On foot into the Drenthe forests

The Kiekenpad is a short cycling route that takes you through the northwest of Groningen. From the saddle, you'll enjoy abundant young forests and panoramic views of the Lauwersmeer lake, the Wadden Sea, and the characteristic Groningen clay landscape. Lauwersmeer National Park was once an arm of the Wadden Sea. To minimize the risk of flooding, the estuary was closed off. This created the unique wilderness of water, young forests, orchids, and rugged grasslands you see today. Over a hundred bird species breed in this area. You might even spot one of the sea eagles that breed here! Vierhuizen and Zoutkamp are two old, characteristic fishing villages. Along the Reitdiepskade in Zoutkamp, you'll see picturesque wooden houses. Until the completion of the Eemskanaal in 1876, this was the only access to the city of Groningen from the sea.