormvogel greets you and you cycle into Loppersum. The village is not only unique because of its protected townscape; it is also home to Zoutwaterbad K.P. Zijl: a hand-excavated saltwater pool whose water is pumped up from a spring 112 metres deep. From May, take a refreshing break here. And then there is the village's living room: L'Hopster village brewery, which also houses the French bistro De Eetkamer. The best of both worlds under one roof: locally brewed and French-inspired. Next, follow the flow of the Loppersumer Wijmers. Cross the Damsterdiep and you almost automatically roll into Garrelsweer.

Garrelsweer is small in size (about 450 inhabitants), but big in details. You will find not one, but two mills: the Meervogel and the Kloostermolen. Built in 1801 and 1877 respectively, the mills have stood the test of time. Combine that with a short stop at Galerie Ruigewaert and you have just the kind of village you would actually want to stay longer than your schedule allows. The gallery offers annually changing exhibitions featuring contemporary northern artists.

Via the Stadsweg, parallel to the Damsterdiep, you cycle into Appingedam. It is one of the few towns in the province and, unusually, even the only place in Groningen (besides the city of Groningen) with medieval city rights. This is where it pays to park your bike a little longer. Appingedam is of course known for its iconic Hangende Keukens. The historic buildings once served as warehouses, but were later converted into homes. There was little room for a kitchen in the residential house; therefore, the kitchens were built hanging over the Damsterdiep . In addition, dive into the city's history at Museum Stad Appingedam and take a refreshing pick-me-up at Paviljoen Overdiep, overlooking the Nieuwe Diep.

The final leg takes you to Delfzijl. The sky gets saltier, the horizon wider, and you find yourself getting closer to water and harbour. Stap inside MuzeeAquarium for a surprisingly fun finale. Here you will see fish and other marine animals of the Wadden and North Seas. The aquarium is housed in an original World War II ammunition bunker. On the dike, you are not only treated to an insane view of the Eems; here you will also find the monument to Ede Staal: without a doubt Groningen's most famous singer.

After a day of pedalling, it's okay to opt for comfort. The train connection from Delfzijl to Groningen is ideal, taking you back in about 45 minutes. And for the real diehards: cycling back is of course also possible, counting on about an extra hour and a half, with the wind as the determining factor.