Cycling route Historic Westerwolde 52 km

Bourtange, Wedde, Jipsinghuizen

During this beautiful route you cycle over the Musselkanaal. This was dug in 1765 by the city of Groningen from Bareveld to Ter Apel, to promote the exploitation of the raised bog of the Bourtangermoeras. The canal eventually reached a length of 38 kilometers and was completed in 1856. Due to the peat shipping it was one of the busiest shipping routes in the Netherlands in the nineteenth century. Waiting times at the locks could be up to several hours. Cafes and shops were then established at these places, such as in Stadskanaal and Musselkanaal.

In 1580, none other than William of Orange ordered a fort to be built on a sand ridge in the Bourtangermoor. The aim was to prevent the Spanish from supplying the city of Groningen. When the fortress was no longer needed in the 19th century, an agricultural village emerged, built with the stones of the old buildings. The decline continued until the municipality of Vlagtwedde took the initiative to reconstruct the fortress. Ramparts were rebuilt, canals were dug again and soldiers' barracks were built. Imagine yourself back in the year 1742 in a fortress that was never taken.

Another beautiful place is Jipsinghuizen. Here you will find a monument dedicated to the work provision in Westerwolde. The work provision was organized by the NV Vereenigde Groninger Gemeenten, founded in 1924.

Start (and end) your cycling day at the beautiful Gasterij Natuurlijk Smeerling in a restored Saxon farmhouse, and enjoy this beautiful, historic cycle route!