Oudeschip: Dike history, mills and an audio walk

Oudeschip can be explored above all through its dike and polder history, as well as several cultural destinations. The village developed over the course of the 19th century along the Middendijk of the Oostpolder, near the mouth of the Groote Tjariet at the Eems. The Oostpolder was embanked in 1718. This offers several perspectives for a stay: land reclamation, the history of mills and individual destinations in the landscape.

Dike landscape and walk

The old kolk Aeilsgat lies just behind the dike. From the car park by the village community centre, a walk behind the dike can take you past the Aeilsgat and back to the village centre. Check the path conditions before setting out, as they can change. This route connects a landscape feature with the way back to the village centre.

Audio walk and local stories

The theatrical audio walk “Oudeschip” runs from Eemshaven to Oudeschip and shares stories about the area and its residents. It is 4.5 kilometres long; a GPS system in the headphones guides participants along the route. Unlike the walk at the Aeilsgat, this route is accompanied by a narration that links it to stories from the area. The walk ends at Dorpshuis Diggelschip, where visitors can view a photo exhibition by Jedidja Smalbil. Before planning your visit, check the current dates and booking options for the audio walk, and confirm whether the exhibition will be available during your visit.

Garden and mill history

Kwekerij Aan de Dijk, a nursery with a show garden, is located at Dijkweg 99. The garden has narrow paths and seating areas. Its features include a perennial garden with ferns and shade plants, a 30-metre-long planted dike, and a small bamboo grove with shade plants and grasses. The site brings together different design elements: a dike, perennials and bamboo.

An octagonal grain mill of the Stellingmolen type was built in Oudeschip in 1866 and later demolished. This should be distinguished from nearby Molen Goliath: built in 1897 as a polder mill, it is a fully preserved testament to land reclamation in northern Groningen. Molen Goliath is a destination for a cycling trip from Oudeschip. Access may vary on operating days, so check the access conditions before visiting. The comparison shows two distinct chapters in mill history: the former grain mill in the village and the preserved polder mill in the surrounding area.

Places to visit and remembrance

West of Oudeschip lies the Wytsemakooi, a duck decoy owned by Natuurmonumenten and considered the oldest in the province of Groningen. It is a place to visit; at certain times, Natuurmonumenten volunteers lead excursions there. If you would like to plan an excursion, check the dates in advance. The duck decoy adds a nature and landscape focus alongside the mills and dike history.

Another nearby destination is the Noordkaap Monument on the sea dike. It commemorates the pilots who died in the Second World War. A remembrance ceremony is held there every year on 4 May. If you would like to combine your trip with the day of remembrance, check the dates in advance.

The “Het Molenwiekje” playground in the village centre is a rest stop on a dike cycling trip with children. Check the current facilities on site.

Discover more destinations: Uithuizermeeden, Warffum, Uithuizen, Eemshaven, Roodeschool

Go to the main travel overview: Eemsmond.