Surroundings & Tips

Surroundings & Tips

Things to do in the area

On this page, you’ll find inspiration, practical tips, and detailed information about the beautiful surrounding area. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, soaking up the culture, or dining out—we’re happy to help you get started.

Here, we share suggestions for scenic routes, unique sights, fun activities, and great restaurants. This page is updated regularly, so feel free to check back. Do you have any tips of your own, or is there information missing? Let us know at info@veganza.nl — we’d love to hear from you!

Vlagtwedde

The village of Vlagtwedde is just a short bike ride or walk from Hoeve Veganza and offers a variety of amenities. Among other things, you’ll find two supermarkets (Jumbo and Aldi), a drugstore, a bakery, and a
The village also has a bike repair shop, Arjan Borgers, where you can rent bikes. Upon request, he can deliver and pick up the bikes at Hoeve Veganza. 
On Friday afternoons starting at 1:00 PM, there is a small, lively weekly market.

Westerwolde and the surrounding area

Hoeve Veganza is located in the heart of Westerwolde, a unique part of Groningen with a landscape that clearly differs from the rest of the province. Here, there are no straight lines, but rather winding streams, rolling fields, and meandering roads.

The landscape consists of a varied mix of fields, hay meadows, grasslands, hedgerows, and ancient forests. The many villages, hamlets, and historic farmhouses still exude an authentic, historic atmosphere.

The foundations of this landscape were laid during the last ice age. For a long time, Westerwolde was a virtually uninhabited and difficult-to-access marshland. It wasn’t until the early Middle Ages that the first settlers arrived here. Together, they cultivated the higher-lying lands, which gave rise to villages. Without realizing it, these pioneers laid the foundation for the intimate and distinctive landscape you can explore today.

Local Outings

Places of interest

There is plenty to discover in the immediate vicinity. Here are a few points of interest:

  • The Ruiten Aa Valley, less than 100 meters from Hoeve Veganza
  • De vesting Bourtange ook in Engels en Duits. (9 km.)
  • Het klooster van Ter Apel ook in Engels en Duits (16 km)
  • De burcht van Wedde (7.5 km)
  • De Cleyne Hortus in Nieuw Beerta is een oase van rust in het Noordoosten van de provincie Groningen. Hier onderhouden de bewoners prachtige middeleeuwse tuinen in een cultuurlandschap dat in oorsprong terugvoert tot ver voor de periode van de Middeleeuwen. (20 km)
  • Landgoed Tenaxx ‘De Hangende Tuinen’. Zowel een Arboretum (een bomenverzameling (arbor = boom)), als een Dinopark. Leuk voor oud en jong. (9 km).

Culture

For lovers of culture and heritage, there is plenty to do:

  • Various heritage sites in the municipality of Westerwolde
  • Cultural excursions to Oldambt (centered around Winschoten)
  • The Geert Teis Theater and a movie theater in Stadskanaal (16 km)
  • De Klinker Theater and Cinema in Winschoten (16 km)

Hiking and biking

The area is perfect for long walks and scenic bike rides. Many trails even pass by Hoeve Veganza, such as the Noaberpad.

Hiking

Cycling

  • Discover the most beautiful cycling routes around Westerwolde with Komoot
  • RouteYou offers a selection of beautiful bike rides in the region
  • Visit Groningen offers additional ideas and route descriptions for cycling

Food and drink

In and around Vlagtwedde, you'll find a variety of dining options:

  • In Vlagtwedde: snack bars, a Chinese restaurant
  • Turks restaurant De Sultan (met enkele vegetarische en een vegan opties)
  • Restaurant Nuver (nieuw, met enkele vegan en vegetarische keuzes)
  • Op slechts 2,5 km ligt Smeerling, een beschermd dorpsgezicht met Gasterij Natuurlijk Smeerling, ideaal voor lunch en activiteiten.

Voor uitgebreidere vegan opties moet je iets verder kijken:

  • The Indonesian restaurant De Javaan in Oudeschans (20 km) – all-vegan rice table 
  • Een gezellig pannenkoekenhuis in Midwolda, d’Olle Smidse met een apart vegan menu! (21 km)
  • De Basiliek in Appingedam  – verfijnde Dutch cuisine met vegan menu (38 km)
  • City of Groningen (56 km) – wide selection of vegan restaurants

Public transportation

  • Bus: routes to Stadskanaal, Ter Apel, and Winschoten
  • Train: From Winschoten (about a 15-minute drive), the trip to Groningen takes about 35 minutes

General Information about Groningen

Would you like to learn more about Groningen or the surrounding region? This website offers comprehensive and up-to-date information:
Visit Groningen covers the entire province of Groningen (also available in English and German). It also includes information about Westerwolde 

Swimming pools

For a refreshing swim, head to:

  • De Barlage Swimming Pool (indoor, Vlagtwedde – 2.4 km)
  • De Barkhoorn Outdoor Swimming Pool (Sellingen – 7.7 km)
  • ’t Vlasmeer Outdoor Swimming Pool (Onstwedde – 5.6 km)