Special places in Oldambt

Nowhere else in the Netherlands will you find such surprising places as in Oldambt. This region in the east of Groningen is full of stories, tranquil landscapes and special heritage sites. From a forest with a turbulent history to charming hikers’ huts on the Dollard, from a food forest for foodies to mystical church towers standing separate from their churches.

Ambonezenbosje: a special woodland with a story to tell

In the vast Carel Coenraadpolder – the last polder to be reclaimed near the Dollard – you’ll find an unexpected patch of nature: a small, mixed woodland covering 2.5 hectares. Between 1953 and 1961, there were barracks here where around 300 people from Ambon lived. These people had fought on the side of the Netherlands in the former Dutch East Indies. After they left, a poplar grove was planted on this site in 1962. To this day, it is popularly known as the ‘Ambonese Grove’.

Accommodation with a view: the hikers’ huts at Hongerige Wolf

On the dyke near the village of Hongerige Wolf stand four unique hikers’ huts, situated in a rugged nature reserve with views over the Dollard salt marshes. The huts are named after plants and birds native to this special tidal landscape: Sea Aster, Barnacle Goose, Avocet and Samphire. A perfect spot for nature lovers, walkers and those seeking peace and quiet who want to unwind for a while.

Drieborg and the dyke: walking through the land of submerged villages

The village of Drieborg is situated in a historic landscape: the former Reiderland, which was once hit by a major flood in the 16th century that wiped out 20 to 30 villages. Drieborg forms part of the ‘Verdronken Dorpenroute’ (Route of the Sunken Villages), a network of walking routes passing by these vanished settlements. The dyke at Drieborg/Kostverloren offers a magnificent view of both the Kroonpolder and the Stadspolder – with striking differences in elevation between the old and new polders.

Oogstwold: a gastronomic food forest

A green oasis full of edible trees, shrubs and flowers: that is the Oogstwold Gastronomic Food Forest. This is where nature, education, gastronomy and recreation come together. Enjoy a dinner featuring ingredients from the forest, or take part in one of the many workshops, guided tours or activities. A unique experience for all the senses!

Churches and towers of Oldambt

The Oldambt region is home to a striking number of churches and towers – often with a tower standing separately from the church, some 20 metres away, which is typical of this area. Some churches serve as venues for the arts, whilst others have retained their religious function. You can climb some of the towers to enjoy a magnificent view. Be sure to visit the churches in Finsterwolde, Midwolda, Nieuw Beerta, Nieuw Scheemda, Oostwold, Scheemda or Winschoten – each church tells its own story.

The Weeping Brides: disappearing heritage

Scattered across the former ‘Graanrepubliek’ (Grain Republic) are impressive but dilapidated manor farms. Once a symbol of wealth, they are now often too large and costly to maintain. These crumbling monuments are also known as the ‘Weeping Brides’. A documentary has been made about this phenomenon, and theatre productions have been dedicated to it. Fortunately, plans are underway to preserve these unique buildings for the future.