A walk follows the old kolk Aeilsgat behind the dike and back to the centre of Oudeschip. There is also a GPS-guided audio walk, a show garden and traces of land reclamation. The village’s history and the paths through the dike landscape offer different reasons to explore Oudeschip.
Dike History and Village Life
Oudeschip developed during the 19th century along the Middendijk in the Oostpolder, near the mouth of the Groote Tjariet where it meets the Eems. The Oostpolder had already been diked in 1718. The history of the polder and the origins of the village are therefore separated in time: the diking came before the village developed.
West of Oudeschip, a dike breach during a storm surge created the Ailsgat; the dike was subsequently rerouted around the kolk. The Aeilsgat is an old kolk just behind the dike. A local legend links it to the Christmas flood of 1717: a sea-maiden, a “zeewiefke,” was said to have been swept into it and trapped there after the dikes were rebuilt. Historic buildings also shape the streetscape along the Dijkweg: there are farmworkers’ houses with attached or detached barns.
There are two distinct mill stories. An octagonal grain mill of the tower mill type was built in Oudeschip in 1866; it was later demolished. The nearby Molen Goliath dates from 1897. As a polder mill, it is an important, fully preserved testament to land reclamation in northern Groningen. It is described as a destination for a cycling trip from Oudeschip. Access may vary on operating days; check in advance.
On Foot and by Bike
A local walk can start at the car park by the village community centre. From there, the path goes behind the dike, past the Aeilsgat and back to the village centre. As path conditions may change, it is worth checking them before setting out. If you prefer a longer guided story, consider the “Oudeschip” audio walk: it runs from Eemshaven to Oudeschip and shares stories about the area and its residents.
The audio walk is 4.5 kilometres long and is guided by a GPS system through your headphones. It ends at Dorpshuis Diggelschip in Oudeschip, where visitors can see a photo exhibition by Jedidja Smalbil. Check the audio walk’s current dates and booking options before planning, and also confirm that the exhibition is available.
The 24-kilometre “Oosteinde – Oosteinde” cycling route passes through Oudeschip via the Dijkweg. Path conditions can change, so it is a good idea to check the current route before setting off. The village centre is also home to the “Het Molenwiekje” playground. It serves as a rest stop on a family cycling trip along the dike; check the current facilities on site.
Show Garden and Nearby Places to Visit
Kwekerij Aan de Dijk at Dijkweg 99 is a nursery with a show garden. Narrow paths and seating areas lead through the grounds. Features include a 30-metre-long planted dike, a perennial garden with ferns and shade-loving plants, and a small bamboo grove with shade-loving plants and grasses. The garden offers a different perspective on the area from the history of polders and dikes.
West of Oudeschip lies the Wytsemakooi, a duck decoy owned by Natuurmonumenten. It is considered the oldest duck decoy in the province of Groningen. The site is a destination for visitors; at certain times, Natuurmonumenten volunteers lead tours there. Check the dates before your trip if you would like to join a tour.
Nearby, the Noordkaap monument stands by the sea dike in memory of the pilots who died in the Second World War. A remembrance ceremony takes place there every year on 4 May. If you would like to time your trip to coincide with it, check the latest event information for the date.
Discover more places to visit: Uithuizen, Warffum, Eemshaven, Roodeschool, Uithuizermeeden.
Return to the main travel overview: Eemsmond.
