The valley of the Ruiten Aa

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

Cozy esdorp landscape
In the Ruiten Aa stream valley, you'll cycle through a variety of rolling fields, meadows, copses, and hedgerows. You'll experience an almost old-fashioned tranquility here. In spring, the stream valley turns yellow with the abundance of marsh marigolds. Near the German border, you'll cycle through the former Bourtanger Marsh. This marsh once stretched over 3,000 square kilometers but has been almost entirely reclaimed. This is reflected in the straight ditches, fields, and roads along the border.

House in Wedde
There's plenty more cultural history to discover along your route. In towns like picturesque Smeerling, you'll see beautiful, historic Groningen farmhouses. Near Wedde, you'll pass Huis te Wedde, whose origins date back to 1360, although the building has been modified several times. For centuries, the Lords of Westerwolde resided here. A little further on is De Korenbloem, a grain mill dating from 1895. After your hike, you can relax on the pleasant garden terrace at Hotel Bourtange.

Lady Tower Onstwedde
Groningen boasts a wealth of old churches and monasteries. Westerwolde is certainly no exception. The church in Wedde, for example, dates back to the eleventh century, although the predecessor of the current Romanesque-Gothic church building was likely made of wood. Although the building is modest in size, it is still called the Grote Kerk (Great Church). The tower was only added in 1860. In Onstwedde, you'll pass the Gothic Nicolaaskerk (St. Nicholas Church), built around 1500. The Juffertoren (Juffy Tower), over 41 meters tall, is at least a century and a half older than the church. It appears to lean, but that's an optical illusion. It's one of only two remaining Juffertorens in Groningen. The name refers to a juffer: a long pine trunk that tapers to a point. Want to discover more of this surprisingly natural and historically rich region? Then also take routes 114978 and 135858.