Bedum(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For a peaceful countryside escape, Hotel De Buitenhof stands out as a premier choice in Bedum, offering charming Dutch-style rooms surrounded by lush gardens and walking trails. Located just steps from the historic St. Nicholas Church and the Bedum Market Square, it blends rustic elegance with modern comfort. Guests enjoy free bike rentals and access to the nearby Dune Nature Reserve, perfect for morning hikes or sunset views. The hotel also hosts seasonal farm-to-table dinners featuring local ingredients, deepening your connection to the region’s agricultural roots.

Another excellent option is B&B Hotel Groningen-Bedum, known for its eco-friendly design and proximity to the Bedumermeer Lake. With spacious rooms, energy-efficient systems, and a cozy lounge with local artwork, it provides a serene retreat while remaining within easy reach of nature trails and village charm.

The heart of Bedum—the Old Town District—is the ideal area for travelers seeking proximity to culture, cuisine, and local life. This compact, pedestrian-friendly zone centers around the Market Square, where daily farmers’ markets offer fresh dairy, pickles, and handmade crafts. Nearby, De Grote Kerk (St. Nicholas Church) showcases stunning medieval architecture, while family-run cafes like Oude Broodjeszaak serve authentic Dutch treats such as aardappelpannenkoek and apple pie.

Walking distance also includes the Bedum Museum, which chronicles regional history through period costumes and farm tools. Most boutique hotels here offer complimentary bikes, enabling quick access to the Dune Nature Reserve and Bedumermeer Lake, making it the perfect base for both cultural immersion and outdoor adventure.

Visitors to Bedum should not miss the annual Bedumse Ambachtfeest (Craft Festival), held every summer. This vibrant event transforms the town into an open-air artisan fair, featuring master woodcarvers, potters, weavers, and traditional textile makers. Travelers can participate in hands-on workshops—from weaving baskets to shaping clay—and take home one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Another highlight is touring the Bedum Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of 19th-century rural life artifacts, including vintage farming tools, household items, and regional clothing. Evening strolls along the cobblestone streets, listening to the distant chime of the church bell, offer a deeply authentic glimpse into the soul of this preserved Dutch village.

Nature photographers will love the Bedum Dune Nature Reserve, a rare coastal dune landscape stretching along the North Sea. At sunrise, golden light filters through the tall grasses, casting dramatic shadows across the shifting sands—a perfect scene for panoramic shots. The reserve’s elevated viewing platforms offer unobstructed vistas of wild deer and migratory birds, especially during spring and autumn migrations.

Equally photogenic is Bedumermeer Lake, where still waters reflect the sky and ancient windmills. During fall, the surrounding trees blaze in reds and golds, creating a mirror-like effect ideal for mirror photography. Early mornings or late afternoons are best, when soft lighting enhances textures and colors without harsh midday glare.

Yes, most hotels in Bedum offer free or low-cost bicycle rental. Hotel De Buitenhof and B&B Hotel Groningen-Bedum both feature secure bike storage and assist guests with route planning via printed maps or digital apps. Many bikes are equipped with electric assist features, ideal for exploring the extensive network of greenways linking Bedum to Groningen and the North Sea coast.

Rental packages often include waterproof bags, GPS trackers, and repair kits. Some hotels even organize guided group rides through the dunes and farmland, enhancing safety and discovery. These services make cycling the preferred mode of transport for tourists eager to experience the region’s natural beauty at their own pace.

Hotels in Bedum ensure seamless access to key sites through multiple transportation options. Within walking distance, guests can reach the St. Nicholas Church, Market Square, and Bedum Museum—all within a 10-minute stroll. For longer excursions, many hotels partner with local providers to offer discounted shuttle services to the Dune Nature Reserve and Bedumermeer Lake.

Additionally, most properties provide detailed route guides and real-time updates on public transit schedules. Some luxury hotels even offer private car transfers to Groningen City or the North Sea beaches, ensuring convenience without compromising on authenticity. This integrated approach makes exploration effortless, whether you’re chasing history, nature, or local flavor.

In Bedum, food lovers must try Groninger Aardappelpannenkoek—a savory potato pancake with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, often served with smoked sausage or cheese. Another must-sample is Bedumse Haring, traditionally salt-cured herring, typically enjoyed raw with onions and pickles, offering a bold taste of Dutch coastal tradition.

Don’t miss Oude Broodjeszaak, a beloved local bakery serving freshly baked rye bread with homemade jam and butter. For a true culinary experience, book a home-hosted dinner through the village’s cultural exchange program, where families prepare multi-course meals using heirloom recipes passed down generations—offering not just food, but storytelling and connection.

Absolutely. Bedum is one of the most welcoming destinations for solo travelers in the Netherlands. Hotels like Hotel De Buitenhof and B&B Hotel Groningen-Bedum feature single rooms with thoughtful amenities and communal spaces designed to foster conversation—like cozy lounges with board games and evening meetups.

The town’s small size, low crime rate, and well-lit streets make it safe and easy to explore alone. Local cafes, bookshops, and art galleries invite quiet reflection or casual interaction. Many hotels also host themed events—such as storytelling nights or guided walks—helping solo guests build meaningful connections while enjoying the tranquil pace of rural Dutch life.

The crown jewel of Bedum’s calendar is the Bedumse Oogstfeest (Harvest Festival) in September, celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage. The entire town bursts into color with stalls selling fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, honey, and handcrafted goods. Visitors can join in age-old traditions like threshing wheat, milking cows, and baking bread in a stone oven.

Evenings come alive with folk music under the stars, bonfires, and lantern parades. Special festival-themed accommodations and gourmet dinners—such as ‘Farm-to-Table Suppers’—are available at select hotels, blending hospitality with celebration. It’s a rare chance to immerse yourself in the rhythms of rural Dutch life.

Yes, Bedum leads in eco-conscious hospitality. Hotel De Buitenhof operates entirely on renewable energy, uses compostable packaging, and runs a zero-waste kitchen. Guests receive refillable toiletry bottles and are encouraged to participate in a carbon-offset program.

The hotel partners with the Groningen Provincial Eco-Tourism Network, promoting low-impact activities like cycling and guided nature walks. Electric scooter rentals are available, and all guest rooms feature smart thermostats to reduce energy use. Even the landscaping uses native plants that require minimal irrigation. Together, these efforts create a truly sustainable stay, allowing travelers to explore nature responsibly.