Around Kardinge

From the start, the route is a delight. As you walk along the 'Maple Leaf' path, you catch a glimpse of the beautiful Stefanus church in the village of Noorddijk between the trees. The picturesque village with wide green fields and paths, offers the perfect distance from the city hectic. Via the 'Maple Leaf' path, you walk towards the Bevrijdingsbos. This forest consists of as many as 30,000 maples and the maple leaf (Maple Leaf) is Canada's national symbol. The entrance to the forest is planted with maples, which are a gift from Canada's liberators.

The Kardinge nature and recreation area has an abundance of vast fields and diverse flora. Not entirely illogically, there is a wealth of biodiversity here. During the route, you listen to the songs of different species of birds and animals hiding in the foliage. And bird lovers take note: with an abundance of meadow birds, songbirds and even rare species such as the kingfisher and barn owl, it is a true paradise for bird watchers. Early birds even stand a chance of spotting deer in the morning.

Meanwhile, you have the first kilometre in your legs and you will be surrounded by lush greenery, shimmering water and the sound of Groningen nature. Follow the path of the water via Elema's Path and walk towards the Noordermolen. Built in 1805, the Noordermolen is one of the oldest surviving polder mills in the province of Groningen.

A little further on, you'll see the Hoogholtje over Zuidwending on your right. This authentic little bridge connects the Zuidwending with the Abbemaar, and is nestled in the heart of the Groningen landscape. Surrounded by lush greenery, the gentle lapping of the Zuidwending and the rich past of the Noordermolen, this little bridge makes the perfect backdrop for a photo.

Halfway along the route, you'll find Rietland. A place that exudes tranquillity and where fresh dishes from the region are served with a big smile. Enjoy the extensive lunch menu here, so you can whizz through the last kilometres of the route. After your stop at Rietland, continue towards the Beijum-Oost district. Groningen's greenest district, where the street names in the neighbourhood refer to names of Ommeland farms, called 'heerden' in Groningen.