CycleSummit 2026
DISCOVER GRONINGEN BY BIKE
Participants can choose and register for one of three routes, all of which finish around lunchtime at the former cardboard factory De Toekomst (The Future) in Scheemda. Each route passes several interesting points of interest.
Route 1 starts at a beautiful location in the city of Groningen. For Routes 2 (Appingedam) and 3 (Bourtange), you will be transferred by bus to the starting locations before beginning your ride.
After lunch, you can choose either to return to the city of Groningen by bus or to cycle back via the Retour Route. All routes will be guided and will follow the Dutch cycling junction network (fietsknooppuntenysteem), a popular wayfinding system for cyclists in the Netherlands.
Each route includes several stops where an expert will provide information and insights.
Route 1: Groningen → Scheemda (34 km)
This route starts in the city of Groningen and takes you through beautiful natural landscapes and idyllic villages. Along the way, you will see traditional windmills and the manor house (borg) in Slochteren. The route ends around lunchtime at a historic factory “De Toekomst” in Scheemda.
Route 2: Appingedam → Scheemda (54 km)
You will travel by bus from your hotel to the historic town of Appingedam, where you will be offered a short guided walking tour. From there, you will cycle along parts of the Atlantic Wall Route and the International Dollard Route. You will also cross the longest cycling bridge in Europe before finishing the tour around lunchtime at a historic factory in Scheemda.
Route 3: Bourtange → Scheemda (36 km)
You will travel by bus from your hotel to Bourtange, where you will enjoy a short walk through the fortress. From there, you will cycle through beautiful natural surroundings and idyllic villages, passing through the windmill town of Winschoten before arriving at a historic factory in Scheemda for lunch.
Return Route: Scheemda → Groningen (50 km)
After lunch, you may return to the city of Groningen by bus. For those who are not yet finished cycling, it is also possible to cycle back. This route takes you through the town of Veendam, the Borgerswold park, and beautiful natural landscapes. Naturally, you will also see several windmills along the way.