Moi! Or: hello in Groningen. For me, Groningen is the place where everything is allowed to slow down. Where silence and geniality embrace you and where you can really breathe. I like to clear my head there, walking along a dead straight dike overlooking the Wadden Sea and the vast Groningen golden meadows. What I like best? Groningen doesn't intrude. It's just real, quiet and unruffled. With that feeling, today I take you into the province for a return trip to the horizon.
Listening and quiet at the Church of Tjamsweer - An audio tour of The Province XL
I arrive at the first stop: the 11th-century church of Tjamsweer. The funny thing is that I have passed by this church often enough. Each time it catches my eye, but never before have I stopped. First I walk around the church. Tjamsweer is on a mound (a rise) surrounded by water. It is quiet here; you only hear the wind and the occasional car driving by.
I sit down on the bench in front of the door and scan the QR code to turn on the audio tour of De Provincie XL. The audio tour tells you what the church looks like inside. Unfortunately, the church is closed today as there is no service. Through the audio tour, I get a good idea of what the church looks like. In the audio tour, I hear that the church is still lovingly cared for and is open for a service every Sunday. However, the community is getting smaller and smaller. Still, there is a strong desire to return here on Sundays.
This place is also affected by the current earthquakes in Groningen province. This is causing wear and tear to the church. As a result, maintenance is becoming increasingly difficult, but that doesn't stop the community from continuing to take care of it. Nice that this is being tackled together.
Along the canals of Appingedam - The little Venice of the Netherlands
My second stop is at the small town of Appingedam. I sometimes secretly call Appingedam the little Venice of the Netherlands. With its famous hanging kitchens, it has become a popular tourist spot. These kitchens are medieval and float above the canals. It is nice to be back here after a long time. I like to grab my camera to capture the idyllic streets of Appingedam. Every time, I discover something new here. While visiting, take a stroll along the canals and soak up the real holiday feeling while walking across one of the many bridges. This destination is also great for some water fun with a boat or sup.
Two tips in Appingedam: Vintage and apple pie
What caught my attention this time was the shop Juffertje in het Groen. Unfortunately, the shop was closed, but through the windows I could already take a peek. Everywhere I saw vintage garden stuff, old botanical plates and beautiful brocante accessories. It is clear that people work here with a lot of love, even if you only look at it from the outside. Definitely a place to really step inside on my next visit!
Ready for a break? At Aan Tafel bij de Daame you can sit on the terrace by the canal, near the hanging kitchens. It is now noon and I order a delicious apple pie with coffee, with a view that couldn't be better. It's nice to end a visit to this city like this, before moving on again.
A surprising piece of the wine world in the Groningen countryside - Vineyard Chateau de Peszon
Hidden in the Groningen landscape near Meedhuizen, you will find something unexpected: vineyard Chateau de Peszon! I am amazed to read where to go, because as a wine lover, I did not know this at all. So extra fun to pay a visit. Upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed by Joost and Annemarie, the owners of the vineyard. They took me straight into the vineyard and told me passionately about their business. They work with great attention and love to create a sustainable winery. Only fungus-resistant grape varieties are used. As a result, spraying is not necessary. Everything grows naturally here, with respect for the environment; even the bees are given their own space.
While passionately talking about their vineyard, I have enormous respect for Joost and Annemarie. I see how they are working to make their dreams come true. There will be many more opportunities to visit the vineyard with them in the future, but we will have to wait a long time for that!
What a successful day. I'm glad I put on my walking shoes. Wherever you go in Groningen you can see so far that it makes you curious to walk a bit further each time. I've only been to three special places, but I'm sure: Groningen has so much more to offer. So I'm walking on for a while. Will I see you soon in the Far North?
Love,
This travel inspiration is made possible by our partner Visit Groningen.
From Honeyguide Marion - Unique experiences
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Staying at the farm
Honeyguide Marion enjoyed a unique overnight farm stay. Farmers the Kalverweide is the perfect place to unwind. Cook outside on the fire or enjoy the expansive view in the hammock.
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A dry trip
I drive towards Harlingen, the city in Friesland where boat 'Actief' will set sail to go into the Wadden area. With my camera on my wrist, I take you on this adventure during a full day in the middle of the Wadden area during a dry land tour with the Wadden Association.
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Culinary mudflats
During the Culinary Wadden Weeks, Honeyguide Marion went on the road for Honeyguide along various catering businesses and producers to taste the flavour of the Wadden Sea. Think deliciously tender meat, cockles, or locally grown potatoes.