The stream valley of the Ruiten Aa

The Ruiten Aa is a stream that meanders through the former seigneury of Westerwolde in East Groningen. From the saddle you can explore this lovely stream valley, one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands.

Cozy esdorp landscape
In the stream valley of the Ruiten Aa you drive through a variety of convex fields, hay meadows, bushes and hedgerows. You will experience an almost old-fashioned tranquility here. In the spring the stream valley turns yellow because of the many marsh marigolds. Near the German border you cycle through the former Bourtanger swamp. This swamp once stretched over 3000 square kilometers, but has been almost completely reclaimed. You can see this in the straight ditches, plots and roads along the border.

House in Wedde
There is much more cultural history on your route. In places like the picturesque Smeerling you can see beautiful monumental Groningen farms. At Wedde you will pass Huis te Wedde whose origins date back to 1360, although the building has been modified a number of times. The Lords of Westerwolde lived here for centuries. A little further on is De Korenbloem, a flour mill from 1895. At Hotel Bourtange you can refuel on the cozy garden terrace after your trip.

Juffertoren Onstwedde
Groningen has an enormous wealth of old churches and monasteries. Westerwolde is certainly no exception. The church of Wedde, for example, dates from the eleventh century, although the predecessor of the current Romano-Gothic church building was probably made of wood. Although the building has only modest dimensions, it is still called the Grote Kerk. The tower was not built until 1860. In Onstwedde you drive past the Gothic Nicholas Church, which was built around 1500. The Juffertoren, more than 41 meters high, is at least a century and a half older than the church. It looks crooked, but that's an optical illusion. It is one of the two remaining Groningen Juffertorens. The name refers to a damselfly: a long pine trunk that tapers. Do you want to discover more of this surprisingly natural and history-rich region? Then also drive the routes 114978 and 135858.