Winschoten

Where Winschoten once lay among impassable bogs and swamps, that is anything but the case now. It has everything a city should offer. In fact, besides the large amount of shops and restaurants, Winschoten also has a rich history. A walk through the city is also a walk through history. Not only are there the buildings from the golden years of Oldambt, but Winschoten also has a rich Jewish history. It is not called Sodom and 'Lutje Mokum'(Little Amsterdam) for nothing. In turn, the city's other nickname, 'Rose in the Region', owes it to the extraordinary Rosarium which opened in 1967. A stadspark of up to 70 hectares, of which 6 hectares consist of water features.

Over the years, Winschoten has grown to become the second-largest shopping town in the province of Groningen. This is evident from the wide range of shops on offer. For instance, many major brands are represented in the town, but there are also plenty of cosy little shops to browse around in. Shops with delightful scents, beautiful flowers and fun workshops. There’s also no shortage of fashion boutiques; Winschoten is a true fashion paradise. There’s something for everyone in the town, young and old alike. Did you know, by the way, that the Newlands and Outfit chains actually started out in Winschoten? It’s fertile ground on which to build your empire.

As well as being able to pop into Winschoten for cool clothes and other bits and bobs, you’ll also find plenty of tasty treats here. All sorts of local produce – from freshly roasted coffee to handmade chocolates and delicious breads. Quality butchers, delicatessens and toko– Winschoten has it all. Would you rather treat yourself to something special? Then there are plenty of lovely places where you can pop in for a drink or a full meal. At some, you’ll be served a traditional Dutch meal, whilst elsewhere you can sample cuisine from all corners of the globe – from the Philippines and Italy to the Balkans. There’s plenty of choice.

The centre of Winschoten also regularly has something going on. For instance, you can visit Cultuurhuis de Klinker almost every day. The Klinker is the building in the region where theatre, film, library and visitors each have their own place. It also hosts a lot of other events. In spring, for instance, the Day of the Park in the beautiful Rosarium and street theatre festival Waterbei street theatre festival in the heart of summer in the inner city of Winschoten. But also the Run of Winschoten in September is a sporting event not to be missed. And traditionally, Winschoten hosts the All Saints' Market, the first edition of which took place back in 1816.