Netherlands - Groningen And Drenthe - North Holland From Sea to Swamp (35/151)

Netherlands - Groningen And Drenthe - North Holland From Sea to Swamp (35/151)

Over the centuries, the quirky, hard-working and proud inhabitants of the formerly poor Dutch provinces of Groningen and Drenthe have amassed a sizable fortune and built themselves castles on the hills known as "Borgen". These fortified mediaeval homesteads were later converted into stately homes in times of peace. Today they are kept in shape as part of the national heritage. Many of these buildings have been taken over by enterprising citizens and turned into entertainment venues. Thanks to its university, Groningen, the capital of the province, is one of the most lively and exciting sites of the Netherlands. In contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life, however, life on the moors of Drenthe is mostly shaped by peat farmers. The once-prized fuel is still extracted with the help of an old steam engine in the open air museum at Barger-Compascum.