Middelstum 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.

So today, little remains of what was once one of Groningen's most impressive borgen. Only the turret and one of the treasure houses remain. The peace you now experience on the grounds is in stark contrast to the turbulent family history. You can go there for a cup of coffee or tea in the tearoom. Delicacies like apple pie or brownies they bake here themselves. The route takes you through the borgtuinen, where they still do things the old-fashioned way. Fruit and vegetables are grown here as they were in 1800. A living time capsule where you can taste the authentic flavours of vervlogen tijden. The old fruit wall retains the warmth of the sun, 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, located opposite the Ewsum borg estate and thus at the end of your route, lie the remains of an earlier life. Centuries ago, this village had its heyday when it owned its own church and pastorie. Unfortunately, over time the building proved too small and went unused. Fortunately, not everything was lost. In fact, the churchyard was preserved and in 1894 it got a new stone tower in which the old bell from the previous tower was hung.