08 Westerwolde Emsroute
This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert Hans van de Ven (Mr.MRA)
Last edit: 11-03-2025
Route Summary This is the 8th in a series of 43 Endangered ANWB routes. These were published in the Promotors between April 2015 and September 2016.
Westerwolde Emsroute – Motorcycling through fortresses and peatlands
The Westerwolde Emsroute takes you through the varied landscape of southeast Groningen and the neighboring German Emsland. This route combines picturesque fortified towns, vast peatlands and winding roads along the Dortmund-Ems Canal. You drive over the historic border crossings and explore Bourtange, Oudeschans and Sellingen, while also taking a trip to the German Ems region. Due to its historic character, this route gets 3 stars.
The tour starts at Brasserie-Restaurant Pekelahof in Oude Pekela and ends at Tango Oude Pekela, with beautiful stops along the way such as the Bourtange fortress, the Rütenbrock Border Lock and the Theater van de Natuur viewpoint.
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Verdict
Duration
4h 5m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
138.18 km
Countries
RouteXpert Review You start the ride at Brasserie-Restaurant Pekelahof, where a hearty breakfast or a cup of coffee awaits you. From here you drive via Blijham towards Oudeschans, where an impressive historical cannon is a reminder of the military history of this former fortress. The road continues to Bellingwolde, a village with stately manor farms, before you cross the border into Germany. In Rhede and Heede you follow a quiet route along the water and pass the characteristic locks of the Dortmund-Ems Canal. This canal, once an important trade route, now forms a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing ride.
After a short stretch through the German countryside, you return to the Netherlands and reach Ter Apel. Here you pass the Grenssluis Rütenbrock, a historic water crossing that is still in use. The route then winds on to Sellingen, where the Theater van de Natuur offers a beautiful view of the area. This unique open-air theater has revolving benches, allowing you to choose the perfect view yourself. Not far from here is one of the highlights of the route: Bourtange fortress. This perfectly preserved fortress from the 16th century offers a unique insight into the fortification construction of the past. You can take a walk around the ramparts and enjoy the atmospheric streets. The route continues via Wedde and Onstwedde, with quiet country roads and winding dikes. The last kilometers take you back to Oude Pekela, where you can refuel at Tango Oude Pekela, the official end point of the ride.
The Westerwolde Emsroute offers a varied motorcycling experience, from historical fortresses to vast peatlands and canals. The route is ideal for motorcyclists who love quiet roads, history and nature. With a length of approximately 140 kilometers, this is a perfect day trip with sufficient stops for sights and culinary breaks.
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Disclaimer
Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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