Discover Middelstum

Middelstum offers several ways to explore its cultural history, from a historic mill and a radially laid-out wierde to museum collections, regional products and events. A walking route and a cycling route are also available. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, this overview will help you choose what to see in Middelstum based on your travel interests.

Wierde, mill and traces of history

The houses in Middelstum follow the pattern of a radially laid-out wierde; the streets run downhill from the highest point. This means the village can be appreciated for its spatial layout, not just its individual buildings. The De Hoop mill offers a specific historical link: it was built in 1855 as a former grain and pearl barley mill.

There is a set condition for visiting: De Hoop is open on Saturdays from 13:00 to 17:00 when the flag is flying and/or the mill is running. Group tours are available on request. If you plan to visit the mill on a particular Saturday, check in advance whether this condition is met; you should request a group tour.

The surviving remains of Borg Ewsum include a gun turret dating from 1472 and one of its Schathäuser. The turret’s precise date gives this structure its own historical significance, while the Schathuis is named as another surviving part of the borg. Different kinds of architectural heritage thus stand side by side here: a dated gun turret and a surviving Schathuis.

Museums and baking history

The Oorlogsmuseum Middelstum has more than 20,000 objects. Its collection focuses primarily on the province of Groningen and neighbouring areas such as East Frisia, Friesland and Drenthe. Visitors interested in regional history will find a collection with a defined geographical focus that extends beyond Groningen to include these named areas.

The Bakkerijmuseum Mendels is housed in a building that has been used as a bakery since 1792 and is designated a Rijksmonument. Mendels combines a bakery museum with a tea room serving homemade pastries and lunch. The offering thus brings together baking history and a place to stop for refreshments. Check the opening details before travelling if you would like to combine your visit with a meal or plan it for a specific time.

Events and regional products

The Sunsation pop festival was founded in Middelstum in 1988. Sunsation includes a dance event that is among the oldest annual dance events in the Netherlands. The festival’s origins and the recurring annual event represent two distinct points in time: 1988 marks the festival’s beginnings, while the annual recurrence describes the dance event.

A regional produce market is held on the grounds of Op Ewsum on the fourth Saturday of each month from April through September. The market is therefore tied to a specific day of the week and a limited season. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the exact dates in advance.

Walking and cycling routes

The Ommetje Middelstum starts at Borg Ewsum. There is also a cycling route around Warffum and Middelstum, with options of approximately 40 or 55 kilometres. The options differ mainly in the stated route length. For your planning, this gives you a concrete choice between a shorter and a longer cycle ride, while the Ommetje’s starting point provides its own link to Borg Ewsum.

You can weigh up the different themes according to the focus of your trip: the wierde, the history of mills and baking, and the surviving remains of the borg offer a look at architectural and local history; the museum and market provide other points of interest. The festival, seasonal market and cycling routes of different lengths add events and activities to the mix. This lets you explore Middelstum through the aspects that matter most for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Loppersum.

Return to the main travel overview: Loppersum.