Cycling around the Paterwoldsemeer

The Paterwoldsemeer and the Hoornse Meer
From the village of Eelde-Paterswolde you cycle to Haren. From here you can take a tour along the Paterwoldsemeer and the Hoornse Meer. These lakes are 270 hectares in size and were created in the 16th and 17th centuries by excavations of the peat in this area. Nowadays, the lakes are often used by recreationalists for sailing or windsurfing, for example. Along the lake you will find the De Helper mill from 1863. This polder mill is now used to regulate the water circulation of various ditches. The mill is kept running on a voluntary basis.

Saxon farms

You regularly see Saxon farms in this region. Originally, these farms consisted of an elongated building with stables on either side. The farms used to be made of loam and were covered with straw or reeds. Over the centuries, many of these farms have been renovated by replacing the clay with stones and replacing the roofs with tiles. The layout of the farms has remained traditional at most farms.