Those who want to understand Oudeschans will encounter two closely connected themes: water management and defence. A sluice on the Westerwoldsche Aa, the fortress ramparts, bastions used for different purposes and a church for stationed military personnel each tell a different part of the village’s history. A signposted walking route follows the Aa; Route 31 offers views of the fortified village and the surrounding countryside.
Sluice and Fortress History
In the mid-16th century, a sluice was built on the Westerwoldsche Aa at Oudeschans, a strategically important location. The sluice system could flood a large area, making it inaccessible to enemy armies. The waterway and defence are therefore part of the same local history: the sluice served a military purpose.
The fortress of Oudeschans was decommissioned in 1814. Guided tours of Oudeschans and its fortress ramparts can be booked. This offers another way to learn about the history of the fortified village.
Bastions and Traces by the Water
The Dodenbastion was once a defensive work and has been used as a cemetery since the 17th century. The Kruydenbastion serves a different purpose today: it is used as an orchard with old varieties of fruit. Together, the two bastions illustrate different uses—one a cemetery, the other an orchard.
Two kolks in Oudeschans date from the 17th-century dike breaches. The former harbour is a remnant of the old Westerwoldsche Aa. These places add further traces connected with water and dikes to the fortress’s history.
Church and Drawbridge
The Garrison Church was established in 1626 for the military personnel stationed in Oudeschans. Its wooden vault rests on painted corbels, and a rectory is attached to the east side. The church’s foundation and architecture offer different insights: the date points to its purpose as a church for the garrison, while the building’s features shape its appearance.
A different year is associated with the drawbridge: it was built in 1976 over a cut-off bend in the Westerwoldsche Aa and is a replica of the original bridge. The dates mark different milestones: 1626 was the church’s founding, 1814 the decommissioning of the fortress and 1976 the construction of the bridge replica.
Walking Route and Views
A signposted walking route runs along the old Westerwoldsche Aa. From the Contrescarpe, the second line of defence, Route 31 offers views of the fortified village of Oudeschans and the surrounding countryside. It ends at the Koudehoek car park, north of Oudeschans, 9696 Oudeschans.
The two route options offer different highlights: the signposted route follows the course of the Aa, while Route 31 provides views from the Contrescarpe. This lets you choose whether to focus on the waterway or enjoy a view of the fortified village and surrounding countryside during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Bellingwolde, Vriescheloo, Wedde.
Go to the overview of destinations: Bellingwedde.
