Bourtange Fortress

Bourtange, Netherlands

Near the German border, in Westerwolde (Southeast Groningen), is the fortress Bourtange.

In 1580 William of Orange gave the order to build a fort on the sand ridge in the Bourtanger moor, on the border of modern Germany. On the order of William Louis of Nassau the fortress was raised in 1593.

Between 1593 and 1851 Bourtange was an important fortress. An agrarian village came into being when the fortress was dismantled in 1851. Only a few buildings still remembered the glory of yesteryear. In the nineteen sixties the county of Vlagtwedde took the initiative to reconstruct the fortress. The plan was implemented between 1967 and 1992. Ramparts were again raised, ditches were dug and soldiers’ barracks were built.

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Founded: c. 1593
Category: Castles and fortifications in Netherlands

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Caroline Chevillotte (Kaoni) (11 months ago)
Beautiful place to walk around and experience a bit of history. You can enter the town for free. It seems some people live there. There's an entrance to pay if you want to visit 5 little museums.
sjc (14 months ago)
We went on the spring market day.. it was sunny and festive with good music and Food. It was amazing to be in a star shaped island like fortress and to experience it in its full glory
Nhàn Nguyễn (14 months ago)
I went here in the autumn when it gets dark very soon so could not see much. But I bet in the summer it'll be so much nocer in the day light. There's a small eatery place there which is really nice too!
Lueder Meyer (17 months ago)
We loved it. It was milling day and the Mill was in Operation today. Great to have a look Into the housing with wooden mechanics. One of the guys was very happy (and patient) to answer all my questions. A hidden beauty which is highly recommended to visit.
Jobelle Myx (2 years ago)
It is a nice area to have when you are making a quick stroll. No entrance few if you don’t want the guided tour, which I find very nice when you just want to do sigh seeing. The area is very well maintained and clean. There were just one restaurant when we came there so we needed to eat outside the area cause we don’t have much of a choice. But overall, it is a very nice area to visit.
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