Drieborg is a dike village whose development is closely linked to the eastern Dollard basin. Two different perspectives can help you plan your trip: the history of dike construction and settlement, and walking routes and a cycling route through the landscape. You can tailor your stay to whether you are most interested in local history, architecture or outdoor activities.
Dike history and the development of the village
Drieborg gradually developed after the Oudedijk was built in 1657. This dike, also known as Schanskerdijk, was the second dike used to reclaim land in the eastern Dollard basin. The village’s name refers to three dike bodies that meet here. Drieborg was built in the land of the villages that had been lost to flooding, approximately a century after the inundation; however, the village itself is not a lost village. When the place was called Oudedijk, it had a small school and a grain mill; around 1900, it also had a printing works.
The history of the dike begins in 1657, while the houses mentioned date from around the mid-20th century. This time gap brings two distinct chapters in the village’s development to life: the creation of the dike village and its more recent residential construction.
Architectural styles and polder views
The buildings include single-storey workers’ houses in traditional styles, known as Delfts Rood, as well as rows of houses with a full upper storey. These houses were built between around 1950 and 1958. The differences in storey count and form make the various building types tangible. A building at Schanskerdijk 27 is listed as a Dutch national monument (Rijksmonument).
The dike near Drieborg/Kostverloren offers views of both Kroonpolder and Stadspolder. Boerderij Schanskerdijk, a farmhouse that stands out across the landscape, is located at the edge of Kroonpolder. Both offer different ways to connect with the landscape: a view from a dike and a distinctive farmhouse at the edge of the polder.
Walking and cycling
For a walk within Drieborg, the Ommetjes Drieborg circular route is listed as 5.8 kilometres long; the shortened version is 4.0 kilometres. The shorter route is therefore a measured alternative if you would like to include a smaller loop in your plans. The listed starting point is Noorderlicht, Oudedijk 8a, Drieborg. Check the waymarkers and starting point on site before setting off.
The Graanrepubliek day hike is part of the NorthSeaTrail 51, an international long-distance trail around the North Sea, and passes Hoeve Stocksterhorn in Drieborg. Ten circular walking routes have been created in Oldambt, around five villages: Bad Nieuweschans, Drieborg, Beerta, Nieuw Beerta and Hongerige Wolf/Ganzendijk. The routes differ in their scope: Ommetjes Drieborg is a local loop with two stated lengths, while Graanrepubliek is a day hike forming part of an international long-distance trail.
The Oldambtroute cycling route passes through Drieborg and the expansive eastern Dollard basin. Route conditions and signage may change; check the waymarkers on site.
Discover more destinations: Oostwold Gem Oldambt, Winschoten, Westerlee, Nieuwolda, Midwolda, Reiderland, Nieuw Scheemda, Nieuweschans.
For the broader travel overview: Oldambt.
