Wolddijk
The Wolddijk is an early medieval dike laid around the low area north of the city of Groningen. This area, which is referred to as the Central Wold area, included the creatures Innersdijk in Hunsingo and Fourth in Fivelingo.
The construction of the dike was necessary when the peat was extracted in the Wold area and the ground level dropped about 3 meters. As a result, water from the higher area north and west (Hogeland) flowed into the area. According to the story, the dike was laid by the holy Walfridus.
The name wold means forest. This is often understood as a forest with trees that would have been located here. Nevertheless, it is more likely that it refers to the swamp provided with a "forest of reed". The name is similar to the Biesbosch, which is also not a forest. In the area are several places that remind the wold past, such as North and South Wolves and Garmerwolde. But also regional and hamlet names like: Lutjewolde, Stuurwolde and Sauwerderwold.
The Wolddijk runs from Noorderhoogebrug in the northern direction to Westerdijkhorn, then in the eastern direction, above Bedum along, to the Kardingermaar and from there south-east to Oosterdijkshorn near Ten Boer. The viaduct at the place where the Wolddijk passes the N46 is called Wolddijk. That is also where Het Maarvliet, which marked the late medieval border of Hunsingo with Fivelingo. The Wolddijk therefore crossed the boundary between both gaps.
The Stadsweg, which runs from Ten Boer to Noorddijk, is considered to be the eastern part of the Wolddijk. This is, however, a misconception, because the area to the southeast is lower than the Wold area. This was created only after the construction of the Damsterdiep between Groningen and Ten Post. The then name of the City Road, the Nije Wal also points in that direction. Also see
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