Route 17: Soldatendyck Bourtange
On this route, you’ll walk straight through the Bourtangerveen and across the Soldatendyck. This route is 6 kilometres long.
The Bourtangerveen formed a natural border between Groningen and East Frisia. The accessible routes through the peat bog lay on spits or sand ridges. In the event of a dispute with the neighbours, such a route could easily be cut off. The Bishop of Münster, Bommen Berend, found this out the hard way. Old field names (Munsterse kampen) still serve as a reminder of his siege.
The star-shaped Bourtange fortification is a work of art in its own right. Beauty and functionality went hand in hand, even in a military context. In 1971, the complete reconstruction of de fort began; it had already been decommissioned a century and a half earlier. As a result, we can now enjoy a remarkable landscape rich in historical features.
The gallows on Nieuwwerksweg serves as a reminder…
The Bourtangerveen formed a natural border between Groningen and East Frisia. The accessible routes through the peat bog lay on spits or sand ridges. In the event of a dispute with the neighbours, such a route could easily be cut off. The Bishop of Münster, Bommen Berend, found this out the hard way. Old field names (Munsterse kampen) still serve as a reminder of his siege.
The star-shaped Bourtange fortification is a work of art in its own right. Beauty and functionality went hand in hand, even in a military context. In 1971, the complete reconstruction of de fort began; it had already been decommissioned a century and a half earlier. As a result, we can now enjoy a remarkable landscape rich in historical features.
The gallows on Nieuwwerksweg serves as a reminder of a different perspective on guilt and punishment. East Groningen still has a number of old gallows sites or mounds, surrounded by tales of witchcraft, torture and execution. People in those days were very prone to superstition. For instance, the story goes that the house at the end of 1st Pallertweg was bewitched. The children there were always ill. And sure enough, a witch’s wreath was found on one of the bed cushions…
The walking route runs through the forecourt of de fort, an area that could be flooded in the event of a threat from the east. When the marsh lost its impenetrability due to drainage, a system of sluices and small dykes was used to create an additional line of defence.
The Soldatendijk (point 14), for example, was built at the time to prevent water from seeping away towards the lower-lying north. At the end of this dyke is a small lock to regulate the water level. This lock was of such strategic importance that a small field fortification (Redoute Bakoven) was built to protect it. In times of danger, Bourtange lay like an island in shallow water. Work has now begun to restore this ‘wet horizon’.
The Groninger Landschap Foundation now manages this area. The management organisation organises excursions in this area. Rare plants such as myrica gale, Zwolle carnation, dyer’s broom and mouse-ear hawkweed grow along the Soldatendijkje.
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This is a route of the Walking in Westerwolde Foundation, sponsored by Eetcafe 't Oal Kroegie - Bourtange.
At the Marktplein you will find 't Oal Kroegie, an atmospheric café where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea at your leisure. You are also welcome here for lunch or a drink. There is a separate room for small parties.
Here’s what you’ll see
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Starting point:
Information centre Fort Bourtange
Willem Lodewijkstraat 33
9545 PA Bourtange
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End point:
Information centre Fort Bourtange
Willem Lodewijkstraat 33
9545 PA Bourtange
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Features
Tour/Route
- Tagged: Yes
- Explanatory marking: Yellow - white marked WIW 17
- Route typing: Nature trail
Walking
- Dogs must be kept on a lead Yes