Hondsrug

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The Hoogstraatje in Groningen, the northernmost hill of the Hondsrug
The Hoogstraatje in Groningen, the northernmost hill of the Hondsrug
Cross-section
Cross-section

The Hondsrug is a Dutch ridge of sand that is mainly located in the province Drenthe and partly in the province Groningen. The spur of the Hondsrug in Groningen has led to the creation of various villages build on artificial dwelling hills: Adorp, Sauwerd, Ezinge, Winsum, Baflo, Rasquert, Warffum, Usquert, Rottum.

The name "Hondsrug" would appear to be taken from the Dutch word for "dog" or "hound" (Hond) and the word for a "back" or "ridge" (Rug). However, it is more likely a bastardization of the older name Hunze-rug, coming from the name of the river Hunze, which flows through Drenthe and Groningen. Up until the 19th century the Hondsrug was also known as the Bisschopsrug, meaning "Bishop's Ridge."