OLDAMBT FROM THE WATER
Oldambt is one of the most beautiful watery areas in the Netherlands, so be sure to explore this region via its waterways. Remove that tarpaulin from your boat, or charter one at one of the marinas and set sail. Take a dip in one of the swimming pools or at one of the beaches, cast your fishing line at the Oldambtmeer Lake or try out some water sports. See Oldambt in a completely different light.
Sailing
Many new options for sailing were opened after the Oldambtmeer Lake and the Blauwe Passage north of it were connected. Sail across the Winschoterdiep Canal and Oldambtmeer towards the village of Nieuwolda, or opt for a longer cruise via Nieuwe Statenzijl and Termunterzijl, through the Dollard area. If you prefer to take more time for the Oldambtmeer Lake, simply go for a cruise of the Blauwestad. These sailing routes are all described in the ‘Varen in Oldambt’ brochure.
Blauwediepsluis lock
The lock between the Winschoterdiep canal and the Oldambtmeer Lake is operated using a key or pass, which is obtained at the Winschoten Marina (06-46016291). Lock opening hours: 1 May until 1 October from 08.00 am until 10.00 pm, by appointment during the off-season. Information can be obtained at the Waterschap Hunze en Aa’s (0598-693800).
Cruise
If you’d rather enjoy the waters from a water bus, go to Pieter Dekker Rondvaarten for a leisurely boat excursion of the Oldambtmeer Lake. Be sure to bring your binoculars so you can take in the islands teeming with birds from up close
Sailing, surfing and boat hire
Zeilschool Bootverhuur Blauwestad at the Oldambtmeer Lake has plenty of options for hiring boats: choose from a sailboat, motorboat, canoe, sailboard or surfboard. It’s also the place to go for group packages and group sailing packages, such as a GPS sailing trip on the Oldambtmeer Lake. If you’d like to learn how to sail or surf, you can take lessons here.
Harbours
Oldambt features eight marinas – three of which are located by the Oldambtmeer Lake – with every necessary amenity. Feel free to moor your boat and explore the waterside and environs. In Winschoten, it’s a mere five minutes by foot to the centre or to one of the outdoor cafés by the Oldambtmeer Lake.
Swimming
The Oldambt region has many options for cooling down on a warm day. The Oldambtmeer Lake features two large beaches where safe swimming zones have been marked out. From the new Havenkwartier Blauwestad, take a wooden footbridge and head out to the Strand Zuid beach with its vast lawn for sunbathing. The other beach is located at the north side of the lake near Midwolda. Laze the afternoon away or have a drink at the pavilion outdoor café while the children live it up at the playground. A bit further on, near the village of Beerta, take a dip in the Beertsterplas waters. You won’t find any facilities here, but it does have a sheltered beach. If you prefer a swimming pool, there’s the Openluchtzwembad De Ringberg in Scheemda – open in summer. You could also opt for one of the indoor swimming pools. Choose from the De Hardenberg in Finsterwolde and De Watertoren in Winschoten.
