Low-threshold Groningen routes - Art and nature playgrounds in the Onlanden
Low-threshold Groningen routes - Art and nature playgrounds in the Onlanden
4.4
(93)
629
hikers
Low-threshold Groningen routes - Art and nature playgrounds in the Onlanden
01:43
6.83km
10m
Hiking
Explore the Onlanden region on this accessible walk through unspoiled nature! This 6.8-kilometer route combines art and natural playgrounds. Don't forget your binoculars to spot the many birds you'll find here!
The route quickly takes you deep into the beautiful De Onlanden nature reserve, which covers approximately 2,500 hectares. The name "Onlanden" refers to the large-scale water storage in this area, which has turned part of it into "land" again. This combination of land and water is unique and creates a unique ecosystem teeming with wild geese and waterfowl. During your walk, you'll often see large brown cows grazing in the meadows, completing the idyllic picture.
The walking route ends at the Onlanderij, where you'll find a natural playground where children can play to their heart's content, while you enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.
How to get there? You can park your car just past De Onlanderij, next to Farmer Sytse's barn with cows. This is indicated by signs. Arriving by public transport? If you don't mind walking another 15 minutes, you can walk from the Hoornseplas bus stop to the start.
Last updated: February 3, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Get Directions
2.14 km
The Onlanden Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.68 km
Highland Cattle in De Onlanden
Highlight • Natural
Translated by Google •
Tip by
6.22 km
View Over De Onlanden
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
6.81 km
The Onlanderij
Highlight • Rest Area
Translated by Google •
Tip by
6.83 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
2.97 km
2.79 km
1.05 km
Surfaces
2.89 km
2.47 km
1.09 km
367 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Sunday 31 May
23°C
9°C
17 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
This route was planned by komoot.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Around 1300 monks walked from the monastery in Aduard to the monastery in Vries. On the way they passed the place where the Lookout Tower now stands. Because this area was a bit higher, it was an excellent place to take a break. According to tradition, a statue or several statues stood on this site. Natuurmonumenten has set out a 6.6 km route through the Onlanden that starts at the Onlanderij on the Madijk. In the distance you can see the watchtower towering high above the landscape. The walk starts on the Zanddijk where you cross the Eelderdiep halfway through. Further on, turn left into Drentsedijk. At the end of this country road you almost walk past the tower, unfortunately there is no path from this road. For this you have to walk a little further to the Noorddijk where you eventually reach the statue via an 'experience path'. Take a moment and enjoy the view. You continue the route by turning left into the Noorddijk. Via a grass path you reach a bridge over the Eelderdiep. The route of Natuurmonumenten follows the Omslagene Eelderdiep over the Madijk. I decide to turn left via a grassy path to follow the (Original) Eelderdiep. Eventually this path also returns to the Madijk, before you realize it you are back at the Onlanderij.
Met friends from Germany at De Onlanderij. After lunch there we took a walk through the Onlanden, during which we also visited the lookout tower. It was a very nice and pleasant day.