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The national monument De Helper is a polder mill on the eastern shore of the Paterswoldsemeer lake in the municipality of Haren, province of Groningen, in the hamlet of Nijveensterkolk. Here you can enjoy a lovely walk along the Paterswoldse Meer.

The wooden Biesterwied lookout tower offers a beautiful view over the reed marsh of Tetjehorn and the Schildmeer. At a height of six meters you can spot rare birds, deer and foxes in this peaceful nature reserve. Popular with bird and nature lovers, this tower is an ideal place to experience the rich biodiversity of 't Roegwold.

Beautiful view in beautiful surroundings.

A refreshing place to take a dip in the Zuidelaardermeer. Didn't bring swimwear? You can also get a refreshing drink at Beach Club Vifero. View the opening hours for the high and low season at: https://beachclubvifero.nl/openingstijden/

The Helper Mill is named after the Helpman polder that he drained from 1863. In the 1960s the mill was out of use and fell into disrepair. In 1971 it was moved to its current location on the Paterswoldsemeer. The mill is now used for drainage for water circulation of the ditches next to the lake. It is a wonderful place to enjoy the view over the lake on one of the benches on a sunny day.

Groningen people pronounce the name Appelbergen with the emphasis on the è, so like the word appel, in the legal/military sense. Originally, the name was pronounced with an emphasis on the a, so as the word apple (= fruit), where apple refers to pine cones. These apples used to be used as fuel for cooking and heating. The shift in sound is the result of the forest being used as a training ground for years. The pronunciation, intended as a joke, has become so common that many Groningen residents correct those who pronounce the name “incorrectly”. The name explanation, which goes back to 1672, is perhaps the nicest. In that year, France, England, the Bishop of Cologne and the Prince Bishop of Münster, Berend van Galen (Bommen Berend), jointly declared war on the Republic of the Netherlands. In the Northern Netherlands, mainly troops from Münster and Cologne performed. In July 1672, the invading troops captured a number of East Groningen forts. The Bourtange fortress held up well and remained intact. The attackers moved around it, but had to make a long detour because all the low lands were flooded. The only dry route for men, horsemen and artillery of the German troops ran across the Hondsrug. The armies of Bommen Berend (24,000 men) bivouacked around the current Appèlbergen. According to legend, thousands of soldiers stood at roll call here between the shifting sand hills every morning!

A beautiful piece of nature

Beautiful beach with a volleyball field and a great beach bar/restaurant 👍