The junkers route through the beautiful Woudbloem

The Woudbloem region in Groningen was still rough and inaccessible at the end of the 19th century. It was an area with a lot of water, with winding rivers such as the Scharmer AE and the Slochter AE. There were many trees, but the region also had extensive hay meadows and heathland. Fish, birds and game were plentiful as the area was virtually untouched by humans at the time. After 1900, the area was further developed and in 1904 a potato flour factory called'Woudbloem\\\' was built, which provided work for hundreds of people. As a result, the population and the construction of houses increased. In 1968 the factory ceased to exist, but the region continued to be known by the name of the factory. Whoever visits Woudbloem now sees the remaining, rugged pieces of nature, but also enjoys the vastness of the heathland. You can park your car in the parking lot. There today you get on your bike to explore the quiet Woudbloem. You will see the first sight on the route in Slochteren: Fraeylemaborg. The beautiful country house, which was built more than 700 years ago, is located on an estate that is over 23 hectares in size. The stone house and the estate have been well preserved. The deposit has been repurposed; a restaurant is located in the former treasure house; the coach house houses a museum shop and exhibition spaces. The building, which is surrounded by a baroque-style park, is now also rented out as a venue for celebrations and parties. You continue cycling through Slochteren until you come across the Fraeylema mill on your way. This was built in 1786 to drain the Groote Oosterpolder. The mill was also known regionally as the Meneersmeulen and Lutje Mill. In 1969 a severe storm destroyed the mill, so that it had to be completely restored. That happened in 1974. Now the ground sailer with an octagonal top barge only grinds on a voluntary basis. A wetland area unfolds as you continue cycling through Woudbloem. The villages of Hoogezand and Sappemeer are located in the south of the region. Landhuis Welgelegen was built in 1655 in Sappemeer as a country estate. The impressive house had a turret in the middle and was equipped with two stepped gables. The house was surrounded by a moat and had a large ornamental garden. Although the statue is no longer completely intact, the building still has a stately appearance.