Active Westerkwartier

There is a lot to do in the Westerkwartier. Nice with lots of nature around you. Explore the region from the back of a horse, play a game of farmer's golf or try to reach the other side with dry feet on a pole vault route. Here you get to know the Westerkwartier in a whole new way. Plenty of activities.

Riding

In the Westerkwartier, you have plenty of space and enjoy the beautiful nature. It will therefore come as no surprise that horse riding is widely practised here. It is the perfect combination of sport and relaxation. Together with your horse, you will discover the special landscape of the Westerkwartier. One moment you gallop at full speed over the long stretched out roads, the next moment you ride over narrow paths and occasionally have to duck for the branches of the trees. At the Tourist Information Point (TIP) on Langoed Nienoord, a booklet is available with all the bridleways. In the near future, the number of riding and driving routes will only increase thanks to the efforts of Westerkwartier Paardenkwartier. On the back of a horse, you forget the whole world.

Zuiderham Farmers' Golf Aduard

Golfing through the meadows with a clog as a golf club. In Aduard, you play a fun game of farmer's golf with family or friends. The difference with normal golf is not very big; you have to make sure you get the ball into the plastic bucket in as few strokes as possible. The surroundings are very different though, as you walk in a meadow among cows and sheep. So wear warm and old clothes and don't forget your boots. A real farming experience then.

The pole route Tea Garden Blotevoetenhof

Armed with a pole vault, you will complete a challenging route through the nature of the southern Westerkwartier. To recharge you for your adventure, you start with a drink and something tasty at Theetuin Blotevoetenhof. Then you will get the pole in your hands and a short explanation will follow. Will you get to the other side dry? With the pole vault route, you will jump over fifteen different ditches and pools. If you prefer a normal walk, you can also follow one of the walking routes from the tea garden. If you are not afraid of getting wet or dirty, the Blotevoetenpad is also an option.

Mountain bike route Marum

With this challenging 30-kilometre route, you cycle through the unique coulisse landscape of the southern Westerkwartier. The route starts at the car park of Horeca Centrum Heerlijkheid in Marum. Via the Slibsterbos, you go through the Coendersbos, where deciduous and coniferous trees alternate. Part of the route also takes you along surprising country roads and shortcuts. For an extra challenge, take the route towards Jan Dijkzand at Jonkersvaart. This technical 5-kilometre loop takes you through Jan Dijk's private sculpture garden and encounters difficult obstacles. There are many splits and dangerous crossings on the route. Pay close attention to the signs and enjoy this beautiful track.

Swimming

Do you prefer diving into the water? At Zwemkasteel Nienoord in Leek or swimming pool Eekeburen in Oldekerk you can swim laps at your leisure, take part in fun activities such as aquarobics or play in the water with the whole family. Both also have indoor pools, making them ideal on a drizzly day.

In need of relaxation?

Did you enjoy one of these active outings and are ready to relax? Then visit Wellnessresort de Waterlelie on Oudestreek in Zevenhuizen. There you can enjoy several original saunas. You can have a cosy chat in the chat sauna and relax in the beautiful salt stone sauna. You can rinse off under the gargoyles, in the plunge pool or by the splashing waterfall. Outside, take a walk in the large garden or float in one of the pools. Still sore or tired after your outing? Then opt for a (hot stone) massage and dive into the infrared sauna afterwards.