For us, the Westerwolde area was a huge surprise.
And so it is for many first time guests: “It’ so beautiful and quiet here and nature is surprising and diverse!”
This is Groningen too, not empty and flat, but woody and winding.
If you’ve had enough of relaxing around our farm, go and check out Westerwolde. On this page you find inspiration.
And if the weather is really bad…. Groningen city is only a 35 minutes drive away.
Wedde is a small village. There is not even a store. But there are two cafes!
We always find it cozy in Diana’s eatery. She prepares delicious schnitzels with fried potatoes and makes a fresh traditional Groninger mustard soup. Then there’s the Castle of Wedde. Itt’s one of the oldest in Groningen and was important in the history of Westerwolde. A walk around the castle offers beautiful views of the landscape and takes you back in time. Unfortunately, you cannot enter it.
Walk down the access path at BuitenWedde and you are immediately on your first hiking trail. Westerwolde is a top area for hiking. The Stichting Wandelen in Westerwolde (Foundation for Walking in Westerwolde) has plotted 40 beautiful walking routes in this area. They lead you along special places, so while walking you discover the surprising nature and landscapes of this region. The paths are well maintained and well signposted. Route maps are available here.
Supermarkets: the Poeiez in Onstwedde (3 km)|or the Jumbo and Aldi in Vlagtwedde (5 km) |Bakery and Butcher: in Onstwedde. Breakfast and sandwiches: at camping Wedderbergen (1 km) |E-bike rental at Kiewiet bikeshop in Wedde |Fueling: Halma gas station Briolaan Blijham (3 km) |Car charging: main road 6 in Wedde. 500 mtr.
Want to dive into the past? Then you cannot skip Boertange, a star-shaped fortified village from the 80-year war that has been completely restored to its former state. There are walking lanes (also in the area), are restaurants and nice stores. Monastery Ter Apel dates from the 15th century and is now a museum. There is an extensive herb garden, a beer brewery and you can take walks around the monastery. In nearby Smeerling you will find a collection of well-preserved old farms and streets. This is one of those typical Westerwolde villages where it feels as if time has stood still.
Cultural Garden Vriescheloo
If you are interested in nature-friendly gardening, you’ll find this garden inspiring. There is art to see and children will love it too. Vriescheloo is nearby. Look here.
Goed Voer
For a particularly healthy and homemade dinner you can go to Hoeve Veganza for up to 15 people . Do make reservations on time.
Puzzling in the car
You really have to do your best to take the 3.5 hour drive from Oudeschans to Bourtange. But you will certainly succeed with this interesting puzzle tour through which you really get to know the area and its history.
Start in Oudeschans and end in Bourtange. Car puzzle tour Westerwolde.
There is a small outdoor swimming pool in Onstwedde, and two bigger ones in Ter Apel (Moekesgat) and De Barkhoorn in Sellingen. But there are many locations for swmimming outdours for free. Here are all the swimming locations nearby: https://zwemindex.nl/wedde Wedderbergen
1 km away is the Wedderbergen campsite. They have a large swimming pool, for which you can buy a day ticket. But they have limited availability in summer vacations. https://www.wedderbergen.nl/dagtickets
Will it be a Groninger Rapeseed Hamam? Eating in the Scandinavian specialty restaurant or just steaming, sweating and swimming?
Are you ready to relax after a day in nature, then go relax in Thermen Bad Nieuweschans. The thermal spring in Bad Nieuweschans has particularly mineral-rich water which is super healthy.
A perfect end to an active day in nature.
Out and about with children?
Almost around the corner is Dinopark Tenaxx, with life-size dinosaurs, a play forest and exciting activities for the little ones.
In Sellingen there is a lovely swimming pool and special walking and discovery trails for children.
Ter Apel has ‘Wonderland’, with special animals, a cave and treasure hunts.
Look here for a list of activities that are fun with children.
From BuitenWedde you can be in Germany in fifteen minutes. The nearest city is Papenburg. There you can see how a cruise ship is built in the impressive Meyer Werft. Furthermore, you can store in the cozy town of Leer or spend a day soaking up culture in Oldenburg. Fancy something special? Make a crossing to the German Wadden Sea island of Borkum for a day full of nature and sea.
Hoornderweg 19-B
9698 PK Wedde
Netherlands
Phone: 06 54 26 62 65
E-mail: info@buitenwedde.nl
