Green Gems – Explore the Past
The first few metres through the city’s green oasis
The first metres of your cycle route are an instant delight. Start your adventure in the beautiful Noorderplantsoen, a green oasis in the heart of Groningen. Here you'll see geese, swans and ducks peacefully coexisting with Stadjers and students. This bustling park is a perfect place for a break, but after the 42-kilometre bike ride, a return here will feel even nicer - a valuable reward after your exertion.
From the bustling Korreweg to the nature-rich Kardinge
As soon as you leave the greenery of the Noorderplantsoen behind you, you cycle into the lively Korreweg neighbourhood. The neighbourhood is characterised by its diverse cultures and student population. The streetscape is therefore dotted with lovely eateries and people relaxing in parks such as Bernoulliplein.
The Gerrit Krol Bridge connects the Korreweg with Kardinge. This nature and recreation area takes you round the Lewenborg neighbourhood, past places such as Noorddijk. The Bevrijdingsbos and Edonbos are ideal spots to unwind for a while or soak up the beautiful natural surroundings. That’s what makes Groningen so great – a vibrant city, yet just a few minutes’ cycle away from peaceful natural surroundings.
“ “A bustling city, but just a few minutes’ cycle ride away and you find yourself in peaceful natural surroundings.” ”
Follow the flow of the Eems Canal
The current of the Eemskanaal carries you back towards the city via the Roeierspad. The name of the path gives it away: if you’re lucky, you’ll be cycling side by side with rowers here. Who’s faster?
Once you’ve arrived at Hoofdstation Groningen, continue your route and follow the railway line. We leave the bustling city behind and swap it for the tranquillity of the countryside as we head towards Haren. With every pedal stroke, the sounds of the city give way to the whispering of birds. If you have time, cycle straight on along Kerklaan and pay a visit to the Hortus botanicus Haren. The Hortus is one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens in the Netherlands. Spanning over twenty hectares, there’s plenty to discover for young and old alike.
Through wooded areas and refreshing waters
The historic cycle route offers a mix of green meadows and winding waterways, whilst taking you through ancient woods and parks. It’s an opportunity to experience the region’s rich heritage whilst exploring the landscape as it is today. After cycling around Oosterhaar, you’ll head towards Onnen. The village is home to several farms worth seeing, with the De Biks polder mill as a particular highlight.
The stretch between the two places is a beautiful stretch of countryside and is also known as the Harener Wilderness. For many cyclists, this is a challenging stretch due to the headwind you may encounter here. In that case, shift down a gear or increase the assistance on your electric bike, but above all, enjoy the tranquillity of Groningen’s countryside.
