Things to Do in the Area

Things to Do in the Area

 

(Also available in German)

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

Here, we share suggestions for scenic routes, unique attractions, fun activities, and delightful restaurants. This page is updated regularly, so feel free to check back often. Have your own tips or notice missing information? Please 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 various amenities. You’ll find two supermarkets (Jumbo and Aldi), a chemist, and a bakery. There’s also a bike repair shop, Arjan Borgers, where you can rent bikes. Upon request, he can deliver and collect bikes directly at Hoeve Veganza. Every Friday afternoon from 1 PM, there’s a small, cosy weekly market.

Westerwolde & Surroundings

Hoeve Veganza is located in the heart of Westerwolde, a unique part of Groningen with a landscape that stands out from the rest of the province. Here, you won’t find straight lines—instead, expect meandering streams, rolling fields, and winding roads.

The landscape is a diverse mix of arable land, hay meadows, grasslands, wooded banks, and ancient forests. The many villages, hamlets, and historic farms still exude an authentic, historical atmosphere.

The foundation of this landscape was formed during the last Ice Age. For a long time, Westerwolde was a virtually uninhabited and inaccessible marshland. It wasn’t until the early Middle Ages that the first settlers arrived. They collectively cultivated the higher grounds, which led to the formation of villages. Unknowingly, these pioneers laid the groundwork for the intimate and characteristic landscape you can explore today.

Day Trips Nearby

Attractions

There’s plenty to discover in the immediate vicinity. Some highlights include:

  • The Ruiten Aa Valley, less than 100 metres from Hoeve Veganza
  • Fortress Bourtange (also available in English and German) – 9 km
  • Ter Apel Monastery (also available in English and German) – 16 km
  • Wedde Castle – 7.5 km
  • Cleyne Hortus in Nieuw Beerta: A peaceful oasis in the northeast of Groningen, where residents maintain beautiful medieval gardens in a cultural landscape dating back to before the Middle Ages – 20 km
  • Tenaxx Estate – “The Hanging Gardens”: Both an arboretum (tree collection) and a dinosaur park, fun for all ages – 9 km

Culture

For culture and heritage lovers, there’s plenty to experience:

  • Various heritage sites in the Westerwolde municipality
  • Cultural trips to Oldambt (with Winschoten as its centre)
  • Geert Teis Theatre and a cinema in Stadskanaal – 16 km
  • De Klinker Theatre and Cinema in Winschoten – 16 km

Walking and Cycling

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

Walking

  • Wandelen in Westerwolde Foundation offers over 40 routes (1.5 to 14 km)
  • Click, Print, and Walk provides hundreds of free routes with maps and GPS files
  • Westerwolderpad: A 100 km long-distance trail, divided into 10 stages
  • In Sellingen, Kopje Genieten offers fun routes for children, like the Gnome Trail and Hedgehog Trail
  • Wandelzoekpagina has even more routes in the region

Cycling

  • Komoot helps you discover the most beautiful cycling routes around Westerwolde
  • RouteYou offers a selection of stunning bike rides in the area
  • Visit Groningen provides additional inspiration and route descriptions for cycling

Dining and Drinking

In and around Vlagtwedde, you’ll find various dining options:

  • In Vlagtwedde: Snack bars, a Chinese restaurant
  • De Sultan (Turkish restaurant, with vegetarian and vegan options)
  • Restaurant Nuver (new, with vegan and vegetarian choices)
  • Just 2.5 km away is Smeerling, a protected village with Gasterij Natuurlijk Smeerling, ideal for lunch and activities

For more extensive vegan options, look a little further:

  • De Javaan in Oudeschans – Fully vegan rice table – 20 km
  • D’Olle Smidse, a cosy pancake house in Midwolda, with a separate vegan menu – 21 km
  • De Basiliek in Appingedam – Refined Dutch cuisine with a vegan menu – 38 km
  • Groningen City – A wide selection of vegan restaurants – 56 km

Public Transport

  • Bus: Connections to Stadskanaal, Ter Apel, and Winschoten
  • Train: From Winschoten (approx. 15-minute drive), you can reach Groningen in about 35 minutes

General Information About Groningen

For more information about Groningen or the region, this website offers comprehensive and up-to-date details:

  • Visit Groningen (also available in English and German), including information about Westerwolde

Swimming Pools

For a refreshing dip, visit:

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