Friends and I have to be at a conference in the Dutch city of Groningen in late Sept. We'd love to hike around the area, but can only find hiking and footpath websites in Dutch. The only footpath guide book I've found is also in Dutch and apparently not shipped to the USA, only to Europe. Any suggestions from anyone? Fortunately we have some time to figure out where to hike and where to stay (no backpacking, just B&B/hotels).

This doesn't have routes as such but may provide some inspiration: http://toerisme.groningen.nl/en/zien...leven-2/natuur

You could try contacting the VVV, but I doubt they have many, if any, routes in English. it is not an area English speakers get to very often.

The Jacobspad could be of interest to you, as it is part of the route to Santiago de Compostela. Again I think it may only be available in Dutch - but this is the website, I have started with the map of the route in Groningen for you, but you can have a quick look at the rest of it, http://www.jacobspad.nl/kaart%202.html

Most of the tourist offices (VVVs) in the area have walking routes available, but again only in Dutch - they may be able to do a quick, rough and ready translation for you though.

Oh this one has some English stuff: http://www.vvvlauwersland.nl/fileadm...ch_english.pdf

Of course you could go Wadlopen too, - walking through the mud on the Wadden sea at low tide to one of the islands!

A bit more research turned up this - obviously you won't want to do the whole route but it is at least in English:
http://www.routeyou.com/route/view/1...gen-utrecht.en

There are others on that site - in Dutch sadly, but with maps so you could probably manage to work them out.

You could also look at www.ontrack.nl and click on contact - they may be able to help out too.

Wadlopen is a unique experience I've never seen it outside The Netherlands. If your in luck you get to see some seals on the way.

I great day trip would be to go to the island of Schiermonnikoog witch is a national park and has great walking opportunities. The local VVV usually has information in English.

hetismij and Marijke, you have been so kind to do this research for me. I have looked at each of these links, and in most cases Google-Translate has given me at least a sense of them. The Lauwersland area is one that we will further investigate. I'm forwarding to my friends the link to the Lauwerlans tourist office brochure; it not only has maps but also information on housing and dining. One of my colleagues had discovered Wadlopen in a guidebook and has urged us to investigate it. So with your help we look forward to an adventure in September.

Have fun! If you need help with translations just let me know.

What hostels? Where? The OP is walking and stating in B&Bs or hotels. Why would a hostel in the Netherlands be dangerous? Why would anyone want to steal your organs while staying there?

Smileys: http://www.fodors.com/community/smileys/