Low-threshold Groningen routes - Art and nature playgrounds in the Onlanden

Around 1300 monks walked from the monastery in Aduard to the monastery in Vries. On the way they passed the place where the Lookout Tower now stands. Because this area was a bit higher, it was an excellent place to take a break. According to tradition, a statue or several statues stood on this site. Natuurmonumenten has set out a 6.6 km route through the Onlanden that starts at the Onlanderij on the Madijk. In the distance you can see the watchtower towering high above the landscape. The walk starts on the Zanddijk where you cross the Eelderdiep halfway through. Further on, turn left into Drentsedijk. At the end of this country road you almost walk past the tower, unfortunately there is no path from this road. For this you have to walk a little further to the Noorddijk where you eventually reach the statue via an 'experience path'. Take a moment and enjoy the view. You continue the route by turning left into the Noorddijk. Via a grass path you reach a bridge over the Eelderdiep. The route of Natuurmonumenten follows the Omslagene Eelderdiep over the Madijk. I decide to turn left via a grassy path to follow the (Original) Eelderdiep. Eventually this path also returns to the Madijk, before you realize it you are back at the Onlanderij.

Met friends from Germany at De Onlanderij. After lunch there we took a walk through the Onlanden, during which we also visited the lookout tower. It was a very nice and pleasant day.