Westerkwartier

Westerkwartier is a municipality in the northern Netherlands, located in the province of Groningen. It lies to the west of the city of Groningen and covers a rural area characterized by farmland, small waterways, and a number of villages and towns.

In 2019, the four former municipalities of Grootegast, Leek, Marum and Zuidhorn merged to form the municipality of Westerkwartier. The region is still commonly referred to as Westerkwartier, a historic designation for the western part of Groningen’s countryside. The main towns within the area include Leek, Zuidhorn, Marum and Grootegast, each with its own historic town center and local services.

Economy and land use are dominated by agriculture, with dairy farming, crop production, and horticulture playing major roles. Small businesses, regional retail, and local services support communities throughout the area. The landscape also features nature reserves and cycling routes that make the region a destination for countryside recreation.

Governance and planning responsibilities are handled by the Westerkwartier municipality, in cooperation with neighboring municipalities and the Groningen province on issues such as transport, housing, and environment. Transport connections include regional road networks and bus services; the area is linked to Groningen and other towns by road and public transport.

Culture and heritage in Westerkwartier are expressed through historic churches, windmills, markets, and traditional events in its towns, reflecting the rural Groningen character that continues to shape community life.