Local Area

Ekenstein country house is situated in a magnificent English-style country park, designed in 1827 by Lucas Pieter Roodbaard. The Ekenstein estate covers approximately 13 hectares. The Damsterdiep canal flows past the estate and an abundance of flora and fauna guarantees hours of walking pleasure. But you can also take a lovely bike ride through the area, along the narrow roads and paths beside the water, and through tiny picturesque terp villages with their traditional Groningen churches. Alternatively, you can explore the kilometres of waterways by canoe in the summer or on skates in the winter! Our special deals, such as a walking or biking package, are the perfect way to visit the local area.

Culture
Are you a culture vulture? If so, the history of the estate and local area may be of interest to you. For example, the first records of Appingedam date back over 800 years. The Nicolai Church was built in 1225, and the town hall was added in 1630. The town was built around a number of small rivers and affords numerous picturesque vistas, including views of the famous ‘hanging kitchens’. The town centre has some great shops or you could pay a visit to the Appingedam municipal museum. More information about the history of the Ekenstein estate is available elsewhere on this site, but this is not the only country house (or ‘borg’ as they are called in Groningen) in the vicinity.

If you're looking for art and culture on a larger scale, the centre of Groningen is just twenty minutes away by car or train. Our ‘Vrijheid Blijheid package’ is a great deal for a cultural visit to the province.

We’ve drawn up a list of tips to point you in the direction of all the local culture, activities and places of interest.