Route 31: Vestingroute Oudeschans
This route takes you on a walk around the former fort Oudeschans. The route is 3 kilometres long.
In the far north of Westerwolde lies the former fortress of Oudeschans. This ancient fortress was built in 1593 in the border region with Germany by Count Willem Lodewijk, stadtholder of Groningen. Although little to nothing of it remains today, de fort was situated on the banks of the Dollard, which had been pushed far inland by dyke breaches and tidal waves.
De fort, which at the time was known as the Bellingwolder Schans, was intended to …
In the far north of Westerwolde lies the former fortress of Oudeschans. This ancient fortress was built in 1593 in the border region with Germany by Count Willem Lodewijk, stadtholder of Groningen. Although little to nothing of it remains today, de fort was situated on the banks of the Dollard, which had been pushed far inland by dyke breaches and tidal waves.
De fort, known at the time as the Bellingwolder Schans, was intended to protect the mouth of the River Westerwoldse Aa where it flows into the Dollard from foreign invaders. Count Willem, with 2,200 soldiers, built the ramparts around de fort and provided accommodation for his men. The soldiers defended de fort. The Bellingwolder Schans lost its significance when the Dollard was embanked and a new defensive structure was required: the Nieuwe or Lange Akkerschans (1628). It was at this time that the Bellingwolder Schans was given its current name: Oudeschans.
The fortified village subsequently fell into increasing disrepair. When, in the 1970s, Oudeschans was in danger of being completely demolished, the Association and later the Fort Oudeschans Foundation successfully campaigned for the preservation of this historic and distinctive village. Following a thorough refurbishment, Oudeschans has become what it is today.
This walking route offers you a lovely view of this historic fortified village and the surrounding countryside from the so-called ‘contrescarp’, the second line of defence.
You can find much more historical information about Oudeschans at the Fortress Museum.
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This is a route of the Walking in Westerwolde Foundation, which is sponsored by Stichting Fort Oudeschans.
More information on Oudeschans: museumtv.nl/tentoonstelling/collection-of-fortress-museum-oudeschans/
Here’s what you’ll see
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Starting point:
Parking place Koudehoek north of Oudeschans
9696 Oudeschans
Navigate to the starting point
Tourist Info Agentschap - Oudeschans (Vestingmuseum)
Molenweg 69696 XN Oudeschans
Features
Tour/Route
- Route typing: Nature trail
- Route features: From A to A
- Tagged: Yes
- Explanatory marking: Yellow and white stickers WIW31
Walking
- Dogs must be kept on a lead Yes