Sellingen between forest, heathland and history

If you’re looking for a hotel in Sellingen, you can choose your destination based on the focus of your stay: forests and heathland, cycling or local history. Sellingen is centrally located in Westerwolde and combines diverse landscapes with traces of history from different eras.

Forests, heathland and the Ruiten Aa

The Sellingerbossen en Ter Borg walking route leads through the forests around Sellingen and along Ter Borg. The route passes through the Ter Borg heathland, which is considered the largest heathland area in the province of Groningen. The Theater van de Natuur on the Ruiten Aa is also on the route. It is considered the smallest theatre in the Netherlands and can rotate 360 degrees. From the theatre, you can enjoy views of the Ruiten Aa and the forests of Sellingen.

The landscape along the Ruiten Aa extends beyond individual stretches of trail: diverse forests that are more than 1,000 years old can be found near Sellingen and Ter Apel, among other places. The river, heathland and forest are among the different nature themes you can consider when choosing your destination.

Hiking and cycling

Sellingen is surrounded by a network of dedicated cycle paths, making it a good base for bike rides. The village has signposted cycling routes, described routes and a mountain bike route. You can therefore plan your rides around a range of cycling options. A walking and cycling route through Sellingen also passes historic sites and distinctive landscape features.

The Boswachterspad Ruiten Aa starts at Kopje Genieten, Dennenweg 1A, 9551 VJ Sellingen. The Kabouterpad Sellingen offers a different kind of trail experience: this 1,300-metre forest path combines a story with gnome-themed activities and making a nature picture. Outdoor activities also include the De Barkhoorn outdoor swimming pool, which is located beside the forest in Sellingen. If you’re planning a visit, check the current opening hours in advance.

Local history and culture

The earliest documented mention of a church in Sellingen dates back to 1150. The history of local work can also be traced through specific examples: Edam cheese was made at the Coöperatieve melkfabriek until 1970. The Laudevat, a plastic container for cheese production, was invented there in 1961.

The old Stelmakerij Sellingen once served as a different kind of workshop. It made wagon frames and wooden tools for the village’s farmers. The history of Kamp de Beetse dates back to the 1930s: the camp was established near Sellingen in eastern Groningen as a job-creation scheme for unemployed men. In August 1945, after the liberation, it was converted into an internment camp. Several hundred political offenders were held there, including NSB members and SS personnel.

A recurring art market is another part of the village’s cultural life: Montmartre Sellingen was held as a French-style art market in the village centre and reached its 33rd edition. Together with its historic sites and landscape features, this offers a range of points of interest for a stay that includes Sellingen’s history as well as hiking and cycling.

Discover more destinations: Vlagtwedde, Ter Apelkanaal, Ter Apel, Bourtange

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