Around Zuidlaardermeer
by 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.
Forest and dolmens
From De Groeve, you cycle via the Tusschenwater nature reserve to the charming village of Zuidlaren in Drenthe. Grab a terrace on De Brink or seek peace and quiet and cycle out of the village to the first hunebed of the route, near Midlaren. The surprisingly large hunebed takes you thousands of years back in time. Although it is hidden behind a farm, feel free to go there.
The Vijftig Bunderbos and Noordlaarderbos are ancient woodlands. Here, silence descends on you and the hurried world seems very far away. En route, you can take a break at Natuurvriendenhuis De Hondsrug or at the catering establishments near Appèlbergen. Just outside Noordlaren is Groningen's only hunebed, still in its original place.
" These wetland polders are a paradise for bird species "
