Westerwolde feels like a different world within Groningen. Instead of the straight lines of the polders, picturesque stream valleys, winding roads and a green mosaic of fields, meadows, hedgerows and ancient woodlands create a varied landscape. Villages, hamlets and distinctive farmhouses give the area a timeless character.

In Driestromenland, the Ruiten Aa, Mussel Aa and Veelerdiep meet in a landscape that was once wet and difficult to access. From the early Middle Ages, farmsteads and fields developed on the higher ground, creating an intimate cultural landscape of winding streams, flower-rich meadows, marsh woodlands and historic farmhouses.