Seals… so close!
Checking out seals at the Punt van Reide
The Punt van Reide is a Dutch peninsular which is part of the municipality of Delfzijl and lies between the Dollard and the Eems, near Termunten. From spring to autumn, a special seal viewing wall is set up on the sea dike in Termunten, at the Punt van Reide. This is an ideal opportunity to spot seals and their pups in their natural surroundings without disturbing them. A unique location in the Netherlands which you can now visit. Behind the viewing wall, visitors are invisible to the animals. The special peep-holes in the wall allow you to watch the seals without disturbing them. The Groninger Landschap organisation wants everyone to enjoy this amazing natural phenomenon.
From junction to junction
Biking
Biking from junction to junction around the cycling network will transport you to the most beautiful spots of panoramic Groningen. Take to the pedals and enjoy the wind in your hair. The sea dike, the ancient raised mounds, the gardens, the country houses and former forts. Or why not visit the friendly villages with their lovely patio cafés where you can take a break. Groningen is at the same time large and small enough for fantastic cycling trips. The cycling network organised in numbered junctions gives you all the freedom you need.
Gems not to be missed include: “Kiek over Diek”, “Molenaarsroute”, “Pieterpad” and “Mest en Vork route”. Have fun cycling!
Beautiful panoramic Groningen
Walking
Panoramic views, variegated and abundant countryside, beautifully tranquil walking paths. Follow the route poles over hunting paths and ancient trade routes. While it’s fun to organise a lovely walking route beforehand, you don’t really need to. Walk around green salt marshes and villages built from red brick. Wander the vast coastline and centuries of architecture. Get a breath of fresh air in the countryside or take a trip down memory lane: walking in Groningen is good for you.
Gems not to be missed include: “Pieterpad” and “Het getemde wad”, “Waterwegen en zijlen” and “Pronkjewailpad”
So beautiful.. so close
The village of Termunten
The area around Termunten and Termunterzijl also features fun places of interest. A visit to the Cremer Pumping Station Museum should certainly be on your list. There, you can learn how people in these low-lying areas keep their feet dry. And while you’re in Termunten, don’t miss out on eating fresh fish at Landman Fish restaurant or the Westerhuis Vispaleis. Not to forget the seals at the Punt van Reide and the Second World War bunkers of Batterij Fiemel.
Closer to home, there’s also plenty to do. How about (indoor) swimming in Dubbelslag, Kardinge, Schildmeer, Gruno or Tropicana, climbing and clambering around Ballorig or the Adventurepark Waddenfun, trampolines at JumpXL, a visit to the petting zoo or DoeZoo Leens, a trip to the Muzee aquarium, climbing the Martini tower or taking in a film at the cinema.
Blowing away cobwebs
A day in Borkum
Although the island of Borkum lies close to the coast of Groningen and Schiermonnikoog, it is clearly different from all the Dutch Wadden islands. Lovely attractions on Borkum include the small town, the beach and the spa centre with heated seawater. A very special feature is the sandbank frequented by seals, close to the boulevard. Climb the lighthouse and you’ll have fantastic views of the island and the Wadden Sea. The bathing resort on Borkum is a typical German-style spa resort featuring beautiful 19th-century buildings now often housing hotels and restaurants. On arriving on Borkum, you really feel like you’ve travelled abroad.
Ferry MS Romanticay
Eemshaven to Norway
If you want to go to Norway by car, camper or caravan, you must always drive to Germany or Denmark first. What long distances are. This will be over from 2022. Then a ferry service to Southern Norway will start from Eemshaven in Groningen. The ferry will take you to the city of Kristiansand. The new company Holland Norway Lines will sail with the MS Romantika, a modern ferry. Thanks to the new connection, you can travel comfortably from the Netherlands to Norway. It saves many hours of driving.
Second historical city of the province
Appingedam
Appingedam is a port with a rich history and besides the city of Groningen, this is the only official mediaeval city in the province. And they certainly worked hard to achieve that title. The wealth dating from the days when Appingedam was an important trading centre is still very much visible wherever you look. But they were also a pragmatic people here. The famous hanging kitchens are very much proof of that. The cosy shopping streets and alleyways invite you to discover Appingedam on foot. Saunter from bridge to bridge, as the old historic city centre of Appingedam invites you on a surprising city walk. There are many interesting shops, patio cafés on the waterside and museums & galleries well worth a visit.
Harbour
Delfzijl
Delfzijl, a fortified town located between the Dollard and Wadden Sea, which invites you not only to come shopping, but also to savour, experience and discover its age-old relationship with the water, on the dike, on the beach, under the old gateway and in the harbour. A town full of adventurous stories. But also a town with an age-old bond with the sea. The shopping streets of Delfzijl are all the more special because of their location within the contours of the former fortifications. Delfzijl and its harbour are certainly worth a visit.
Day out in the city
Groningen
Nothing tops Groningen! After all, the city of Groningen offers all kinds of things to see and do. From unique museums to surprising shops and activities. Wander around the city and admire the places of interest to be found on many of its streets. Or take a boat tour, cycle the ‘Gasbelroute’, enjoy the ‘De stad van het Noorden’ city walk, climb the Martini tower or simply relax at one of the many patio cafés.
The Netherlands.. land of water
Canoeing
Out we go, into the countryside! It’s time to experience these beautiful surroundings in a completely different manner. From the water. In a stable and well-behaved Canadian canoe or in an elegant kayak. Following a brief explanation, your paddling fun can begin. A few metres on, and you’ll get the hang of it, ready to dive into the world of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
