At the Bourtange Fortress in the beautiful Westerwolde (Southeast Groningen), you'll be taken back in time in a unique way. This historic fortification, which was never conquered, is known today as a small but particularly atmospheric fortress town. The fortress is open all year round and offers a great experience for young and old alike.
Past and present come together uniquely in the current Bourtange, which is based on the original drawings from the year 1742. As you walk through the Vriezese Poort, you will find yourself stepping directly into life in the fortress town of that era. You will be surrounded by moats, old cannons, defensive ramparts, and much more. Today, Bourtange is still inhabited. Whereas the buildings in 1742 largely had a military function, they are now furnished as museums, exhibition spaces, shops, or catering establishments.
The history of the Bourtange Fortress dates back to the Eighty Years' War. In the 16e eweeuwen ago, half of the current province of Groningen was still covered by impassable marshland. Some places could then only be reached via sandy passes. The access to the later Bourtange originated via one of these passes.
When the city of Groningen fell into Spanish hands in 1580, none other than William of Orange ordered a fort with five bastions to be built. This fort was to be constructed on the sandy ridge in the marshlands near the German border. This sandy ridge connected the city of Groningen with German towns such as Westphalia and Lingen. The Spanish made use of this sandy ridge to supply the city of Groningen. By building the fort, the Prince hoped to block this route of access, thereby isolating the city of Groningen.
Mien Ruys was nicknamed ‘Bielzen Mien’ (Sleeper Mien) due to her use of railway sleepers in her garden designs. This trend was very popular throughout the Netherlands in the 1970s. She therefore enjoyed working with straight shapes such as rectangles and squares.
Vesting Bourtange was designed based on the idea of fortification architect Adriaan Anthoniszoon. This mayor of Alkmaar decided on a five-pointed bastion with which work began in April 1580 by digging ditches. In 1593 the structure was completed, after which it was continuously reinforced.
The reason for these reinforcements was entirely due to the changing frontier throughout the centuries. Additionally, new insights were constantly gained and the firepower of the artillery increased. In 1742, the fortress reached its greatest size. Due to the rise of increasingly modern warfare, Bourtange's defences gradually lost their function. This led to the fortress being officially decommissioned in 1851, after which an agricultural village emerged. Over 100 years later, the municipality of Vlagtwedde decided to reconstruct it, making Fort Bourtange look almost as it did during its heyday in 1742.
In Vesting Bourtange, in addition to the unique atmosphere of the fortress town itself, you will find various museums that regularly host exhibitions. Here you will be provided with extensive information about its history of origin, among other things. In addition, a visit to the old barracks is certainly recommended, as are the captain's house and the synagogue.
On the Market Square of Fort Bourtange, you'll discover cosy shops and a real candle-making workshop. There are also several catering establishments, and from the fortress farm “De Sikkepit,” there are numerous activities to undertake. For example, during the season, this venue offers the opportunity to explore the fortress town from the water in a rowing boat or canoe. Additionally, antique and bric-a-brac enthusiasts will find plenty to browse in the “struunzolder” (rummage loft) located within the farm.
Various events are organised throughout the year in the fortified town of Bourtange. These events range from re-enacted battles to various markets. Think of autumn markets and Christmas markets in unique, fairytale-like atmospheres, among others. In addition, an old cannon is fired every Sunday afternoon during the season to great interest. This demonstration is performed by the Exercitie Peloton Bourtange and takes place at 3:00 PM. An extra cannon firing demonstration takes place on Easter Monday, Ascension Day and Whit Monday.
A very special event that returns annually is the “Battle of Bourtange”. It's the largest mock battle held in and around the Bourtange Fortress, taking you back to the year 1814. Napoleon's troops were present in the fortress town at that time. The Dutch army, with support from armies from Germany, England, Belgium, and France, among others, attempts to recapture Bourtange in this mock battle. A particularly impressive spectacle.
Weapons, clothing, but also kitchenware, eating habits and camp life are precisely imitated. During this famous battle, you will actually travel back in time. Throughout the fortress town, performances take place that give a perfect impression of how the soldiery lived back in the day. Roaring cannons, cracking muskets and battle melodies, nothing is missing. It also shows how trade was conducted at the time. The grand finale is the parade in which all soldiers who survived the grandly staged battle participate.
The fortified town is well worth a visit for all ages, offering impressions that will stay with you for a long time. There are also numerous possibilities for group outings. A hostess team is present on site to offer you and your party professional guided tours through Bourtange. This makes a visit not only suitable as an informative event but certainly also as a unique staff outing or a client relations day. Various packages are available, with or without a puzzle or torchlight tour through the fortified town. Canoeing together through the moats of the fortress is also a popular activity.
For more information and the opening hours of Vesting Bourtange, please visit www.bourtange.nl. This site uses cookies to offer you the best experience.
Besides the site, there is an Information Centre in the entrance building of the fortress city. Here, visitors will receive a brief introduction to the history of the fortress city. You will also find all the necessary information to make the most of your visit there. The opening hours and details of the shops and catering establishments present, as well as of the various museums and exhibitions. You can also purchase entrance tickets for the museums at the Information Centre. The same applies to special discount cards, such as the family card for families. Curious about the other activities in the Emmen area?
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