Zuidlaardermeer Loop
across two provinces
If you want to combine the beauty of Groningen and Drenthe, choose the cycle route Rondje Zuidlaardermeer. A trip through very different nature reserves, interspersed with cosy villages and restaurants.
The route starts on the Groningen side at Meerwijck beach. From here you have a good view over the lake, where people often sail and surf. There are plenty of catering establishments, such as Bodega Beach on the beach or Paviljoen De Leine with a large terrace overlooking the lake. De Leinwijk is the first nature reserve you pass. Farmland here has given way to tidal marsh.
Forests and dolmens
From De Groeve, cycle through the Tusschenwater nature reserve to the charming Drenthe village of Zuidlaren. Here, grab a seat on a terrace on De Brink or seek some peace and quiet and cycle out of the village to the first hunebed on the route, near Midlaren. This surprisingly large hunebed takes you back thousands of years in time. Although it’s tucked away behind a farm, you’re welcome to visit it.
The Vijftig Bunderbos and the Noordlaarderbos are centuries-old woodland areas. Here, silence descends upon you and the hectic world seems a long way off. Along the way, you can take a break at Natuurvriendenhuis De Hondsrug or at the cafés near Appèlbergen. Just outside Noordlaren lies the only hunebed in Groningen that still stands in its original location.
“ These water-rich polders are a paradise for bird species ”
