Just south of Groningen, in the Nijveensterkolk area, there’s some scenic running on dedicated paths along a couple of lakes: Hoornsemeer & Paterswoldsemeer. There are great views, and a park-like atmosphere. Paths are mainly paved. A full loop is 13.2 km, but that involves ~5 km of paths away from the lake — pleasant, but not as scenic. Here are a few options, starting from near the Best Western Plus Hotel.
Hoornseplas section. Google Street View
Lake-Centric Loop. This is our preferred run, and more manageable at 10k. The route sticks to the waterside paths, but is more a couple of out and back sections than a full loop. From the Best Western, follow the northern part of Hoornsemeer (lake) for 1.6 km, and then you’ll do a the 2 km loop around the smaller lake, Hoornseplas. This is a nice, park-like area, with lovely trees and facilities. Double back, and then follow the eastern section of Hoornsemeer south for 2.5 km to the end of the path. Retrace your steps to the start, or for variety, you can also follow a path alongside the canal.
Full Loop: 13.1 km. Follow the path south along Hoornsemeer (lake) for 2.5 km. The path turns inland, following a canal for 2 km, then 2 km on a cycle path paralleling the N681, then along the Groningerweg for 1.7 km, joining the lake park on the western side.
Just south of Groningen, in the Nijveensterkolk area, there’s some scenic running on dedicated paths along a couple of lakes: Hoornsemeer & Paterswoldsemeer. There are great views, and a park-like atmosphere. Paths are mainly paved. A full loop is 13.2 km, but that involves ~5 km of paths away from the lake — pleasant, but not as scenic. Here are a few options, starting from near the Best Western Plus Hotel.
Hoornseplas section. Google Street View
Lake-Centric Loop. This is our preferred run, and more manageable at 10k. The route sticks to the waterside paths, but is more a couple of out and back sections than a full loop. From the Best Western, follow the northern part of Hoornsemeer (lake) for 1.6 km, and then you’ll do a the 2 km loop around the smaller lake, Hoornseplas. This is a nice, park-like area, with lovely trees and facilities. Double back, and then follow the eastern section of Hoornsemeer south for 2.5 km to the end of the path. Retrace your steps to the start, or for variety, you can also follow a path alongside the canal.
Full Loop: 13.1 km. Follow the path south along Hoornsemeer (lake) for 2.5 km. The path turns inland, following a canal for 2 km, then 2 km on a cycle path paralleling the N681, then along the Groningerweg for 1.7 km, joining the lake park on the western side.
Scroll Down For Route Maps
Essentials
Lake-centric route is 10.1 km (6.3 miles); Full loop is 13.2 km (8.2 miles)
A lovely route that explores the central part of Groningen, featuring canal-side paths, some residential streets, the historic centre, and two lovely parks -- Noorderplantsoen & Stadspark. Options for longer or shorter.
A run on canal-side paths and parks that form a sort of outer perimeter belt loop around the historic center of Groningen. The full loop is 16 km, but can be shortened or done in sections. Lovely views of the water, Groningen, and the green of numerous parks.
One of the best bets for a longer, seamless canal-side run in Groningen is a route just east of the city, combining the Roeierspad & Eemskanaal Noordzijde paths. Up to 12.8 km of flat, uninterrupted waterside running!
The Kardingebult is among our favorite places to run in Groningen. Several km of paths along canals, around small lakes and wetlands, and open green spaces. We've mapped a 9 km loop, which can be used as a guideline for creating your own route.
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!
Subscribe
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Essentials
Lake-centric route is 10.1 km (6.3 miles); Full loop is 13.2 km (8.2 miles)
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!