Finsterwolde: Church and Mill History, Nature Watching

Finsterwolde offers a variety of reasons to plan a trip around your own interests: architectural history, nature watching and a hike of a set length. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay. The cultural sites and nature topics appeal to different interests; specific dates, landscape features and route details can help you tailor your plans.

Church and Cultural History

The Stefanuskerk is the surviving part of a Romanesque-Gothic cross-shaped church. “Romanesque-Gothic” combines the styles of Romanesque and Gothic architecture; “cross-shaped church” describes its cruciform floor plan. The free-standing tower dates from 1820/1822, and the present instrument was built in 1808 by H.H. Freytag. Since November 2, 1971, the church and tower have been protected by the state as Dutch Rijksmonumenten. The dates therefore refer to different parts and to the protected status, not to a single year of construction.

At the church, tower and cemetery, the cultural working group in Finsterwolde organizes, among other things, (mini-)concerts, exhibitions and a festival of lights. This complements the architectural history with a program of events. If you want to plan your trip around one of these events, check the specific event date in advance.

Udema’s Molen in Ganzedijk

Udema’s Molen has stood in Ganzedijk, on the west side of the Zijldiep, since 1868. As a combined grain and barley-husking mill, it was used to grind grain and husk barley into groats. This means the mill can be understood not only by its year of construction, but also by two distinct historical processes. There is a specific restriction on visiting: because the mill is not operating, Udema’s Molen is temporarily closed to visitors. Bear this in mind if the mill is an important reason for planning your trip.

De Tjamme Nature Reserve

De Tjamme is a 210-hectare nature reserve with woodland, grassland and extensive marshland. Staatsbosbeheer established the reserve in the 1970s and 1980s. Scottish Highland cattle live in De Tjamme all year round; the birdwatching screen lets you observe birds without disturbing them. This brings together two distinct nature interests: the stated year-round presence of animals and a specific opportunity for birdwatching.

A Hike to Midwolda

The 12.3 km route from Finsterwolde to Midwolda is clearly defined. It starts at Gezondheidscentrum Reiderland, Bospad 2 in Finsterwolde. The distance, starting point and destination help you decide whether this particular route fits your travel plans. Unlike birdwatching from the screen, this option centers on a set distance with a named start and finish. Your choice therefore comes down to two different priorities: birdwatching or a 12.3 km hike to Midwolda.

Discover more destinations: Drieborg, Nieuwolda, Westerlee, Winschoten, Oudezijl, Blauwestad, Oostwold Gem Oldambt, Nieuweschans

For the main travel overview: Oldambt.