Lettelbert is best understood through its wetlands and the waterscape of Leekstermeer. When looking for a hotel and planning a stay, start with a simple question about your interests: would you mainly like to hike and watch birds, or experience Lettelbert by canoe? The circular trail through the Lettelberterpetten is 2.5 kilometres long; the canoe routes range from 2.5 to 12 kilometres. These figures offer an initial comparison of the activities and route lengths.

Alder carr in the Lettelberterpetten

A valuable alder carr developed in the Lettelberterpetten as former peat-digging pits naturally silted up. This illustrates a clear link between past use and today’s landscape: the former peat-digging pits silted up naturally, allowing the alder carr to develop. Those interested in how landscapes form will find a distinctive connection with nature here. The Petten can be seen not only as an area for a walk, but also as an example of how a landscape changes over time.

Hiking and birdwatching

The circular trail through the Lettelberterpetten is 2.5 kilometres long and leads to an observation tower. In suitable conditions, the view from there extends across Leekstermeer; visibility 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, although viewing opportunities also depend on the weather. The circular route therefore combines two distinct interests: views over the water and birdwatching at the hide. Check trail conditions before setting out, as they can change.

De Drie Polders on foot

Another walking route leads through De Drie Polders. It passes reed beds and the swamp forest surrounding an observation tower. The route includes a location at the 't Mienscheer car park in Lettelbert. The landscape itself is a reason to choose this route: reed beds and swamp forest define the described stretch. The windows of Gemaal Lettelbert display information about the cultural history, water retention and nature of the De Drie Polders area. Local orientation therefore covers not only the landscape, but also topics relating to history and water management.

Canoe routes at Leekstermeer

Various canoe routes, ranging from 2.5 to 12 kilometres, are available from Watersportcentrum Lettelbert. The shortest canoe route is the same length as the circular walking trail at 2.5 kilometres; the other routes extend up to 12 kilometres. This provides a fixed walking circuit and a range of canoe distances for comparison. Along the canoe routes, Leekstermeer is approximately 1.50 metres deep and has a sandy bottom. This approximate depth and the type of bottom give an indication of the waterway along the routes. Check the current route options and availability before travelling.

Lettelbert’s water history

The Lettelberterdiep is also part of the village’s water history. It runs directly north from Leekstermeer and was an important part of the water connection between the city of Groningen and the western regions. Its former role adds a historical perspective to the present-day focus on walking and canoe routes: water shapes Lettelbert not only as a landscape, but was also part of an important connection between Groningen and the western regions.

Discover more destinations: Zevenhuizen, Oostwold.

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