Bike Tour: City, Ems & Sea - 5 days

Arrive in Groningen, check in then take off to see the city. Rest and relax on a terrace at the Vismarkt or climb up Martini Tower for fab views of the city.

Join university students riding the Reitdiep to campus, then leave the city behind and cycle into meadows toward Starkenborgh Canal. The unique Reitdiep / Hunzedal winds its way to Garnwerd, a haven for urban cyclists and mandatory stop for coffee and cake at Café Hammingh. In Aduarderzijl, you catch the ferry for Schaphalsterzijl and ride the Winsumerdiep to 2020’s ‘most beautiful village’. Take time to see charming Onderdendam and cycle via Den Andel passing rivers and canals on your way back to Pieterburen.

Wake up in peaceful Pieterburen to another day of splendid cycling. Ride through vast fields of grain and potatoes and parallel the seawall to Noordpolderzijl. Visit the villas at Menkemaborg and Rensumaborg, sheltered among trees, then skirt Eemshaven and turn south to Delfzijl. The River Ems flows out to ‘Termunterziel’ surrounded by nature reserves, polders and the sea. The 1725 ‘Boog van Ziel’ bridge crosses the old lock just minutes from your hotel.

Follow the Termunterzijldiep via Leaning Klap and the Hondshalstermeer, going west to Slochteren and the villa at Fraeylemaborg with its park, café and museum shop. The landscape here recalls Drenthe with a patchwork of small plots, hedgerows and groves of trees. From Haren you follow the water’s edge passing Hoornseweer and Paterswoldesemeer, a summer favourite for city dwellers.

Sad to see your tour end? Book an extra night to further explore the city of Groningen!