THE OLDAMBT COUNTRYSIDE
The rich flora and fauna of the vast and varied Oldambt countryside is all around you. This is where ancient and new land meet in a dry and wet area. From the Midwolderbos woodlands to the Oldambtmeer Lake: come and explore on foot or by bike and see the beauties of every season
Green areas
In the Midwolderbos woodlands behind the Ennemaborg manor, the trees and plants are left to grow as naturally as possible. In this area now undisturbed by human intervention, take a walk and see Konik horses graze in pastures dotted with wild and herbaceous plants. Don’t forget to look up and take in the various bird species. If you come in autumn, consider going on a mushroom excursion.
Just south of Bad Nieuweschans is Bos op Houwingaham: a rich wooded area with strips of wetland: stretches of land where the water level almost coincides with the ground level. You’ll see stretches of water during wet periods, but in drier times these transform into pastures. And then there are sections with marsh vegetation. Are you coming to visit? Bring your rubber boots!
Surrounded by water
From meandering rivers to extensive lakes: water is everywhere here, but you can still keep your feet dry. Take the Oldambtmeer Lake. In 2005, after then Queen Beatrix opened the valve, about 14 million square metres of water filled an over 8 square kilometres area to form the Oldambtmeer
Lake. It’s one of the larger lakes in the Netherlands, both in terms of what’s in it and its surface area, and the second largest lake in the province of Groningen after the Lauwersmeer Lake. It was created as part of the Blauwestad project, once the location of the former Huningameer. Hop on your bicycle and enjoy this varied scenic area where the wind creates blue waves in the water, in an area where yellow grain once stood waving in the wind.
“ "FROM MEANDERING RIVERS TO VAST LAKES" ”
Blue Veins
In addition to the construction of the Oldambtmeer Lake, 350 hectares of new countryside was created around the new village of Blauwestad, in addition to 25 kilometres of dykes. Most of it is accessible by bicycle or on foot. Nature with a new look.
The Blauwestad immediately opens up to the Reiderwolde scenic area. Its most distinctive feature is without doubt the red tower you cannot miss. Be sure to climb it and treat yourself to a storybook view of what used to be an agrarian area. Artists, farmers and other inhabitants alike: they have all contributed to transform it into this lovely scenic area. Everyone can reap the fruits of their hard work when in autumn the apples, pears and blackberries are ready to be picked. Enjoy!
Explore Reiderwolde by bike or on foot using the large number of paths. Take a ferry across the water to ensure a dry passage. Consider a guided walk to take in the very best spots, or set out by yourself.
Natural Border
Parts of the Oldambt area extend to the German border, and one example of such a natural border area is the Dollard. Fresh and salt water unite at this point and teem with varied flora and fauna. With special species that occur nowhere else in the Wadden Sea, you can imagine the attraction it holds for bird species. Go to the Kiekkaaste birdwatcher’s hut for the best views, and a sense of being at the edge of the world.
From the sky
For a very special view of the rich nature of Oldambt and its surroundings, visit Oostwold airfield. From the airport, you can take a scenic flight over the Groningen landscape and get a bird's eye view of the region. Prefer to take the reins yourself? Then you can also take one of the various courses here. You literally soar to great heights here.
