Active Westerkwartier

There’s plenty to do in the Westerkwartier, surrounded by beautiful countryside. Explore the region on horseback, play a round of farmer’s golf or try to reach the other side with dry feet on a pole-walking trail. Here, you’ll get to know the Westerkwartier in a completely different way. There’s no shortage of activities.

Horse riding

In the Westerkwartier, you have plenty of space and can fully enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. It will therefore come as no surprise that equestrian sports are very popular here. It is the perfect combination of sport and relaxation. Together with your horse, you can explore the distinctive landscape of the Westerkwartier. One moment you’ll be galloping at full speed along the long, open roads; the next, you’ll be riding along narrow paths, occasionally having to duck to avoid the branches of the trees. A booklet detailing all the riding routes is available at the Tourist Information Point (TIP) at Langoed Nienoord. In the coming months, the number of carriage and horse riding routes will be further expanded thanks to the efforts of Westerkwartier Paardenkwartier. On the back of a horse, you’ll forget the whole world.

Zuiderham Farmers’ Golf, Aduard

Playing golf through the meadows with a clog as your golf club. In Aduard, you can enjoy a friendly game of farmer’s golf with family or friends. It’s not that different from normal golf – you just have to make sure you get the ball into the plastic bucket in as few strokes as possible. However, the surroundings are very different – you’ll be walking through a meadow amongst cows and sheep. So make sure you wear warm, old clothes and don’t forget your wellies. A real farm experience, in other words.

The Blotevoetenhof Tea Garden pole-walking route

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.

Marum mountain bike route

This challenging 30-kilometre cycle route takes you through the unique bocage landscape of the southern Westerkwartier. The route starts at the car park of Horeca Centrum Heerlijkheid in Marum. Passing through the Slibsterbos, you’ll cycle through the Coendersbos, where deciduous and coniferous trees alternate. Part of the route also takes you along surprising country lanes and shortcuts. For an extra challenge, take the route towards Jan Dijkzand at the Jonkersvaart. This technical 5-kilometre loop takes you through Jan Dijk’s private sculpture garden, where you’ll encounter difficult obstacles. There are many junctions and dangerous crossings along 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.

Fancy a bit of relaxation?

Have you enjoyed one of these active outings and are you ready to relax? Then pay a visit to Wellnessresort de Waterlelie on the Oudestreek in Zevenhuizen. There, you can enjoy a variety of unique saunas. You can have a cosy chat with friends in the chat sauna and unwind in the beautiful salt-stone sauna. You can rinse off under the water spouts, in the plunge pool or by the babbling waterfall. Outside, you can take a stroll through the large garden or float in one of the pools. Still suffering from muscle ache or tiredness after your day out? Then opt for a (hot stone) massage and pop into the infrared sauna afterwards.