Roswinkel is a cultivation village dating from the Middle Ages, situated on a sandy ridge in Westerwolde; the Bourtangermoeras surrounds the village. Roswinkel offers several specific perspectives to consider when choosing a destination: the landscape, the development of the village and individual historic buildings. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Roswinkel, you can plan your stay around whether you are especially interested in the moorland landscape, village history or architectural history.
Settlement Pattern and Landscape
Roswinkel is a linear village, with buildings laid out mainly in a ribbon pattern. This ribbon pattern describes the settlement, while land use characterises the area around the village: it consists exclusively of agricultural land created through peat reclamation. Together with the sandy ridge and the surrounding Bourtangermoeras, the village structure, agricultural land and moorland landscape shape the description of the area.
The Runde also forms part of the landscape’s history. It was restored as a watercourse in the early years of the 21st century. This is a different point in time from the agricultural land created through peat reclamation and adds a later change to the description of the area.
Historical Development and Buildings
A document first mentioned Roswinkel in 1327 as “Roeswinkel”. Later dates relate to the road, canal and settlement: the Roswinkelerstraat between Nieuw-Weerdinge and Emmer-Compascuum was not paved until 1905. The Roswinkelerkanaal was dug in 1933; after the Second World War, a modest extension of the village developed along the canal. This sequence traces the village’s development from its first written mention to changes in infrastructure and buildings in the 20th century. The road, canal and village extension mark distinct stages in this development.
The Protestant church lies outside the present-day main axis of the settlement because the village shifted westwards. Its tower was added in 1852–1853 and contains a bell dating from 1362. These dates represent two distinctly different periods: the bell is considerably older than the tower.
The Jewish cemetery on Roswinkelstraatweg was in use until 1886. In 1998, it was restored by Stichting Landschapsbeheer Drenthe. Its period of use and its later restoration therefore belong to different stages of its history.
Schanshoeve at Roswinkelerstraat 103 was built around 1930. Its strikingly large, villa-like front house is designed in a sober Expressionist style. A much earlier period is represented by the residential section of the Stad 22 farm: it was built in 1642 and served as a Schultehuis. By contrast, the Schanshoeve is notable for the style of its front house, while Stad 22 stands out for the age and former function of its residential section.
A Route to Include in Your Plans
The Knapzakroute Roswinkel starts at Theaterboerderij De Noorderbak, Roswinkelerstraat 81, 7895 AN Roswinkel. You can include this named starting point as a separate item in your day’s plans. Check local conditions before travelling. This lets you plan the route as an activity alongside the village’s historical sights.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Weiteveen, Zwartemeer, Emmen, Erica, Schoonebeek, Nieuw-Amsterdam, Emmer-Compascuum.
Back to the main travel overview: Emmen.
