Termunten on the Ems-Dollart

Termunten lies on the Ems-Dollart, which is part of the UNESCO Wadden Sea World Heritage Site. If you’re looking for hotels for a trip to Termunten, your interests can provide a starting point for planning: birdlife and coastal scenery, walking trails or the history of the area. The following highlights offer guidance on the landscape, trails and local history.

The Dollart and its birdlife

The Dollard Visitor Centre is just south of Termunten and makes a good starting point for exploring the Dollart. From the centre’s viewing point, you can look out over the birdlife in the Breebaart Polder. From there, you can walk along the polder via the sea dike, with lovely views of the Dollart along the way. The viewing point and the walk offer different perspectives: at the centre, the focus is on the birds; on the dike, it is on the Dollart.

Seals and protected landscapes

At the sea dike in Termunten, near Punt van Reide, the Zeehondenkijkwand seal viewing wall is in place from spring to autumn. There, you can observe seals and their pups in their natural surroundings without disturbing them. Its seasonal availability is a useful detail for planning your visit: plan to watch the seals during this period.

Punt van Reide is a 53-hectare peninsula outside the dikes and a remnant of the once-prosperous Reiderland region. It provides a suitable habitat for seabirds and meadow birds. The area is closed to the public; guided excursions are possible several times a year outside the breeding season. If you’re considering an excursion, check the designated dates.

Walking trails and practical information

The Dollart Walk starts at the visitor centre of Het Groninger Landschap at Dallingeweersterweg 30. Dogs are not allowed on this route, so check the rule again before setting off. The Dollardkwelder walking trail offers a separate way to experience the landscape: from the dike, you can walk a short distance into a protected salt marsh. The two trails therefore offer different experiences, from a walk to a glimpse of a protected natural area.

Church, village layout and history

Termunten is a wierde village with a rectangular layout. In the Middle Ages, it was an important trading post on the coast and the River Munte. The Ursus Church dates from the 13th century. The history of the area thus spans its settlement pattern and medieval trade, as well as a church dating from the 13th century.

From the tower of the Ursus Church, views extend far across the Ems and the Dollart, provided the tower is accessible. The Termunten–Woldendorp–Fiemel pilgrimage route follows a footpath to the church. Check the current trail conditions before setting out. The path to the Ursus Church gives the route a clear destination; the church is also a landmark in the village’s history.

Traces of the Atlantic Wall and a cycling route

Batterij Fiemel is part of the Atlantic Wall. From the nature conservation organisation’s visitor centre in Termunten, you can follow several trails past visible and less visible remains of the Atlantic Wall. The trails differ in how clearly the remains stand out in the landscape, offering another way to explore the area’s military history.

In the regional context of Groningen, the LF Kustroute follows the sea dike to the Dollart and connects with shorter cycling and walking routes. This adds to the local walking trails when planning your trip: the cycle route follows the sea dike, while shorter connecting routes offer further options for cycling and walking.

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