Start location: Oudeschans, restaurant De Javaan
Finish: Fort Bourtange
Length of route: approx. 65 km
Wondering how the Germans wrote about Westerwolde? "Westerwolde is characterised by a charming, small-scale stream valley with pretty villages, beautiful farms, green forests, moors and meadows with beautiful flora and fauna. The gently rolling, seemingly untouched landscape of Westerwolde was the scene of an eventful history. Here in this region was even the cradle of the Netherlands! The year 1568 plays an important role in this. In that year, the Battle of Heiligerlee was prepared at Wedde Castle. Years of battle ensued. This eventually led to the establishment of the later Republic of the United Netherlands." Conclusion "Westerwolde ist toll!"
Our eastern neighbours seem to be more familiar with this part of Groningen than we Groningers and Dutch ourselves. This is not so surprising. After all, Westerwolde and Germany share a lot of history. Until the Middle Ages, Westerwolde belonged to the diocese of Osnabrück. Only after the 80-year war, in 1619, did the city of Groningen gain ownership of the isolated piece of the Netherlands. Such a distant land near the border, naturally also keeps secrets; surprising stories about people, locations and events with a special charge and emotion. With some roads, your imagination does not have to be very big to see smugglers at work here. The relationship with Germany - before and during WWII - also comes close to the surface during the route.
Tips Westerwolde
Visit De Lethe in Bellingwolde for beautiful landscapes. In Bellingwolde, the MOW museum awaits you with an impressive exhibition "Verdwalen", about art, and walking through unique Groningen landscapes. In Vriescheloo, stap inside the Streekwinkel in Molen de Korenbloem for delicious local produce, and via the historic Burcht Wedde, you'll arrive at Artphy art centre at the Wessinghuizen air spa with the exhibition AIEcologies. Climb De Giezelbaarg and finish with a drink and a treat or lunch at Gasterij Smeerling.
