Lettelbert: Hiking, Water and Nature

The Lettelberterpetten offer a circular route through an area of alder carr woodland; the route through De Drie Polders passes reed beds and swamp forest. Canoe routes offer a different perspective on the landscape. The trails, opportunities for wildlife watching and features of the waterways can help you decide which aspects of the destination interest you most.

Nature and Hiking Trails

In the Lettelberterpetten, the natural silting up of former peat cuttings gave rise to valuable alder carr woodland. The landscape today thus bears traces of change: the former peat cuttings were followed by natural silting, which gave rise to the alder carr woodland. Those interested in how landscapes develop will find a vivid connection here between the former peat cuttings and the woodland today.

A 2.5-kilometre circular hiking trail through the Lettelberterpetten leads to an observation tower overlooking the Leekstermeer. The distance provides a clear measure of the trail, and the observation tower offers a specific destination along the way. How far the view extends depends on the weather. There is also a birdwatching hide along the route. In spring and autumn, many different bird species can be observed there; sightings are also affected by the weather. If birdwatching is a focus of your visit, these seasons and weather-dependent conditions are useful points of reference.

The hiking route through De Drie Polders offers a different landscape. It passes reed beds and the swamp forest around an observation tower. The route includes a location at the ’t Mienscheer car park in Lettelbert, a specific point of reference for finding your way. By comparison, natural silting and alder carr woodland shape the landscape of the Lettelberterpetten, while reed beds and swamp forest take centre stage along the De Drie Polders route.

Canoe Routes and Waterways

Various canoe routes, ranging from 2.5 to 12 kilometres, are available from Watersportcentrum Lettelbert. The routes therefore differ considerably in length. Check the current offerings and route availability before your trip. Along the canoe routes, the Leekstermeer is approximately 1.50 metres deep and has a sandy bottom. The approximate depth and the bottom type offer a brief guide to the water conditions.

When comparing these routes with the circular hiking trail through the Lettelberterpetten, it is also worth considering the type of activity: the 2.5 kilometres refers to a hiking route, while the canoe routes range from 2.5 to 12 kilometres. This lets you weigh up a clearly defined walk on foot against a choice of paddling routes.

The Lettelberterdiep runs directly north from the Leekstermeer. Historically, it was an important part of the water connection between the city of Groningen and the western regions. This former role adds a historical perspective on the waterways to the destination’s nature and activity offerings. If you are looking for a hotel in Lettelbert, you can consider this historical context alongside the hiking and canoeing options when deciding what interests you most.

Discover more destinations: Zevenhuizen, Oostwold.

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