Discover Winschoten: Mills, culture and nature

Churches, tower and the history of milling

Sint-Vituskerk is a Romanesque-Gothic church in the centre of Winschoten. Its history spans two clearly distinct periods: at the beginning of the 20th century, it was restored to a uniform appearance corresponding to its original look around 1275. So when looking at its architectural history, both its connection to around 1275 and the later restoration are relevant.

Cultuurhuis De Klinker brings together a theatre, art centre, cinema and library. It opened in 1973.

Toren d' Olle Witte is a medieval, freestanding church tower. It was probably built in the 15th century at the spot where the Rensel stream crossed the important trade route from Groningen to Münster in Germany. For centuries, the tower played an important role in the defence of Groningen. As you climb, the Torenwachters bring the centuries-old history of the tower and the fortress to life. Its presumed construction date, location on the trade route and long defensive role thus offer different perspectives on the same building.

The mills, too, each have a different focus. Molen Edens is the oldest windmill in the province of Groningen and was built in 1763; it was probably first set up as a barley-peeling mill and later as a grain mill. Molen Berg was built in 1854 for miller J. D. Buurma as an octagonal windmill with a gallery and is equipped with grinding and peeling stones. At Molen Dijkstra, the focus is on processing: it grinds grain and peels barley to make groats. Their construction dates, designs and functions provide tangible ways to appreciate the mills as more than just similar buildings.

Another topic in the history of technology is Museum Stoomgemaal: its steam-powered installation is unique in Europe because of its combination with an Archimedean screw. The pumping station at Oostereinde is a separate site; it played a role in the province of Groningen’s water management system until 1971.

Water, roses and outdoor activities

Tusschenwegen, a nature reserve and water-retention area managed by Staatsbosbeheer, lies south of Winschoten. It was established in 2005–2006 on an area of 84 hectares. The area is ideal for walking and cycling; as local conditions can change, it is advisable to check for updates before setting out.

Pieter Smitbrug connects Winschoten directly to Blauwestad. It is almost 800 metres long and consists of four connected bridges.

Cyclists can also follow the “Culturele en groene fietsroute rond het Oldambtmeer”. It runs from the Pekel Aa and Tusschenwegen Water Park to the centre of Winschoten, then passes the Rosarium on the way to Blauwestad. As route conditions can change, it is worth checking for updates before planning your trip. The Rosarium also adds a seasonal highlight: 20,000 roses bloom there from June onwards.

When looking for a holiday rental in Winschoten, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: architectural and milling history, technology or nature and cycling routes. This lets you choose a location based on the experiences that matter to you, rather than on an assumed proximity between individual attractions.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Nieuwolda, Finsterwolde, Westerlee, Scheemda, Oostwold Gem Oldambt, Drieborg, Midwolda, Reiderland

For the overview of the wider region: Oldambt.