Wierde Helwerd
In 786, missionary Liudger came to Groningen and met the blind Bernlef. After a miraculous prayer, Bernlef was able to see again, making Helwerd a place of pilgrimage.
Have a look now
For centuries, mounds were the beating heart of villages in Groningen. One of the most fascinating stories takes place on the double mound of Helwerd.
Around the year 786, missionary Liudger came to Groningen. Here he met the blind Bernlef, a beloved folk singer and poet who was to know nothing of Christianity. But everything changed when Liudger laid his hands on Bernlef's eyes and prayed. Suddenly Bernlef could see again! This miracle made Helwerd a place of pilgrimage to which people came from far and wide.
Today, you can feel the peace and the past on the Helwerder mounds. This special area is now managed as nature. While sheep graze peacefully, you imagine yourself in a time when history and stories are still very much alive.