Attractions and Places To See around Westerwolde - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Westerwolde, a municipality in the province of Groningen, Netherlands, encompass historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural landscapes. The region features ancient fortifications, medieval monasteries, and meandering streams. Visitors can explore a diverse area known for its history and natural beauty, offering various outdoor activities. Westerwolde is recognized with the international Cittaslow quality mark, emphasizing slow-paced enjoyment and local products.
Best attractions and places to see around Westerwolde
- The most popular attractions is Bourtange Fortress, a historical site known for its beautifully preserved fortifications. This star-shaped fort, built during the Dutch Revolt, is an open-air museum with restored fortifications, historic buildings, and museums.
- Another must-see spot is Ems Cycle Path, a cycle way that runs almost entirely along the Ems. This path offers a well-developed route for relaxed cycling through natural landscapes.
- Visitors also love Herbrum Lock, an other man-made structure with four lifting gates in steel portals. It provides an opportunity to observe large ships up close as they navigate the lock.
- Westerwolde is known for its historical sites, extensive cycling routes, and natural features like ancient forests and stream valleys. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from fortified villages to nature reserves.
- The attractions around Westerwolde are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1500 upvotes and over 800 photos shared.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Ems Cycle Path
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Ems Cycle Route near Herbrum
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Bourtange Fortress
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In the 20th century, Bourtange fell into disrepair, but in the 1960s a large-scale restoration project began to restore the fortress to its former glory. Today, Bourtange is an open-air museum where you can enjoy the restored fortifications, historic buildings and museums that highlight the city's history and military strategies of the time.
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Herbrum Lock
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Bourtange Fortress Windmill
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Tips from the Community
The bridge over the Dortmund-Ems Canal is located between Borsum and Herbrum.
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Always nice to look at
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The northernmost lock of the Dortmund Ems Canal
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Bourtange is an inhabited former fortress in the Netherlands. It is located in the Dutch province of Groningen, two kilometers from the German-Dutch border near Dörpen. Bourtange belongs to Westerwolde, whose part of the municipality Vlagtwedde therefore has a cannon in its coat of arms. Wikipedia
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Kapitein Prottstraat 1C 9545 PE Bourtange Route The Bourtange fortress mill was built on the model of a post mill from Ter Haar, which stood in Bourtange until 1832, but was transported to Ter Haar after the fortress was dissolved. A fortress mill must not only be able to grind grain, but also be able to be dismantled quickly in the event of a siege. It took about a day to dismantle the mill. The mill could then be reinstalled in a safe location where it was no longer in the enemy's line of fire and protected from cannonballs. To ensure that grain could still be ground during a siege, a horse mill was used, i.e. a mill that was not powered by wind power, but by a horse (steed) or a donkey. https://www.visitgroningen.nl/de/standorte/2092796692/festungsmuhle-bourtange
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Bourtange is always a nice destination on the bike tour from Emsland to the Netherlands, but here the hikers have a clear advantage, they simply see more -:)
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Very nice part with a view of the Ems. There are also sections always behind the dike: not visible there
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The original Rosmill in Bourtange is said to be about 400 years old, but the mill that stands there today is a reconstruction from 1988.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit in Westerwolde?
Westerwolde is rich in history. You can explore the reconstructed star-shaped Bourtange Fortress, the smallest fortified village of Oudeschans, and the medieval Monastery in Ter Apel. Other notable sites include Huis te Wedde (Wedderborg) and the Giezelbaarg, a historic sand hill.
Where can I experience nature and wildlife in Westerwolde?
The region offers diverse natural beauty. The Ruiten Aa Stream Valley is perfect for spotting kingfishers and storks. Explore ancient forests like Ter Apeler forests and Liefstinghsbroek, or visit the Sellingerveld Nature Reserve with its striking blue sand lakes. The Ter Wupping Lookout Tower provides enchanting views and opportunities to see deer.
Are there good hiking opportunities in Westerwolde?
Yes, Westerwolde is excellent for walking. You can find numerous trails, including those along the Ruiten Aa and in Wandelgebied de Lethe. For specific routes, check out the Hiking around Westerwolde guide, which features easy to moderate trails like the 'Wild horses and living history in Bourtange' route.
What cycling routes are available in Westerwolde?
Westerwolde offers extensive cycling routes. The Ems Cycle Path is a popular choice, running almost entirely along the Ems River. You can find more options, including road cycling tours like the 'Pieter Smit Bridge – Oldambtmeer Beach loop', in the Road Cycling Routes around Westerwolde guide.
What cultural attractions can I find in Westerwolde?
Beyond historical sites, Westerwolde has unique cultural spots. Visit the Streekhistorisch Centrum in Stadskanaal for regional history, or Museum de Oude Wolden in Bellingwolde for art and local heritage. The Stelmakerij Sellingen, an old wheelwright's workshop, now hosts exhibitions on the ancient Westerwolde landscape.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Westerwolde?
Absolutely! The Bourtange Fortress is a great family outing with its historical events and museums. WonderWereld in Ter Apel is a fairytale nature attraction particularly appealing for children. Many cycling and hiking routes, such as the Ems Cycle Path, are also suitable for families.
Can I go mountain biking in Westerwolde?
Yes, mountain biking is an option. The region offers trails suitable for MTB enthusiasts. You can explore routes around Sellingerbeetse Lake or near Ter Apel Monastery. Check out the MTB Trails around Westerwolde guide for detailed routes and difficulty levels.
What do visitors enjoy most about Westerwolde?
Visitors frequently praise the region's blend of history and natural beauty. The well-preserved fortifications of Bourtange Fortress and the tranquil, natural setting of the Ems Cycle Path are often highlighted. The opportunity for relaxed cycling and hiking away from noise, and observing large ships at Herbrum Lock, are also popular experiences.
Are there any unique natural features or landscapes to see?
Westerwolde is known for its restored Ruiten Aa stream valley, ancient forests like Liefstinghsbroek (one of the oldest in the Netherlands), and the three large sand lakes with strikingly blue water in the Sellingerveld Nature Reserve. The Theater van de Natuur in Sellingen also offers a unique artistic perspective on the landscape.
What water-based activities are available in Westerwolde?
Canoeing on the Ruiten Aa stream is a popular activity, allowing you to experience the restored meanders and diverse wildlife up close. The Sellingerveld Nature Reserve also features beautiful sand lakes, offering serene waterscapes.
Is Westerwolde recognized for any special qualities?
Yes, Westerwolde holds the international Cittaslow quality mark. This recognition emphasizes the region's commitment to slow-paced enjoyment, hospitality, and the promotion of local products, from vegetables and jams to beers and wines.
Can I find places to eat or stay near the attractions?
Many attractions, especially in fortified villages like Bourtange, offer authentic cafes and restaurants. MarinaPark Emstal, for example, has a harbor café and restaurant with a terrace. The Cittaslow quality mark also highlights the availability of local products at restaurants throughout the region.
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Most popular attractions around Westerwolde
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