Discover Onstwedde

Onstwedde is one of Westerwolde’s oldest settlements. Local highlights range from historic buildings and farmsteads to craft demonstrations and an annual festival. There are several starting points for exploring the area: a hub for walking and cycling routes, a six-kilometre route, and a trail through a stream valley.

Architectural history and historic heritage

The Gothic Nicolaaskerk in Onstwedde was built around 1500. The Juffertoren is just over 41 metres high and at least a century and a half older than the church; its walls are up to two metres thick in places. The Slaait’nhoes farm dates back to the 18th century. The Museum Restaurant Slaait’nhoes displays various old household objects from earlier times.

Crafts and Oogstfeest

Stichting Onstwedder Gaarv’n demonstrates traditional crafts, particularly those related to agriculture, and offers courses for aspiring craftspeople. Its demonstrations take place throughout the northern Netherlands, while the foundation’s own Oogstfeest is held once a year at the event venue in Onstwedde. This distinguishes the wide-ranging area where the demonstrations take place from the specific location of the festival. If you would like to plan your trip around the Oogstfeest, check the event dates in advance.

Routes and landscape in Onstwedde

Dokter Hommesbos lies among the fields and pastures of Onstwedde and covers more than two hectares. A Toeristisch Overstap Punt (tourist transfer point) is located at Woldbrink in Onstwedde, on Dorpsstraat. It serves as a hub and starting point for walking and cycling routes.

Route 10: Langs de Toren Onstwedde is six kilometres long and passes through Kampvennen Park. The Boswachterspad Ter Wupping starts at the car park opposite Molenpaal 3 in Onstwedde and passes centuries-old fields, over raised fields and through the stream valley of the Mussel Aa. A route can also start at the Juffertoren. This lets you choose based on different features: Route 10 specifies its length and the park, while the starting point and sequence of landscapes provide orientation for the Boswachterspad.

The six-metre-high observation tower at Ter Wupping offers views of the raised fields and esch fields, as well as the course of the Mussel Aa stream. This adds a distinct viewpoint over the landscape to the route through the stream valley, without requiring a specific route.

Nature in the Dal van de Ruiten Aa

In the Dal van de Ruiten Aa, walking trails follow the stream through heathland, fields and woodland; you may see Lakenvelder cattle along the way. The area can also be explored by bicycle and canoe. One route focuses on the stream valleys of the Mussel-Aa and Ruiten Aa rivers. On foot, the trails pass through different types of landscape; cycling and canoeing offer additional ways to explore the area.

Lunch and treats

Gasterij Natuurlijk Smeerling serves lunch made with regional produce. You can also enjoy the Gasterij’s homemade sweet and savoury treats during walks or cycling trips.

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