Bourtange between fortress history and nature

If you are looking for a hotel in Bourtange, start by considering what you want your trip to focus on: fortress history, museums and demonstrations, or nature and landscape. Terra Mora is an interactive museum and information centre focusing on nature and landscape. The architectural and cultural themes of Vesting Bourtange offer a different emphasis. These differences can help guide your planning without requiring all your interests to fit into the same itinerary.

Fortress history across different periods

Vesting Bourtange was reconstructed to reflect its 1742 appearance; the reconstruction was completed in 1992. The two dates refer to different things: 1742 denotes the appearance being reconstructed, while 1992 marks the completion of the work. This distinction separates the historical reference point from the later reconstruction.

Different periods are also evident in the individual buildings. Vestingkerk was built in 1869 as a garrison church and has a pulpit dating from the 17th century. This brings together the construction date of the church and the age of one of its furnishings. Kapiteinswoning dates from 1661; its original fireplace and original 17th-century tiled floors have been preserved. Alongside the construction dates, these details draw attention to preserved features of a historic interior.

A reconstructed post mill stands behind one of the bastions. It adds another historic building to the information about the fortress complex. The restored Vesting Bourtange synagogue offers a different perspective: it serves as a synagogue museum about Bourtange and Jewish history. If you are interested in history, you can distinguish between these different themes—from the reconstruction of the fortress and individual buildings to the history explored by the museum.

Planning museums and demonstrations

Terra Mora focuses on nature and landscape, a theme distinct from the historic buildings. This makes the two topics different starting points for planning your trip: you can consider questions of nature and landscape as well as the architectural history of Vesting Bourtange. You can decide in advance which topics matter most to you during your stay.

The events programme includes two different kinds of demonstrations. Prott’s heroic exploits are reenacted in a battle every year. In addition, during the season from April to the end of September, the Exercitie Peloton Bourtange gives a cannon-firing demonstration every Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Check the date and time before your trip. If you are visiting outside this season, do not plan on the demonstration being available year-round.

Getting there and finding your way

There is free parking at Willem Lodewijkstraat 33. The information centre and the entrance to Vesting Bourtange are also located there. The address therefore gives you three specific points of reference on arrival: the car park, the information centre and the entrance. If you are planning to travel by bus, route 72 connects Winschoten and Emmen via Bourtange. Check the connection before your trip, as bus routes may change.

Cycling routes also offer a regional perspective on the surrounding area. Westerwolde has several routes that pass the fortresses of Oude Schans and Bourtange or run through the Ruiten Aa valley. The focus of each route can help with your choice: some include the fortresses, while others take in the valley. When planning, you can therefore decide whether you would rather explore the historic sites or the landscape of the Ruiten Aa.

Discover more destinations: Vlagtwedde, Ter Apel, Ter Apelkanaal, Sellingen.

Go to the wider travel overview: Vlagtwedde.