Oldambt: Discover Cultural Heritage and Open Landscapes

Oldambt is defined by a vast, open landscape in the reclaimed marine clay area of the Dollart. Water and land have shaped the region in an ongoing interplay for centuries; Oldambt is also known as “De Graanrepubliek” (the Grain Republic). This combination of landscape and cultural history can be found outdoors, by lakes and along trails, as well as in museums and distinctive farm architecture.

Water, wide-open spaces and trails

Oldambtmeer was created in 2005: around 14 million cubic metres of water formed an area of just over eight square kilometres. Activities include stand-up paddleboarding, relaxing trips in a sloop, surfing and boat rental. Two large sandy beaches with safe swimming areas and sunbathing lawns are located, among other places, near Blauwestad and Midwolda. If you would rather explore on foot or by bike, you’ll find a variety of landscapes: Hondshalstermeer is encircled by a cycle path and lies among orchards. Tusschenwegen, one of the newest areas in Oldambt, encompasses open water and wet grassland. The vegetation planted there is allowed to develop naturally.

The trails also tell the story of the region. The “Graanrepubliek” walk follows historic footpaths, farm tracks and old inland dikes. Along the way, the history of grain growing and social divisions comes to life. Two adventurous walking trails in De Hoogte near Heiligerlee and De Garst near Westerlee explore the 1568 Battle of Heiligerlee. A village walk through Nieuwolda is listed as taking about an hour and a half; it starts at the Stoomgemaal de Hoogte Museum. Check before travelling whether the walk is available seasonally.

Farms, museums and history

An Oldambtster farm can be recognised by its distinctive roofline: the ridge continues uninterrupted above the living area. Since 1987, the Klokkengieterijmuseum has been housed in a restored former industrial building and focuses on bells, carillons and tower clocks. The Museum Oldambt explores agriculture and the landscape of the Dollart region; it is housed in a fully restored Oldambtster farm complex dating from 1771. Check current opening hours before your visit.

Another historic landmark is Ennemaborg in Midwolda, built around 1391 as a medieval stone house and fortress. Behind it lies an accessible nature area with a forest about 2.5 kilometres long and 300 metres wide. Konik horses graze there, and various bird species visit several bodies of water in the southeastern part of the forest. A walk here lets you combine nature watching with a glimpse of the region’s long architectural history.

Getting around between towns and waterways

The Pieter Smitbrug directly connects Winschoten and Blauwestad. Almost 800 metres long, the bridge is designed for pedestrians and cyclists, consists of four connected bridges and links urban areas with nature. On the water, the “Varen in Oldambt” network offers four boating routes: via the Winschoterdiep and Oldambtmeer to Nieuwolda; through the Dollart area via Nieuwe Statenzijl and Termunterzijl; and a circuit around Blauwestad.

For Midwolda, the railway stations and public transport hubs in Scheemda and Winschoten provide convenient reference points: buses 17 and 617 run from Scheemda to Midwolda, and bus 119 from Winschoten. Both hubs can be reached by train from the direction of Groningen and Bad Nieuweschans. Check the timetables before travelling.

To visit De Kiekkaaste, walk from the dike for about 15 minutes; the path can be very muddy in places. The hut is the only birdwatching hide in the Netherlands located outside the dikes. The approximate walking time and possible trail conditions will help you plan this detour.

Market and regional cuisine

In Winschoten, Adrillen, the All Saints’ Day market in the town centre, is a long-standing tradition. It takes place every year on the first Monday in November and has been running for more than 200 years. Market stalls, fairground rides, street theatre and live music are part of the programme. Check the dates and current offerings before travelling.

Regional food experiences also make a great addition to your trip. Oogstwold in Oostwold combines a culinary experience forest with edible trees, shrubs and flowers. Regular guided tours and workshops can be paired with lunch or dinner. At the monumental Hermans Dijkstra manor farm in Midwolda, a changing surprise menu is offered each month, featuring seasonal local produce wherever possible. The Groninger Genever Stokerij offers guided tours and tastings of artisan Groninger genever, liqueur and whisky. You can also learn how Fladderak is made; reservations may be required for tours and tastings.

Discover more destinations: Drieborg, Finsterwolde, Winschoten, Westerlee, Nieuweschans, Midwolda, Reiderland, Scheemda, Nieuwolda, Nieuw Scheemda, Blauwestad, Oudezijl, Oostwold Gem Oldambt.

For the broader travel overview: Groningen.