Don’t have any plans for early August yet? Better dust off your walking boots, because the very first Groningen 4-Day Walk is just around the corner! In early August, you can take part in this new walking event, which takes you through the best that Groningen has to offer in four stages.
Route
From the bustling city centre to the tranquillity of the vast Ommeland. With the start and finish each day at the atmospheric Grote Markt, up to 3,000 participants can choose from distances of 20, 30 or 40 kilometres. Along the way, you’ll discover picturesque Groningen villages, historic sites and the province’s natural beauty, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy local delicacies, music and a sense of community.
Each stage has its own theme and direction. This way, you’ll discover a different part of the province each time:
- Tuesday, August – the Scholten route (west): a tribute to the gentleman farmers of yesteryear
- Wednesday August – ‘Nothing beats Groningen’ (north): as the saying suggests, this is going to be a treat
- Thursday August – “Battle for the East” (east): a route with a rugged name and equally rugged landscape
- Friday August – “Bommen Berend” (south): we round off with a nod to history as we head south
And please note: the news has mentioned beautiful areas such as the Onlanden, Winsum, the Roegwold and Appelbergen. But… these are only covered in the 40-kilometre route.
There’s also an app
Don’t want to miss a thing along the way (except perhaps a blister)? Then download the Groningse 4daagse app.
This handy app has everything you need: from the route to rest stops, toilets, water points and the latest news. Your supporters can even follow you live via LiveTracking – great for those staying at home and for that one fanatical aunt who wants to cheer you on at every turn.
The app is free to download from the Play Store and App Store.
Also great! If you complete the full event (finishing on time all four days), you’ll receive an official Groningse 4daagse medal.
Practical info: start times, route and transport
Transport:
The organisers are working with transport providers to make your journey as smooth as possible. An extra bus will run from P R Hoogkerk to the Main Station from 04.39 (subject to change). Keep an eye on the website for updates.
Start times:
40 km: between 05.30 and 06.30
20 km: between 07.30 and 09.30
You will be allocated a half-hour start time slot.
Good news for all 20 km walkers in the Groningen Four Days Marches! This distance was completely sold out, but due to the high level of interest, the start slots have been expanded. As a result, additional start times are available.
Routes:
Each day you will walk a different route in a different direction, with GPX files and printable versions available on the official website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, every day there are water points, toilets and sometimes food and drink outlets or music. Bring your own bottle to refill.
Yes, there are first-aid posts along the routes where you can go if you have blisters or injuries.
The organisers will try to provide lockers at the start and finish location (Grote Markt).
The organisers will monitor the weather and, if necessary, adjust distances or start times for everyone’s safety.
No, you can also just take part on Friday. To qualify for the medal, however, you do need to run for four days.
Yes, with signposts and GPX files, it’s easy to follow the route.
There are no official arrangements in place, but additional buses are being organised. Please use carpooling and public transport as much as possible.
The routes vary from paved city roads to unpaved paths through nature reserves. There is little to no significant elevation gain, making the walk manageable for most walkers of average fitness.
That’s always possible. There are several points along the route where you can stop. You can get help at first-aid posts, and the organisers advise you to plan in advance how you’ll get back if you stop early.
Yes, you can find training schedules and nutritional advice on the KWBN website, through walking clubs, and on lonedrifters.nl.
Photo: Marleen Annema
