Fort Bourtange

Fort Bourtange was built in the late sixteenth century as a defensive structure during the Eighty Years’ War. From the bastions, one could look out in all directions for enemies. Or rather, to watch as enemy troops sank hopelessly into the surrounding marshland. A century later, Bourtange became famous thanks to Captain Prott. The enemy bishop Bernard van Galen, better known in Groningen as ‘Bommen Berend’, tried to bribe Prott with a ‘golden bombardment’: an offer of 200,000 guilders or a noble estate in Westphalia. According to the stories, Prott’s reply was clear: ‘You can have 200,000 bullets!’ Bourtange withstood the ensuing attack and the enemy had no choice but to retreat.

Bourtange has been fully restored to its original state, including ramparts, moats and red-painted drawbridges. Prott’s heroic actions are still re-enacted every year in a battle re-enactment. But beyond that, Bourtange is also simply a village with modern residents. And that was exactly the case in the past. de fort was home to soldiers and their families, as well as civilians who helped out in all sorts of ways. Many of the buildings that stood there back then can still be viewed from the inside today. The school, the church and the mill: a visit to the old fortress is a true journey back in time.

When you visit Bourtange, you can enjoy yourself all day long. You can explore Bourtange via various walking routes, there are all sorts of shops and places to eat and drink, and you’ll even find an old-fashioned candle-making workshop. In addition, spectacular events are organised regularly – from various markets to realistic re-enactments of historic battles. Prefer to delve into the history of the fortified town? You can visit not just one, but several museums here. Everywhere you go, you’ll embark on an impressive journey through time. Round off the day in a proper box bed right in de fort and experience for yourself, even at night, what life was like here in the past. And don’t be startled by the bang – on Sunday afternoons, the old cannon is still fired here.

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