Route 36: Borderland Wessingtange

The route passes through Germany, so it’s a good idea to carry your ID card with you. If there has been freezing rain, it is not advisable to walk the route as you will be passing beneath the blades of the wind turbines and there is a high risk of pieces of ice falling. Signs are in place to warn of this.

Due to free-roaming goats (points 11–12), dogs are not permitted on this route.

Wessingtange is a hamlet in the municipality of Westerwolde. It lies south of Sellingen, between the Ruiten-Aa Canal and the German border. The name indicates that the hamlet is situated on a sand ridge (= tange) in the former Bourtangermoeras. If you enjoy peace and space, this is a wonderful route for a walk. Along the way, there are opportunities to take a break on a bench or at a picnic table. On the German side, there are shelters along the route in case it starts to rain.

The Hasseberg is the highest point in the province of Groningen. The mountain – or rather, a hill – stands at 14.2 metres above sea level and is situated approximately 2 km east of Sellingen. The hill lies within Dutch territory; the German border runs just behind the summit. The Hasseberg is a glacial deposit from the Ice Age, and the deposited soil originates from Norway. A glacier left the soil here behind. The Hasseberg is mentioned in many historical accounts.

The final section of the walk takes you through the natuurbegraafplaats Laude (points 15–17). The natural burial ground forms part of a 60-hectare nature reserve and covers an area of approximately 12 hectares where burials are permitted. An old tributary of the River Eems once flowed here; today, you’ll find varied natural scenery with higher and lower-lying areas and a mix of old and young woodland: deciduous forest with old oaks and ash trees, hawthorn, beech and Spanish oak. Various bird species are also found here. In the mature woodland, these include the redstart, hen harrier, nuthatch and hawfinch; in the younger woodland, the chiffchaff, wren and robin.
The proceeds from the natural burial ground go directly towards the management of nature in this area.

This is a route of the Walking in Westerwolde Foundation. You can still sign up as a sponsor for this route. Mail to info@wandeleninwesterwolde.nl

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