Piccardthofplas is a distinctive nature reserve located in the Groningen region of the Netherlands, offering a unique environment for outdoor pursuits. Characterized by its rare halocline—a stratification of sweet and salty water layers—this area supports a rich biodiversity and features well-maintained paths that connect to broader wetlands and parks. It serves as an important ecological corridor, making Piccardthofplas an ideal destination for several sports like road cycling, hiking, jogging, touring cycling, and more.
Piccardthofplas provides…
150
Routes
4.3
(623)
Average rating
9150
People visited

4.3
(91)
622
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(40)
259
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(17)
175
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.2
(13)
319
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(34)
308
riders
53.0km
02:23
80m
70m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.1
(27)
216
riders
44.7km
01:55
60m
60m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.5
(19)
496
riders
43.2km
01:43
80m
80m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.3
(3)
265
riders
118km
05:10
230m
230m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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5.0
(5)
177
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

150
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
185
runners
7.66km
00:49
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

124
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(9)
131
riders
63.3km
03:38
120m
120m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.1
(16)
99
riders
39.5km
02:18
70m
70m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

4.5
(8)
68
riders
59.4km
03:15
110m
110m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(5)
52
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(4)
62
riders
24.3km
01:25
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

58
riders
9.66km
00:33
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(6)
47
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
41
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
25
riders
34.7km
01:44
50m
50m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
4
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Piccardthofplas offers opportunities for Road cycling, Hiking, Jogging, Touring cycling, Gravel biking, and Mountain biking. The area features well-maintained paths around the lake and connections to broader wetlands. More than 338,000 visitors have shared experiences, with routes rated an average of 4.43 out of 5 stars.
Piccardthofplas provides various hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. Popular routes include the Hoornsemeer Floating Walkway loop (2.2 miles [3.6 km]) and the 'View Over De Onlanden – The Onlanderij loop' (6.3 miles [10.1 km]). Further details are available in the guide Hiking around Piccardthofplas.
The broader Groningen region, including Piccardthofplas, is known for its extensive network of dedicated cycle paths and flat terrain. Cyclists can integrate the paths around Piccardthofplas into longer regional routes exploring wetlands and polder areas. Information on routes is available in Road Cycling Routes around Piccardthofplas.
The 39-hectare nature reserve features an extensive network of accessible paths, making it suitable for jogging. Routes offer varied terrain, exploring wetlands and scenic natural landscapes. Notable jogging routes include the Bridge Over the Peizerdiep – Leekstermeergebied Wetlands loop (10.4 miles [16.8 km]). More routes are detailed in Running Trails around Piccardthofplas.
Piccardthofplas offers family-friendly options, particularly for hiking. The Hoornsemeer Floating Walkway loop (2.2 miles [3.6 km]) is an easy route suitable for families. Additional family-friendly hiking suggestions can be found in the guide Family-friendly hikes around Piccardthofplas.
Piccardthofplas is characterized by a rare stratification of sweet and salty water layers, known as a 'halocline,' which supports significant biodiversity. The area functions as an ecological link within the broader wetland infrastructure. An observation point in the middle of the lake offers a peaceful retreat.
Piccardthofplas is a biodiversity hotspot, home to many bird species such as the little grebe, great bittern, kingfisher, smew, tufted duck, and common goldeneye. Around the plas, birdwatchers might spot finches, the great spotted woodpecker, and long-eared owls. The lake's waters also contain eel, carp, pike, and pike-perch.
Komoot offers several guides for Piccardthofplas, covering various activities. Examples include Hiking around Piccardthofplas, Road Cycling Routes around Piccardthofplas, and Traffic-free bike rides around Piccardthofplas.
The terrain in the Piccardthofplas area and the broader Groningen region is predominantly flat, making it accessible for all cycling abilities. Cyclists can explore expansive wetlands, numerous lakes, and wide-open polder areas with canals and farmland.
Easy hiking routes are available in Piccardthofplas, such as the Hoornsemeer Floating Walkway loop (2.2 miles [3.6 km]). For more options, consult the guide Easy hikes around Piccardthofplas.
The natural area of Piccardthofplas is managed by Natuurmonumenten, and information can be found on their website. An official website for the residents' association is piccardthofplas.nl.

