Near the German border in the glorious Groningen landscape is a unique landmark:

The fortress Bourtange

The history of this fortress goes back to the year 1580. Prince Wilhelm of Orange gave the order to built this pentagon near the German border. Here was the connection path between Groningen and Meppen resp. Westphalia.
With this blockade of the most important route, the prince hoped to isolate the by Spain occupied town of Groningen. But the Spaniards offered fierce resistance. So the fortress was continually reinforced and finally completed in the year 1593.

In the year 1964 the community of Vlagtwedde (NL) decided to restore and reconstruct the fortress. Starting point was the year 1742, the fortress was then at its biggest.


Welcome to the year 1742 !!!

A visit to the Bourtange gives a lively impression of bygone times. This wonderful village has a lot to offer: Visit the exhibitions or the museum, take a walk on the rampart or take a canoe trip on the canal and feel yourself being transported back into the 18th-century. Lots of buildings like for instance the captains' flat or the mill bastion. The protestant church from the year 1607 or the exercise practices give the impression of being in the middle of the Middle Ages.

The fortress can be viewed free of charge, exhibitions and museums are subject to entrance fees.

Further information can be obtained at the
VVV-Fremdenverkehrsverein
Westerwolde Abt. Vesting Bourtange
Tel: 0031 - 599 - 354600

A guided tour through the fortress can be done in German by request!

more information about the fortress Bourtange

Distance from Meppen: ca. 45 km
Haren: ca. 25 km


Welcome to the year 1742 !!!

Our hotel tips:

Hotel and Gasthof Robben in Twist-Hebelermeer ca. 30km distance