Bourtange Fortress, Star-shaped fortress in Bourtange, Netherlands.
The pentagonal fortress features five bastions, three moats, multiple drawbridges, and defensive walls surrounding a central marketplace with historic buildings.
Prince William of Orange ordered the construction of this military fortification in 1593 to control the only road between Germany and Groningen during the Eighty Years' War.
The Captain's House from 1661 displays military artifacts and period furniture, illustrating the daily routines of soldiers stationed at the fortress.
Five separate museums within the fortress walls require admission tickets, while access to the village streets and central square remains free of charge.
Each Sunday afternoon, the fortress maintains a centuries-old tradition by firing its original cannon across the restored 18th-century ramparts.
Location: Bourtange
Inception: 1593
Founders: William the Silent
Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access
Part of: Bourtange
Address: Willem Lodewijkstraat 33, 9545 PA Bourtange, Netherlands 9545 PA
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-16:30
Phone: +31599354600
Website: https://bourtange.nl
GPS coordinates: 53.00600,7.19200
Latest update: May 28, 2025 07:53
These fortifications represent military architecture from different periods. From the Alhambra in Spain to Malbork Castle in Poland, these structures demonstrate defense techniques and strategic planning. The collection spans Crusader castles, coastal fortresses, and mountain strongholds from Europe to Asia.
Synagoge
105 m
Kerk van Bourtange
123 m
Hervormde kerk
6 km
Vestingmolen Bourtange
172 m
Neuheeder Moor
3.5 km
Bourtangersluis
2.3 km
Wollinghuizersluis
2.8 km
Jipsinghuizersluis
4.2 km
Weenderstraat 19, Sellingen
4.1 km
Betonnen balkbrug
5.4 km
Gereformeerde kerk, orgel
4.4 km
Weenderstraat 47, Weende
4.3 km
Weenderstraat 53, Weende
4.3 km
Marktplein
80 m
De Staakenborgh
2.1 km
Marktplein 7, Bourtange
101 m
Plaquette voor Ella en Mozes Braaf
442 m
Marktplein 5, Bourtange
102 m
Redoute Bakoven
975 m
Weenderstraat 46, Weende
4.2 km
Majoorslogement
58 m
Marktplein 13, Bourtange
59 m
Kapiteinslogement
48 m
Vestinggracht
141 m
J. Buiskoolweg
4.8 km
Baracquen Batterijenstraat
139 m
De Linie, voorwerk vesting
1.5 km
Joods Monument
116 mReviews
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Great for a day immersed in the history of Bourtange.
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