Explore the area around De 4 Elementen
De 4 Elementen is surrounded by meadows and nature, directly on the Princess Margriet Canal
and right on the border of Friesland and Groningen.
Water
Fishing, boating, paddleboarding, canoeing
Lauwersmeer National Park
and the Wadden Sea
Beautiful nature close by!
Cities Groningen and Leeuwarden
both around 30 minutes away by car
A landscape shaped by water
Waterways, canals and open polders shape the landscape around De 4 Elementen, creating a wonderful sense of peace and space. The Princess Margriet Canal is a great place for fishing, while the nearby River Lauwers is ideal for canoeing, paddleboarding and swimming.
Kanoën, suppen en zwemmen kan goed in het naast gelegen riviertje de Lauwers.
The area is also perfect for walking and cycling. A network of quiet routes takes you along canals, dykes, meadows and small villages, giving you an easy-going way to experience the landscapes of Friesland and Groningen.
Culture, shopping and city life in Groningen
The lively city of Groningen is around a 30-minute drive away.
Climb the Martini Tower, wander through historic streets and enjoy the mix of quiet corners and vibrant student life.
Highlights include the Groninger Museum, the historic quays of the Hoge and Lage der Aa and Forum Groningen, where you’ll find exhibitions, Storyworld, a cinema and impressive views across the city.
Find more inspiration at Visit Groningen.
Discover Leeuwarden
Around 30 minutes in the other direction lies Leeuwarden, with welcoming shops, pavement cafés and lively squares. Visit the leaning Oldehove tower, discover art and culture at the Fries Museum or explore the Princessehof ceramics museum in its beautiful historic setting.
You can also join a city walk or explore Leeuwarden’s street art.
Find more ideas at Visit Leeuwarden website.
Historic Dokkum and its fortifications
Dokkum is one of the northernmost fortified towns in the Netherlands and is full of history. Its characteristic fortifications form a hexagonal ring around the old town, with lovely views from the bastions.
Other highlights include St Boniface Church, the atmospheric Boniface Chapel and the Ice Fountain, part of the 11fountains art project. Beer lovers may also enjoy a visit to the Bonifatius Brewery.
The historic centre is also a pleasant place to shop, with small local boutiques and inviting streets. Find walking routes and more tips at Visit Friesland.
Lauwersmeer National Park
On the border of Friesland and Groningen lies the beautiful Lauwersmeer National Park, a paradise for birdwatchers with numerous viewpoints and a rich variety of birdlife.
It is also a wonderful place for walking, cycling or simply enjoying the silence. At night, the area is especially impressive: as an official Dark Sky Park, it offers outstanding views of the stars.
On the Lauwersmeer website See all activities and tips.
Lauwersoog is also worth a visit for its harbour and fish market. You can eat fish at ‘The Isle of Wight and enjoy the view from the roof terrace.
From Lauwersoog you can take the ferry to the Wadden Island of Schiermonnikoog.
Visit the Wadden Islands
The Wadden Islands are within easy reach of De 4 Elementen. The ferry ports at Lauwersoog and Holwert make it easy to plan a day trip or continue your holiday on Schiermonnikoog or Ameland. Enjoy endless beaches, beautiful nature and the unique peace and open space of the Wadden Sea region.
Check tickets and current departure times at Wagenborg Passenger Services, the official ferry operator to both Ameland and Schiermonnikoog.
Nearby towns and villages
Nearby places include Kollum, Surhuisterveen and Dokkum on the Friesland side, and Grootegast, Grijpskerk and Zuidhorn on the Groningen side.
Together, they offer a good taste of the region,
combining useful amenities with plenty of local character.
Barefoot Trail in Opende
For something a little different, try the Barefoot Trail in Opende. Take off your shoes and socks and make your way through mud, water and grass, climb over logs and cross ditches using ropes. If it has rained, expect even more mud!
There are benches along the way when you need a break.
It Barefoot Path is free to viset, and you can stop for coffee, a cold drink or an ice cream at Tea Garden The Barefoot Court You can buy coffee, soft drinks, or an ice cream.
De Kruidhof, Botanical Garden at Buitenpost
De Kruidhof makes a great day out for all ages. The botanical gardens feature 19 themed gardens, an Ice Age museum and a large natural playground for children.
The Herb garden is also home to one of Western Europe’s largest botanical collections of medicinal herbs.
Frysling Vineyard Twijzel
A vineyard in Friesland is something you might not expect. De Frysling can be visited by appointment, with tastings available. The wine shop is also open at weekends, making it a lovely place to stop and discover locally produced Frisian wine. Website Frysling is here.
‘t Fiskerhuske Open Air Museum
In the far north of Friesland, directly on the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea, lies the picturesque village of Moddergat. At the ’t Fiskershúske open-air museum, authentic fishermen’s cottages tell the story of life in the twin villages of Paesens-Moddergat.
Discover how fishing families once lived and learn about the devastating storm of 1883, in which 83 fishermen lost their lives. It is a memorable place to experience the history, sea air and character of this part of Friesland.
Smell the sea and feel the wind in ‘t Fiskershúske open-air museum.
Food nearby
Within walking distance of De 4 Elementen you’ll find Brasserie Us Dream, serving lunch, dinner and drinks, with takeaway also available.
The information and their menu are on the Brasserie Us Dream's website.
Other restaurants in the surrounding area
Steakhouse Andre Doctor Briltil 11 km
Brasserie Kolkzicht Surhuisterveen 7 km
It's still Surhuisterveen 7 km
Bodega Tapas Zuidhorn 13 km
Pyramid Buitenpost 6 km
China Garden Buitenpost 6 km
Grand Café Wald 6.6 km to go
Manjefiek Restaurant 6.6 km to go
Tasty House Bistro Kollum, 6.6 km
The Pyramid 10 km Open Race
Pizzeria Cucina Susanna Lutjegast 5 km
