Winschoten

The Oldambt is a region in the east of Groningen province, which was an administrative district from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. On the northern side of the region is the coast of the Dollard, a bay of the Wadden Sea. Large parts of the Oldambt were overflowed by the Dollard in the 15th and 16th centuries, drowning at least 20 villages. Starting from the 16th century, land has been reclaimed from the Dollard and the Oldambt region in its current form was created. The region, especially the reclaimed land, was very suitable for agricultural production, and the Oldambt became known as the granary of Groningen province, or even of the Netherlands. The farmers in Oldambt thrived, and this led to the construction of large farming estates, and the development of Winschoten (awarded city rights in 1825) as regional centre. Nowadays, Oldambt is one of the weakest regions of the Netherlands economically, with a declining and ageing population. Part of the reason for this is the relatively remote location of the Oldambt in the Netherlands, in the northeastern corner of the country. Many of the younger generation therefore move to more central locations, such as the provincial capital . The government has attempted to reverse this trend by the implementation of several projects, of which the

By Train

The Oldambt is along the railway from Leer (Ostfriesland) in Germany. There are three railway stations along this line within the Oldambt: from west to east

By Car / Road

The southern part of Oldambt is traversed by the east-west motorway. From virtually all directions this motorway is the best option to enter the Oldambt region. From the western side, from the city of

The fastest way to get around in the Oldambt region is by car. In the southern part of the Oldambt there is an extensive road network, including the A7 motorway and several trunk roads. In the northern part, the population density is much lower and there are only some local roads. However, the best way to get around is arguably by bicycle. The main towns and villages are clearly signposted with dedicated signposts for cyclists, and in many cases separate cycle paths are available. Apart from the train connection from Scheemda via Winschoten to Bad Nieuweschans, as described above, there are two bus routes that can be useful to get around in the Oldambt. connects the stations of Winschoten and Scheemda via the villages Beerta, Finsterwolde, Oostwold, and Midwolda.

• The historic center of Winschoten, featuring traditional Dutch architecture and charming streets

• Local church or landmark buildings that define the town's skyline

• Museums or cultural centers showcasing Groningen's heritage and traditions

• • Cycling through the scenic Dutch landscape, along canals and past historic farms
• • Boating or canal tours (where waterways are present)
• • Attending local festivals and cultural events
• • Shopping at weekly markets for fresh produce, cheese, and flowers
• • Day trips to nearby cities and attractions

Winschoten offers a variety of dining options, from traditional Dutch brown cafés serving hearty pub fare to international restaurants. Local specialties may include fresh seafood (particularly in coastal areas), Dutch cheeses, and regional dishes. Most restaurants offer gezelligheid (a cozy, convivial atmosphere) and outdoor terraces in good weather.

Dutch café culture thrives in Winschoten. Brown cafés (bruin cafés) — traditional Dutch pubs with a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere — serve local beers, wines, and strong spirits. Specialty coffee shops offer artisanal brews and pastries. In summer, outdoor terraces are popular for enjoying a drink while people-watching. Local breweries may offer regional beer varieties.

Budget: Hostels and budget-friendly guesthouses offer basic accommodation from around €30–60 per night.

Mid-range: Comfortable hotels and bed & breakfasts are available from €70–130 per night, typically within walking distance of the town center.

Upscale: Boutique hotels and higher-end properties offer premium amenities and superior comfort from €140 per night.

There is a wide variety of more than 50 shops in the town centre of Winschoten, and a smaller selection of shops in Scheemda. In some of the other villages there are a few shops, mainly supermarkets. General opening hours are 09:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, and 09:00 to 17:00 on Saturdays. In Winschoten, shops are open late on Friday evenings, until 21:00. Generally, shops are closed on Sundays, but several times per year in Winschoten Sunday afternoon shopping is organised. Supermarkets have wider opening hours, with most supermarkets in Winschotenand Scheemda open M-Sa 08:00 to 21:00, and Su 12:00/13:00 to 18:00. Supermarkets in the other villages generally have more limited opening hours (e.g. M-F until 20:00, and closed on Sundays). Regional products

• Nearby towns in Groningen — Explore neighboring communities and their unique character
• Amsterdam — The capital city is within easy reach by train for a day trip
• Other Dutch cities — The excellent rail network connects Winschoten to cities across the Netherlands