Valley of the Ruiten Aa and Peat Colonies

The Landscape

The Ruiten Aa is a winding stream that has shaped the lush landscape of southeastern Groningen for centuries. Its journey begins near a medieval Crosier monastery, nestled in one of the province’s oldest forests. From there, the stream meanders gently through an intimate and romantic landscape of fields, meadows, hedgerows, heathlands, and woodlands. Along the way, historic farms, charming hamlets, and the beautifully preserved fortress town of Bourtange add a rich layer of heritage and character. Each spot along the route tells its own story, creating a unique blend of nature and history that invites you to slow down and explore.

In the Peat Colonies, the landscape tells a quiet tale of transformation. Once a vast, peaty wilderness, this region was reshaped in the 17th and 18th centuries by the hands of peat workers and the slow rhythm of barges gliding through newly dug canals. What remains today is a land of long, straight lines. Canals, ditches, and ribbon villages stretching across the open plains. The sky is wide and open, and the fields stretch out in vibrant, fertile rows. Sugar beets, potatoes, grains, and onions grow in neat lines across the land. Along the roads and canals, historic farms, old barns, little bridges, and locks recall the hard work of past generations. Quiet and simple, yet it leaves a lasting impression.