Hoornseplas and Paterswoldsemeer
What’s on?
Take a dip in the water
When the mercury rises and temperatures get warmer, you’ll want to cool off. The beaches around the lakes are ideal spots for a refreshing dip in the water. For the little ones, there’s a play and paddling pool on the beach at the Hoornseplas, so they can splash about too.
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Have fun
On the beach at Hoornseplas, there are also plenty of play options for the little ones. For older children, there are several large play structures, such as a large climbing tower from the top of which they can enjoy views across the whole area. Children can really let off steam here. From the grassy area surrounding the play equipment, you can easily keep an eye on them.
Just doing nothing at all
The lake district isn’t just a great place for activities; it’s also a lovely spot to enjoy the fine weather with your friends. You can always find a spot amongst the greenery. Bring a blanket, fire up the barbecue, and you’re in for a lovely day. At the end of the evening, you can enjoy the sunset over the lake. Today, you don’t have to do a thing.
Dining by the water
Do you like to be pampered in a restaurant? Around the Hoornseplas and the Paterswoldsemeer there are more than enough nice places to find. From the beach of the Hoornseplas, for instance, you can walk straight onto the terrace of restaurant Kaap Hoorn. From the terrace you have beautiful views over the lake. A little further on, this is also possible at Loetje, where you can enjoy the most delicious steaks. And at the Rietschans too, you are guaranteed a good evening.
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Get active
The water is not only nice for swimming, there is also more than enough space for a wide variety of water sports. For many activities on the water, you can go to Teuntje de Slak. There you can sail, supper and surf. They offer lessons for beginners, but also for the more experienced. Want something different? Then strap on your skis and skim across the water at WaterSkiClub Paterswoldsemeer. That way, you'll get to know the lakes in a different way.
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Unwind on a stand-up paddleboard
Fancy an active afternoon, but also want to completely unwind? Then challenge yourself with a SUP yoga class. It’s great fun and good for your balance and stability. Weather permitting, classes are held every Wednesday at the Hoornseplas. These are suitable for all levels. Of course, there’s always the risk of taking a refreshing dip in the water if you’re not quite balanced yet. But is that really such a bad thing…
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A tour of the lakes
There are many walking and cycling paths around the Hoornseplas, the Hoornsemeer and the Paterswoldsemeer . Ideal for a lovely walk or cycle ride. During a trip around the lakes, you’ll discover just how diverse the lakeside landscape is. Whilst nature reigns supreme in one spot, on the other side you’ll find yourself amongst remarkable buildings. Along the way, there are plenty of places to stop for a break, whether on a restaurant terrace or with your feet in the water. There’s plenty to discover.
Wall House #2
Near the Hoornsemeer is a very special building. The enormous wall, 18.5 metres wide and 14 metres high, is particularly striking. This Wall House was designed by the American architect John Hejduk. He designed several Wall Houses, but ultimately Wall House #2 in the city is the only one actually built. The building is managed by the Groninger Museum Museum, so it regularly hosts exhibitions and events. This summer, you can admire the exhibition 'Are You Now' by artists Gabrielle Kroese, Sabine Liedtke and Ismaël Lotz there.
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Accessibility
Whether by car, bike or on foot: the Hoornseplas is easiest to reach by any means via the Groningerweg. On this side, there is a large car park where you can easily park your car or bike. The Paterswoldsemeer is best accessed from the Meerweg; on this side, there are several free car parks where you can park your bike or car.
Public transport: Bus route 9, which runs between the Zernike Campus and Eelde, stops every half hour at various stops along the Groningerweg. From here, it’s just a short walk to the lakes.
