Bedum offers historic churches and school architecture, traces of landscape development, waterside paths and a circular walking route. If you are interested in local history, you will find examples here from several centuries. For time outdoors, there are paths along the Boterdiep and in the Bedumerbos. The train journey from Groningen to Bedum takes about 15 minutes; check current train information before travelling.
Landscape and Local History
Bedum developed around the 10th century on two low artificial dwelling mounds in an area of peat drainage and cultivation. The Wolddijk was built around 1200 as a visible result of this history of cultivation. The Boterdiep forms the central axis of the town. Together, the settlement’s history, landscape development and waterway offer different ways to get to know Bedum beyond its individual buildings.
Churches and Architectural History
The Roman Catholic Church of Maria ten Hemelopneming was built in 1880/81 in the Neo-Gothic style to a design by architect Alfred Tepe, and opened for use in 1881. The Walfriduskerk stands out for its tower, which leans further off vertical than the Tower of Pisa. The graves of Walfridus and Radfridus in Bedum are also part of the town’s history. They attracted pilgrims from the wider area, who venerated the two martyrs.
The Goede Herderkerk, also known as the Noorderkerk, was built in 1937–1938 in the Groningen branch of the Amsterdam School. Its floor plan is shaped like a Greek cross, with the tower on the southeast side. Bedum is thus home to different church designs and periods of construction: the Neo-Gothic design of Maria ten Hemelopneming and the architecture of the Goede Herderkerk from the late 1930s.
The Regenboogschool in Bedum is the first school to be listed as a Rijksmonument and made earthquake-resistant. The school building, which is more than 100 years old, is also known locally as the “Gangenschool.” Its architectural features include high ceilings, wide corridors, rectangular classrooms, wide doors and terrazzo floors. These details give the school architecture its own character alongside the church buildings.
The Walfriduskerk has seasonal opening hours: on Saturdays between 27 April and 1 October, it is open from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, except on 20 June. On 27 April, 9 May, 5 September and 12 September, additional opening hours apply from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; admission is free. Check the opening hours for your chosen date before visiting.
Routes and Activities
The 4-Mijl walking route is a circular trail about 7.4 kilometres long, starting and ending at the Scheve Toren. It follows the Boterdiep, crosses bridges and passes the ice rink and the Bedumerbos. Its approximate length gives you a concrete measure for planning the circuit as a separate activity. The Bedumerbos also has paths specifically suited to wheelchair users.
At Boterdiep Westzijde, there is a gravel path connected to nature-friendly bank landscaping, as well as five public jetties. They can be used for fishing or to experience the water up close. At Vogelpunt Melkweg, birds forage at a wetland created by clay extraction. Conditions on site and access may vary.
Walks and Other Options
Dorpsgidsen Bedum offers guided walks through old Bedum. The guides share their knowledge of the town’s history, notable buildings and the people who shaped it. Another way to spend time locally is to join one of Bloeiland’s creative flower workshops, which are suitable as an outing. Confirm the workshops’ availability with the provider before travelling.
A full-day cycling trip through northern Groningen starts in Bedum; check the route details before setting out. The Bedum war memorial at the corner of Schoolstraat and Grotestraat is a precise landmark in the town. If you travel by train from Groningen, the journey to Bedum takes about 15 minutes. Check current train information before planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Onderdendam.
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