In Winsum, the history of mills and churches meets several named cycling and walking routes. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between the sights and routes by their respective characteristics: architectural history can be read in many different details, while the routes offer their own ways to explore, with different starting points and distances.
Mills, Churches and Historic Traces
Molen De Vriendschap was moved from Mensingeweer to Winsum in 1801. Molen De Ster is a grain and pearl barley mill on Molenstraat, on the Molenberg. Its location also gives a visit to the mill a historical connection: De Ster stands on the site of the former church of the Dominican monastery. Dominican monks founded a monastery on Winsum’s terp in 1276.
The churches also tell the story of different building phases. Kerk Obergum was built in the first half of the 13th century on the highest part of a terp; its saddle-roofed tower was added in the 14th century. Torenkerk has a different architectural feature on record: its wooden exterior staircase was reconstructed in 1975–1976 using surviving remnants of the original staircase. Architecture enthusiasts will therefore find several specific points of interest here—from the church’s position on the terp to the design and restoration of individual building elements.
De Boog adds a link between Winsum and Obergum to these historic sites. The distinctive stone arch bridge connects the two place names and offers another landmark to help you find your way around the village.
Cycling Routes of Different Lengths
If you are choosing by distance, there are two cycling routes that start and finish in Winsum. The Taalroute is 21 kilometres long. The Kust 2 cycling route covers 49 kilometres and starts and finishes at Ubbo J. Mansholtplein, where the NS railway station and bus station are located. The distances make the difference between the two routes clear, without requiring you to confuse their starting points.
Another option is the Doorfietsroute between Winsum and Groningen. It is about 13 kilometres long and was fully open for cycling from April 2025. As infrastructure details can change, it is advisable to check the current route before setting out.
Getting Around on Foot
The walking routes also have different starting points. The historic podwalk through Winsum starts and finishes at the station. The “Wandelen door Winsum” route, by contrast, starts at Marenland Recreatie, Winsumerdiep 6. If you would like more ideas for things to do along the way, TIP Winsum Tourist Information Point provides cycling, walking and canoe routes.
The Jaagpad along the Winsumerdiep runs between De Boog and Marenland campsite. This means you will find both named starting points for different routes and a more precisely described stretch of path in the village. When choosing, you can consider whether you would prefer a historic podwalk starting at the station, the route from Marenland Recreatie, or one of the cycling routes.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Tinallinge, Rasquert, Baflo, Adorp, Garnwerd, Saaxumhuizen.
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