Holiday apartment in Oudeschans: Fortress history and waterscapes

Oudeschans is a destination where fortress history and waterscapes jointly shape its character. In Oudeschans, the Garnizoenskerk and the old Westerwoldsche Aa reveal different traces of the village’s development. When choosing a holiday apartment in Oudeschans, it is therefore interesting that cultural and historical impressions can be combined with paths and views in Westerwolde.

Holiday apartment in Oudeschans among paths and fortress history

A marked hiking route runs along the old Westerwoldsche Aa. Route 31 offers views from the Contrescarpe, the second line of defence, of the fortified village of Oudeschans and the surrounding countryside. Route 31 ends at the Koudehoek car park north of Oudeschans, 9696 Oudeschans.

The Garnizoenskerk and bastions as historical discoveries

The Garnizoenskerk was founded in 1626 for the military personnel stationed in Oudeschans. It has a wooden vault resting on painted corbels. A vicarage is attached to the eastern side of the Garnizoenskerk. These architectural details offer you a tangible view of the village’s religious and architectural history.

The bastions also contribute to the historical diversity. The Dodenbastion was formerly a defensive structure and has been used as a cemetery since the 17th century. The Kruydenbastion is now used as an orchard with old fruit varieties.

The fortress of Oudeschans was decommissioned in 1814. The drawbridge built in 1976 over a dead arm of the Westerwoldsche Aa is a copy of the original bridge.

Waterways and open landscapes in Westerwolde

In the middle of the 16th century, a lock was built in the Westerwoldsche Aa at the strategic location of Oudeschans. The sluice system of the fortification could flood a large area, making it inaccessible to enemy armies.

The former harbour is a remnant of the old Westerwoldsche Aa. Two kolks in Oudeschans date from the time of the dike breaches in the 17th century. Westerwolde has open landscapes with tranquil waterways and beautiful views. The lock and sluice system recall Oudeschans’s strategic function; the drawbridge, cemetery and orchard show different uses of the fortress landscape over time.

Tours of the fortress ramparts

Guided tours through Oudeschans and over the fortress ramparts can be reserved. They offer an organised way to view the Garnizoenskerk, the history of the fortifications and the landscape as part of an accompanied tour.

Anyone choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home in Oudeschans can focus on these themes according to their personal interests: the Garnizoenskerk and the bastions, the waterscape of the Westerwoldsche Aa, or marked paths and viewpoints. This allows you to plan your day around cultural and historical sightseeing, the waterscape and outdoor activity.

More places for planning your trip

If you would like to visit more places besides Oudeschans, you can continue reading here: Vriescheloo, Wedde, Bellingwolde.

For the higher-level travel overview: Bellingwedde.