Nieuw Scheemda can be explored through two distinct themes: sacred architectural history and historic milling technology. The aisleless church with its Arp Schnitger organ offers a glimpse into the village’s 17th-century history; the mills tell stories of fire, relocation, restoration and moving large volumes of water. This makes it possible to focus your stay on cultural history without treating the different sites as a single attraction. Visitors weighing up architecture and technological history will find several specific highlights here.
Church and organ as local history
The Kerk Nieuw Scheemda is a traditional aisleless church with a straight east end. Pointed-arch windows are set in its long walls. Inside the church is an organ built by Arp Schnitger in 1695. The building and the organ make different impressions: on the one hand, a clear, simple hall with its windows; on the other, an instrument with a precisely documented year of construction and organ builder. Together, they offer a concrete insight into sacred architecture and the history of the organ.
In Nieuw Scheemda, the Reformed congregation began building a new church in 1659, after part of the land reclaimed from the Dollart had been separated from Scheemda. The start of construction links the village’s history with a specific change to the landscape. Both the history of the church and the development of the reclaimed land are therefore relevant to understanding the area.
Historic mills with different stories
The Westerse Molen, dating from 1862, stands on the western side of Nieuw Scheemda. As a polder mill, it has two Archimedean screws that can move large volumes of water. This technical feature makes its function tangible: the focus is not only on the age of the building, but also on moving water. Thanks to restoration work and the efforts of volunteers, the mill continues to turn regularly; whether it turns depends on conditions.
The story of Molen de Dellen focuses on its construction and relocation. The present mill was built in 1855 after its predecessor burned down. When the Tichelwaark polder had dried out, the mill was moved to its present location beside the polder. Molen de Dellen is one of only three surviving polder mills in Oldambt. By comparison, the two mills tell different stories: the Westerse Molen is defined by its two water screws and regular operation, while Molen de Dellen is defined by its reconstruction after the fire and its later relocation.
Paaltjasker and nearby walking route
The Paaltjasker Nieuw Scheemda is the only paaltjasker in Groningen. In early 2001, it was moved to a new location near Molen de Dellen in Nieuw Scheemda and put back into operation on 1 June of the same year. Visitors may see it in action; whether it is running depends on conditions. Its regional significance and documented history of relocation set it apart from the two polder mills.
As a walking option near Nieuw Scheemda, the Ommetje Westerse Molen starts and ends at Galerie Waarkunst, where parking is available. Check the route details before your visit, as the logistics of the walk may change. You can choose from several themes: the church and its organ, the technical features of the Westerse Molen, or the construction and relocation history of Molen de Dellen and the Paaltjasker.
Discover more destinations: Midwolda, Drieborg, Reiderland, Blauwestad, Westerlee, Winschoten, Finsterwolde, Oostwold Gem Oldambt
View the full travel overview: Oldambt.
