Holiday apartment in Wedde: discover the castle, nature and walking trails

Wedde combines medieval history with waterscapes, nature reserves and varied trails. A holiday apartment in Wedde is therefore well suited to travel plans that combine culture, family outings, walks and activities on the water. Depending on your preferred daily rhythm, historical buildings, distinctive landscapes or exciting destinations can take centre stage.

Castle, church and mill history

The defining historic building is Wedderborg, also known as Burcht Wedde, Wedderburcht, Addingaborg or Huis te Wedde. The late-medieval castle, surrounded by a moat, originated from a stone house dating from the 14th century. Burcht Wedde can be visited by prior appointment; a short guided tour is offered. The castle also houses a museum, which is open from 1 April to 1 October, Fridays to Sundays from 12:00 to 17:00. It is closed from Monday to Thursday.

Wedde’s church also reflects several construction phases. At its core, it is a 13th-century hall church with a three-sided chancel. It was altered in the 15th century, while the west tower dates from 1860. The De Weddermarke windmill provides another historical highlight: the original polder mill was built in 1875, burned down in 1898 and was replaced by the present mill. The latter underwent extensive restoration in 1987 and has not operated as a polder mill for a long time. The mill is currently open every Saturday afternoon; the miller shows visitors around the building.

Family outings and water-based activities

For families, the Dinosaurium offers a playful introduction to natural history. The interactive children’s museum features dinosaur models, skeletons and fossils that illustrate the coevolution of plants and animals. The ground floor is wheelchair accessible, but the upper floor is not accessible.

At Dinopark & Landgoed Tenaxx, you will find the 40-metre-long Dinostormbaan. In the chalk forest of Landgoed Tenaxx, visitors can also discover roaring and moving dinosaurs. The beach area at Landgoed Tenaxx was expanded in 2025; swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and boating are possible there. A special botanical attraction is the Hanging Gardens of Arboretum Tenaxx, which house the world’s largest collection of weeping trees.

The De Wedderbergen recreational lakes cover 12 hectares and offer a variety of angling opportunities. At the same time, they form a large recreational lake surrounded by extensive sandy beaches. The options therefore range from peaceful nature observation to activities on the water. In the wider Westerwolde area, a village can also be reached by boat; boat trips through the local countryside are offered from a harbour.

Walking trails through the Aa valley and nature reserves

The landscape around the Westerwoldse Aa can be explored along several designated walking trails. Route 2, “De Gaast Wedde”, is 3.5 kilometres long and leads through the De Gaast nature reserve. De Gaast is a protected nature reserve that serves as a floodplain and water storage area when the water level of the Westerwoldse Aa is too high. The area once belonged to the Westerwoldse Aa and was later drained.

The Hoorndermeden is a 110-hectare nature reserve in the valley of the Westerwoldse Aa between Wedde and Blijham. A footbridge, known as a “hoogholtje”, crosses the Westerwoldse Aa there, creating new walking routes. Route 4, “De Hoorndermeden Wedde”, is 3.5 kilometres long and runs along Burcht Wedde and through the Hoorndermeden. Route 3, “Driestromenland Wedde”, follows the Burcht Wedde and the Westerwoldse Aa over 6.5 kilometres. The different lengths make it easier to choose walks that suit your own daily schedule.

North of the village lies the Es van Wedde, directly beside the built-up area. Its elevated position is visible in places as an escarpment along the road. From there, you have a good view across the valley of the Westerwoldse Aa and its changes in elevation. For more active days, there is a 45-kilometre mountain-bike route between Bellingwolde and Wedde, starting at Camping Wedderbergen, Molenweg 2, 9698 XV Wedde.

The right holiday apartment in Wedde for your travel plans

The destinations reveal different sides of Wedde: history is centred on the castle, church and mill, nature on De Gaast, the Hoorndermeden and the Aa valley, while Tenaxx, De Wedderbergen and the trails provide further ideas for day trips. When choosing a holiday apartment in Wedde, the desired focus of your stay can therefore provide the framework. Those who enjoy visiting historic places will find different points of interest from travellers planning long walks, mountain-bike routes, fishing or water activities. Families can combine the Dinosaurium and Dinopark with experiences in nature and culture.

Further destinations for regional orientation: Bellingwolde, Vriescheloo, Oudeschans.

For the overview of the wider region: Bellingwedde.