Er gaat niets boven Groningen
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Groningen is a province abounding in water, with many different canoe routes and even canoe villages and campsites. Owing to the numerous lakes and canals, Groningen can be viewed from the water by boat or canoe as well as from roads and paths.
Canoeing
Canoeing through Groningen is another wonderful experience! Get to know the province from the water. The picturesque village of Winsum has in particular developed into a pre-eminent canoeing village, but many other places in Groningen can be reached by canoe. There are no fewer than 850 kilometres of “canoeing waters” in the province. An extensive overview of options is described on the Groningen canoe map available at canoe hiring companies and Tourist Information Offices.
Recreational sailing
Sailing also provides a wonderful view of the Groningen countryside, with its farms, mills, and terp villages. Sail from the city of Groningen through an almost untouched scenic area to the Leekstermeer lake. Via a narrow canal, sail on to Nienoord to visit the Nationaal Rijtuigmuseum (National carriage museum) and the Schelpengrot (shell cave). The return trip takes in the Van Starkenborgkanaal, which is used intensively by professional shipping from Amsterdam and Rotterdam to the German hinterland. Pass the new Oostersluis (canal lock) with a fall of almost two metres. There are several canoe campsites and small and large marinas throughout the province, so be sure to visit us by boat.
A day at the lakes
The Lauwersmeer is ideal for surfing and sailing as it has good wind and ample shallow water. The Leekstermeer, Paterswoldse, and Zuidlaardermeer lakes are also very suitable for water activity. The picturesque Zuidlaardermeer originated as a natural broadening of the Hunze in the ice age. Due to the peat extraction in the 12th century, an important shipping route of the Hunze developed, running via the Zuidlaardermeer to the city of Groningen. On the Schildmeer, paddle to the marshy area at the south side of the lake. This 14-hectare lake was constructed in the framework of land consolidation and is of great importance for the birds in and around the lake. The Paterswoldsemeer is ideal for a day’s recreation, such as swimming and cycling on a peddle boat.
