Oldambt is a vast, open landscape in a reclaimed marine clay area of the Dollart. Over the centuries, people and water have shaped one another here; this history is part of the region’s character. Oldambt is also known as “De Graanrepubliek.” Walking the route of the same name brings the past to life along the way: it follows historic footpaths, farm tracks and old inner dikes, illustrating the history of grain cultivation and the region’s social contrasts.
Farmhouses, museums and historic routes
One distinctive feature of the Oldambtster farmhouse style is its roof: the ridge continues uninterrupted above the living area. The Oldambt Museum is devoted to agriculture and the landscape of the Dollart region. It is housed in a fully restored Oldambtster farmhouse complex dating from 1771. If you are planning a visit, check the latest opening hours in advance. Since 1987, the Klokkengieterijmuseum has been housed in a restored former industrial building, offering insights into the world of bells, carillons and tower clocks.
The Ennemaborg in Midwolda also anchors history in a tangible building: it was built around 1391 as a medieval stone manor and fortified house. Behind the Ennemaborg lies the Midwolderbos, an accessible natural area about 2.5 kilometres long and 300 metres wide. Konik horses graze there, and various bird species visit the waters in the forest’s southeastern part. Two adventurous walking trails, one in De Hoogte near Heiligerlee and one in De Garst near Westerlee, explore the 1568 Battle of Heiligerlee.
Experience open landscapes and water
Tusschenwegen is one of the newest areas in Oldambt. Its landscape is shaped by extensive open water and wet grassland; the vegetation planted there is allowed to grow naturally. The Hondshalstermeer offers a different landscape: the lake is surrounded by a cycling path and lies among orchards. These contrasts make Oldambt more than a single, uniform backdrop, allowing water, grassland and agricultural landscapes to each stand out in their own way.
The Oldambtmeer was created in 2005, when around 14 million cubic metres of water covered an area of just over eight square kilometres. You can go stand-up paddleboarding, take a leisurely trip in a sloop, surf or rent a boat here. Two large sandy beaches offer safe swimming areas and sunbathing lawns, including beaches near Blauwestad and Midwolda. If you would rather walk, De Kiekkaaste can be reached from the dike in about 15 minutes. The path can be very muddy in places. The birdwatching hut is the only one in the Netherlands located outside the dikes.
The Pieter Smitbrug offers another link between water and landscape: this nearly 800-metre-long pedestrian and cycle bridge connects Winschoten directly with Blauwestad. It consists of four interconnected bridges and links urban areas with nature. The walking routes and water activities cater to different interests, so you do not have to choose just one way to explore the area.
Local flavours and a market with a long tradition
In Oostwold, Oogstwold combines a woodland dining experience with edible trees, shrubs and flowers. Regular guided tours and workshops can be paired with lunch or dinner. In Midwolda, the monumental Hermans Dijkstra manor farmhouse serves a monthly changing surprise menu, using seasonal local produce wherever possible. The Groninger Genever Stokerij offers tours and tastings of artisan Groninger genever, liqueur and whisky. You can also find out how Fladderak is made there; a reservation may be required.
Adrillen, the All Saints’ market in the centre of Winschoten, takes place every year on the first Monday in November. The tradition dates back more than 200 years and includes market stalls, fairground rides, street theatre and live music. If you plan to include the market in your trip, check the dates and current programme in advance.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Drieborg, Finsterwolde, Winschoten, Westerlee, Nieuweschans, Midwolda, Reiderland, Scheemda, Nieuwolda, Nieuw Scheemda, Blauwestad, Oudezijl, Oostwold Gem Oldambt.
For the main travel overview: Groningen.
