Winschoten, Bad Nieuweschans, Blauwestad

Today you follow the river that originates from the confluence of the Mussel Aa and the Ruiten Aa in East Groningen: the Westerwoldsche Aa. From the confluence near Wedde, the river flows on to Bad Nieuweschans and empties into the Dollard.

The Westerwoldsche Aa plays an important role in the water management of the region. It drains excess water via streams, tributaries and water systems. It functions as a drainage river for the east of the province of Groningen, where water is discharged through various streams, tributaries and systems.

Near Bad Nieuweschans, the river also serves as the border between the Netherlands and Germany. The residents of Bad Nieuweschans can do something special: move house three times without packing a single box. Until 2009, this border town was simply called Nieuweschans, and before that Langakkerschans, which is now a street name in the town.

Nieuweschans has long been a spa with mineral-rich water from its own source. By adding the word ‘Bad’ to the name in 2009, they hoped to gain more recognition as a spa and attract more tourists. In addition to a natural spa, the town also has no fewer than 47 national monuments.

Finally, you pass through the middle of the Oldambtmeer and reach the village of Blauwestad: an area that was once farmland but is now entirely designed for recreation and living. It feels as if you’re on an island for a moment. Via the Pieter Smit Bridge you return to the ‘mainland’.