In Scheemda, there’s a range of topics to explore on a trip, from the history of the village and its church to the former strawboard production and a 25-kilometre walking route. You can choose your focus depending on whether you’re more interested in architectural and local history or want to make time for a longer walk. The topics differ considerably in scale: from a memorial site and individual architectural features to a route around the Oldambtmeer.
Village History, Church and Remembrance
After the Dollart flooded again in 1509, the residents of Scheemda moved their entire village 1.5 kilometres to the north. At the new site, the Scheemda Church was rebuilt as a hall church. The old freestanding church tower was replaced with a new one in 1570. The flooding and relocation mark one chapter of the village’s history, while the later replacement of the tower marks another.
The history of the organ also involves two clearly distinct instruments. The current organ was built by Roelof Meijer in 1874 and has two manuals. The painted organ wings from the former organ were sold to the Rijksmuseum, where they were displayed for years; they are now in the museum’s collection depot. The Joods monument in Scheemda commemorates all Jewish villagers who lost their lives as a result of wartime actions during the occupation.
Industrial History at Strokartonfabriek De Toekomst
The De Toekomst factory complex originally consisted of two separate factories: De Toekomst 1, built in 1900, and De Toekomst II, built in 1908. Both buildings were designed by architect Pieter Geert Cremer. Strawboard was produced at the Strokartonfabriek until 1968. After standing vacant for years, it was restored as far as possible to its original condition between 2009 and 2011. Part of Paul Verhoeven’s film “Zwartboek” was shot in the factory in 2006. The construction dates, the end of production and the later restoration each provide a distinct point of reference in its industrial history.
Visitors to Strokartonfabriek De Toekomst in Scheemda can enjoy the virtual observation-tower experience “Groningen van Boven”. Check the latest information about this experience before visiting.
A Different Perspective on Architectural Heritage
The Oldambtster Dwars-style farmhouse at Oosterstraat 53 was built around 1894. The property includes a large garden with remnants of a landscaped design. These include an elevated area with lime trees arranged in a semicircle and a ditch that was converted into a pond. This garden adds another way of describing historic buildings and their grounds to the stories of the church and industrial architecture.
Practical Planning: Appointments, Bicycles and Walking
Publications by the Cultuurhistorisch Centrum Oldambt can be collected from the centre in Scheemda by appointment. Collection is generally possible on Wednesdays or Thursdays; payment is in cash. Arrange an appointment in advance and check the latest collection information before planning your travel around it.
You can rent bicycles for tours around Oldambt from Roggeveld Fietsen, at Stationsstraat 20 in Scheemda. As services may change, it’s a good idea to check the latest information before your trip.
The “Blauwe Stad – Oldambtmeer” walking route is 25 kilometres long, starts in Scheemda and runs mostly around the Oldambtmeer. Plan it as a dedicated walking destination and check the route details before setting out. This keeps the walk and the historic attractions as distinct options when planning your stay.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Nieuweschans, Nieuwolda, Drieborg, Oudezijl, Blauwestad, Midwolda, Nieuw Scheemda, Westerlee.
For the main travel overview: Oldambt.
