Bakkeveen, Fochteloo, Norg

A special cycle route with special stopping points. When grietman Van Aylva had his castle built on the Slotplaats estate in Bakkeveen in the 17th century, he had a view of the Martini tower in Groningen, some 30 kilometres away, from the house. The castle has been demolished, but the former estate farmhouse is now a teahouse. The gardens around it are laid out in French style and unusual apple varieties bloom in the orchard.

In the Fochteloërveen, climb the watchtower and look out over the bog landscape. You might even spot some cranes! The Norger Esdorpen Landscape includes ash trees, the communal fields of small farming villages. Especially in spring and summer, these bloom richly with various field herbs.

Photographer: Anke Ebbens