Scharmer

Scharmer derives from 'skiramere', which means sheer lake, i.e. clear water. The name refers to the abundance of water throughout the area. The place has a long history. There are references to Scharmer as far back as 1231, and at the end of that same century, a church was built there. This church survived for more than 600 years, until it was torn down in 1824. Just before the church was demolished, Groningen painter Jan Ensing eternalised this house of God on canvas. These paintings now belong to the Groningen Museum. The landscape and environs have a rich cultural and natural history. You can sail with an army boat across the peat rivers the ScharmerAe and the WoudbloemAe and see the birds of the marshes and meadowlands. This nature reserve is managed by the farmers of the area, in conjunction with the Forestry Commission.?