Oldambt from the water
Oldambt is one of the most beautiful wetlands in the Netherlands. So what could be more fun than exploring this area from the water? Get your sloop out of the shed or rent one in one of the harbours and take to the water. Take a refreshing dip in one of the swimming pools or at one of the beaches and cast your line at the Oldambtmeer. Experience everything from the water in a different way.
Sailing
The opening up of the Oldambtmeer via the Blauwe Passage to the north has created a whole host of additional boating opportunities in Oldambt. For example, sail via the Winschoterdiep and the Oldambtmeer towards Nieuwolda, or take a longer route via Nieuwe Statenzijl and Termunterzijl through the Dollard region. Would you rather stay on the Oldambtmeer? Then you can simply do a loop around Blauwestad. These four sailing routes are all described in the brochure ‘Sailing in Oldambt’.
Blauwediep Lock
The lock between the Winschoterdiep and the Oldambtmeer can be operated by anyone using a key or access card, available from the marina in Winschoten (06-46016291)
Lock opening hours: from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm, from 1 May to 1 October. Outside the boating season, by appointment. For further information, contact the Hunze en Aa’s Water Board (0598-693800).
Cruise
Prefer not to sail yourself, but rather enjoy yourself from a tour boat? With Pieter Dekker Rondvaarten, you'll discover the Oldambtmeer at your leisure from the water, and be sure to bring binoculars so you can get a closer look at the islands full of birds too.
Sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and boat hire
Want to hire a sailboat, motorboat, sloop, canoe or SUP-board? You can do so at Bootverhuur Blauwestad on the Oldambtmeer. Every renter will receive a sailing map with fun sailing routes, places of interest and waterfront catering points. You can also learn to sail and windsurf at Zeilschool Blauwestad, also located at Jachthaven Midwolda.
Ports
Are you out and about on your boat and looking for a nice spot to moor? Oldambt has a total of eight different marinas, three of which are situated on Oldambtmeer . These friendly marinas are fully equipped with all the amenities you need. Mooring your boat and explore the waterfront. In Winschoten, for example, it’s just a five-minute walk to the town centre, or you can take a seat at one of the outdoor cafés by Oldambtmeer .
Swimming
On hot summer’s days, there are more than enough lovely spots in Oldambt to cool off. On the shores of Oldambtmeer are two large sandy beaches with safe swimming areas. Strand Zuid is situated near the new Havenkwartier Blauwestad. A wooden footbridge takes you straight to the beach, which has a large sunbathing area. The other beach is on the northern edge of the lake, near Midwolda. Here you can sunbathe or enjoy the terrace at the pavilion. There’s a playground for children. A little further on, near Beerta, you can swim in the Beertsterplas. There are no facilities here, but you can relax in the shelter of the beach. Would you rather swim in a swimming pool? That’s an option too, of course. In the summer, you can visit the De Ringberg open-air swimming pool in Scheemda. Or choose one of the indoor swimming pools: De Hardenberg in Finsterwolde and De Watertoren in Winschoten.
