Oudeschans: Fortress History and Water Management

Oudeschans offers a clear focus for a trip: fortress history, water management and the landscape along the old Westerwoldsche Aa. In the fortified village, historical connections can be found not only in the ramparts but also in the lock, the church and the bastions. If you are interested in how a place developed between military use and later functions, you will find several different examples here.

Fortress History and Water Management

In the mid-16th century, a lock was built in the Westerwoldsche Aa at the strategic location of Oudeschans. The lock system could flood a large area, making it inaccessible to enemy armies. Water management and defence were therefore closely linked in the town’s history. The fortress of Oudeschans was decommissioned in 1814.

Traces of the Water

The former harbour is a remnant of the old Westerwoldsche Aa. A drawbridge built in 1976 over a dead arm of the Westerwoldsche Aa is a copy of the original bridge. Two kolken in Oudeschans date from the dike breaches of the 17th century. The harbour remnant, drawbridge and kolken thus represent different connections with water: a former harbour, a bridge over an old river arm and traces from the time of the dike breaches.

Walks and Views

A marked walking route runs along the old Westerwoldsche Aa. Route 31 offers views of the fortified village of Oudeschans and the surrounding countryside from the Contrescarpe, the second line of defence. It ends at the Koudehoek car park north of Oudeschans, 9696 Oudeschans. Route 31 therefore gives you both a named viewpoint and a specific endpoint for planning your walks.

Church and Bastions

The Garnizoenskerk was founded in 1626 for the military personnel stationed in Oudeschans. A wooden vault rests on painted corbels; a vicarage is attached to the east side. The church’s original purpose places it in the town’s military context; the vault, corbels and vicarage add specific architectural details to this historical connection.

The Dodenbastion was formerly a defensive structure and has been used as a cemetery since the 17th century. The Kruydenbastion is now used as an orchard with old varieties of fruit. The contrast shows different uses: a cemetery in continuous use for centuries and its present-day use as an orchard.

Guided Tours and Regional Setting

Guided tours of Oudeschans and the fortress ramparts can be booked. If you are planning this kind of visit, check which dates suit your stay.

Oudeschans offers a cultural and historical focus through its fortress ramparts, the Garnizoenskerk and its water management. The broader landscape setting extends further: Westerwolde has open landscapes, tranquil waterways and beautiful views. This allows you to give the town’s history and the region’s landscape a separate focus when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bellingwolde, Wedde, Vriescheloo.

Go to the main travel overview: Bellingwedde.