Hiking through the valley of the Ruiten Aa

Want to experience nature as it used to be? Then take a walk through the idyllic stream valley landscape of the Ruiten Aa in Groningen. And immediately grab some cultural history in picturesque Smeerling.

Diamonds Aa
It is wonderful to walk along the meandering Ruiten Aa. It is still really quiet here, an unprecedented luxury. You will see many flowers blooming in the spring in the grasslands bordered by woods. Rye and oats are grown on the ash trees in an environmentally friendly manner, so that cornflower and field violet also have a chance. The route also takes you a bit through the Metbroekbos. You walk here under the shade of beautiful oaks and beech trees.

For the
Make sure to wear waterproof and sturdy footwear, because there are two so-called voordes on your route: places where the water in the stream is low so that you can wade through. The route starts and ends at Gasterij Natural Smeerling, which is located in a restored Westerwold farm. You can enjoy a drink here and enjoy a lunch composed of traditional regional products. At the same time, you also immediately grab a unique piece of Groningen cultural history!