Peace and quiet in Westerwolde
If you look around carefully, you will see that you have all the space you need. And peace and quiet. Because that is what you will find in Westerwolde. And that is not surprising: the combination of tranquil landscapes and cosy villages makes you slow down. It doesn't always have to be so fast. Find out why Westerwolde can be soothing for you too.
Slowly but better
You will find peace and quiet and space in Westerwolde. All around you. Enjoyment at a human pace. After all, Westerwolde has the international Cittaslow quality mark in its pocket. A large number of entrepreneurs proudly display the quality mark. Come along and discover for yourself. For instance in one of the cosy villages in the area. Stap nature. Everything within reach. Nice and quiet, all the time for yourself.
" ''Enjoyment at a human pace'' "
Bellingwolde
Originated in the Middle Ages, on a sandy ridge. Today you can taste the history, even of later centuries. Stroll along the long Hoofdweg, with monumental mansions and farms on either side. End the day with a stroll through the H. Kemper Park. Grown with brown beech and chestnut trees and adorned with a pretty English-style path.
Onstwedde
For the nature lovers among us. A village with a green character, put on your walking shoes and stap straight into the wide open spaces. Take Smeerling, a hamlet of eight scattered farms. In between, plenty of room for the beauty nature has to offer. Or go a little further to Ter Wupping. An estate characterised by the hoof and brook valley landscape. And if you look carefully, you will come across the very rare songbird the ortolan here.
Wedde
Located on the river Westerwoldse Aa lies the characteristic Wedde. Surrounded by many natural areas that are well worth seeing. Characteristic is the ash landscape. And if you feel like it, you can even reach the village by boat. Or let yourself sail from the harbour while you marvel at the local nature. Just outside the village you will find the Wedderbergen. A rich 60-hectare area with a campsite, bungalow park and recreational lake. All this in a wooded setting. Get away from civilisation for a while.
Sellingen
If you want to unwind, Sellingen is the place to be. For the esdorp has peace and space in store for you. On the Dennenweg in the village you will find the'theater van de natuur'. The interesting staircase leading up to it is lined with fifteen poems. Once at the top, the rotating stage frame allows you to create your own representation of the landscape. Not done looking yet? Then visit the adjacent Sellingerveld nature reserve. The three large sand lakes catch the eye. Not to mention the very blue water: as if you were in the Caribbean for a moment.
Vlagtwedde
Finally, Vlagtwedde is also a great place to be. On foot or by bike: in and around the village you can fully enjoy northern natural beauty. Old sand ridges, forests and flowery meadows alternate. And you pass old Saxon farms along the way. The meandering landscape along the Ruiten Aa is a feast for the eyes.
Oudeschans
In 1593, during the Eighty Years' War, the smallest fortified village was created: Oudeschans. More than 200 years later, in 1814, Oudeschans was dissolved as a fortress. But little has changed in the village's structure. Go back in time and walk the marked route over the former ramparts, along the old Westerwoldse Aa and through the picturesque fortified village. Don't forget to take a look at the Fortress Museum and delve into the past of the fortifications.
