Winschoten: Culture, Mills and Nature

A stay in Winschoten can be planned around culture, architectural history, or nature and cycling. The themes range from a venue with a theatre, arts centre, cinema and library to the history of churches and mills, as well as a nature reserve and water-retention area. When choosing a hotel, it is useful to first consider which themes you would like to shape your stay.

Culture and Architectural History

Cultuurhuis De Klinker comprises a theatre, an arts centre, a cinema and a library. The four sections bring together different forms of culture under one name. The building opened in 1973. The Sint-Vituskerk is a Romanesque-Gothic church in the centre of Winschoten. In the early 20th century, it was restored to a uniform appearance corresponding to its original look around 1275. The year indicates the reference point for this appearance.

The Toren d' Olle Witte tells a different story: the medieval, free-standing church tower was probably built in the 15th century at the point where the Rensel crossed the important trade route from Groningen to Münster in Germany. For centuries, it played an important role in the defence of Groningen. As you climb, the Torenwachters tell the story of the tower and the fortress. Both the tower’s historic location and the history of its defensive role are central here.

Mills and Technical Heritage

Molen Edens is the oldest windmill in the province of Groningen. Built in 1763, it was probably first set up as a barley-peeling mill and later as a grain mill. Molen Berg was built in 1854 for the miller J. D. Buurma as an octagonal windmill with a gallery. Its equipment includes millstones and hulling stones. The construction dates and information about their functions illustrate different aspects of the history of mills. Molen Dijkstra focuses on processing: the mill grinds grain and hulls barley to produce groats.

Technical heritage relating to water management is another theme. Until 1971, the pumping station at Oostereinde served a function within the water-management system of the province of Groningen. At the Museum Stoomgemaal, the steam installation is unique in Europe because of its combination with an Archimedean screw. Mills and water technology thus offer different ways to explore the region’s technical history.

Nature, Cycling and Seasonal Highlights

Tusschenwegen lies south of Winschoten and is a nature reserve and water-retention area managed by Staatsbosbeheer. It was established in 2005–2006 across an area of 84 hectares. The area is ideal for walking and cycling. Check current local conditions before your visit.

The “Culturele en groene fietsroute rond het Oldambtmeer” (Cultural and Green Cycling Route around the Oldambtmeer) runs from the Pekel Aa and the Tusschenwegen water park to the centre of Winschoten, then past the Rosarium to Blauwestad. The Pieter Smitbrug is a separate feature: it directly connects Winschoten with Blauwestad, is almost 800 metres long and consists of four connected bridges. The cycling route follows a course with several stops; the bridge provides a direct link between two places. As route conditions can change, check the current route before setting off.

One seasonal highlight is the Rosarium in Winschoten, where 20,000 roses bloom from June onwards. Along with the mills, the history of churches and technology, and the nature and cycling options, it gives visitors a range of themes to consider when planning a trip to Winschoten. You can make your choice based on whether you would like to focus on cultural history, technical heritage or outdoor activities during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Westerlee, Reiderland, Oostwold Gem Oldambt, Oudezijl, Midwolda, Nieuw Scheemda, Drieborg, Blauwestad

For the broader travel overview: Oldambt.