Rural gourmet bicycle route

Groningen residents have known for centuries that the soil by the coast is very usable. First, this is where they constructed wierden – artificial dwelling hills. Later, they dyked in salt marshes; both with the purpose of controlling the land. Residents still profit from the fertile clay soil, and this is a perfect region for kitchen gardens. Cycle through the ancient landscape to taste all kinds of yummy things along the way.

The mest en vork bicycle route takes in all kinds of culinary hotspots over a 40-kilometre course. Enjoy coffee at the Landgoed Verhildersum country estate or tea in the Theefabriek, and buy cheese, cookies and mustard along the way. All regional products of course. Some pedalling will reward you with stunning panoramic views and pretty artificial dwelling hill villages.

This bicycle ride starts and ends at De Groene Luwte in Molenrij for a reason. Alma Huisken and Doortje Stellwagen have a large garden here. Where possible, their kitchen garden, orchard and goose pasture are managed ecologically, biodynamically and according to the principles of permaculture. They have also written a book about ecological gardening. During their open days, see how everything from the garden ends up on a plate and goes back. In short, this is a wonderful example of a smoothly running green cycle.