Cycling in Westerwolde

Cycling in Westerwolde is a journey of discovery through one of the most versatile nature reserves in the Netherlands. With the wind in your hair across the heath, along beautiful stream valleys through the forest to atmospheric villages.

Starting point: Sellingen
Sellingen is an esdorp that originated in the Middle Ages. It is an elongated place with village houses and beautiful farms. From the restaurant you depart in a northerly direction to Bourtange.

Fortress Bourtange
Near the German border in Westerwolde you will find the fortress Bourtange. This is a unique historical defense structure. You feel like you've stepped back in time when you pass by. Meet the fortress that was never taken. The shape of the fortress is striking: it is a pentagon. The current Bourtange is based on drawings of the fortress from 1742 and gives a complete picture of how the fortified city must have looked at that time.

Cycling along the water
From the nineteenth until well into the twentieth century, the heaths and peat areas of Westerwolde were reclaimed. You can still see traces of this today. From Bourtange you continue to Veelerveen. You cycle along the water to Ter Maarsch through the green and wooded area of Ter Wupping and Sterenborg. You cycle back to Sellingen via Mussel and Musselkanaal. Musselkanaal is a ribbon village. The village is an extension of Stadskanaal.