Discover Westerlee

Westerlee is a ribbon village that developed in the Middle Ages on a sandy ridge of the so-called Winschoten Peninsula. The De Garst nature area lies north of Westerlee. When looking for a hotel, Westerlee is particularly interesting as a destination if you are interested in local history and hiking: the village combines historical points of interest with several hiking routes described in detail.

The earliest mention of Westerlee dates from 1230: a monastery chronicle identifies the village as a parish of the convent of nuns at Mons Sinaï near Heiligerlee. This early religious connection dates from a different period than the Battle of Heiligerlee, which took place in 1568 and is referenced in the name of the heritage trail. Westerlee’s medieval origins and the commemoration of a later event are thus distinct historical points of reference.

Hiking trails and the history of the battle

A historic hiking trail called Battle of Heiligerlee – De Garst passes through De Garst on the Groningen glacial ridges and is 5 km long. If you pay attention to the stated distance when planning your hike, this route provides a clear point of reference.

The Battle of Heiligerlee heritage trail consists of two hiking routes marked with distinctive route posts, passing through the nature areas of De Hoogte (Heiligerlee) and De Garst (Westerlee); the battle took place in these areas in 1568. The heritage trail includes a route booklet and a hiking app with additional information. Another route description concerns Emergobos: a hiking trail there forms part of the hiking junction network, running between junction 41 at the Engelkeslaan/DH Vinkersweg intersection and junction 40 at the DH Vinkersweg/Tonkensoordlaan intersection.

The descriptions provide different points of reference for planning: the historic hiking trail has a stated length, the heritage trail has distinctive route posts and accompanying materials, and the trail through Emergobos is located using two junctions. This lets you assess the routes according to the kind of route information that is useful for your plans.

Church, mill, and local stories

The Sint Joriskerk is another point of reference for the village’s history. Its organ was built and installed by P. van Oeckelen in 1873. The church also houses a wooden carving of Saint George; above the church door, a sculpted work depicts his victory over the dragon. The organ and the depictions of Saint George combine a precisely dated craft with a clearly identified saintly figure.

Only the base of Westerlee’s present-day mill remains. It was built on the site of the oldest mill. These two details draw attention to different aspects: the surviving part of the present structure and the history of the site.

The so-called Story Bench stands opposite Landgoed Westerlee. Its glass mosaic depicts events from the village’s history, imaginatively portrayed by children. The Westerleese kers is also featured on the bench. This cherry is known in Groningen and the surrounding area for its sour taste and red coloring. If you would like to explore local culture beyond historic buildings and trails, the Story Bench adds images and a regional culinary specialty to these themes. The contrast is clear: the organ, depictions of Saint George, and the mill base point to built and historical heritage, while the mosaic and kers present local history in narrative and culinary form.

Discover more destinations: Oostwold Gem Oldambt, Scheemda, Winschoten, Reiderland, Midwolda, Drieborg, Nieuwolda, Nieuw Scheemda

For the broader travel overview: Oldambt.