Bourtange, Star-shaped fortress in Westerwolde, Netherlands.
Bourtange is a fortified village in the Dutch province of Groningen shaped like a five-pointed star, with ramparts, moats, and bastions surrounding it. The central settlement is completely enclosed by these defenses, with restored buildings from its military period positioned between the fortifications.
The fortress was built in 1593 during the Dutch resistance against Spanish rule to control the only passage through surrounding wetlands. After nearly 3 centuries of military service, it was abandoned in 1851 and later developed into a residential village.
The village keeps alive traditional craftsmanship and military demonstrations that visitors can watch in restored buildings around the settlement. Daily life here reflects its history as a military stronghold.
Visitors can walk along the ramparts, explore a local museum, and learn about the fortress structures through displays and signs. The best time to visit is from spring through fall when activities are offered and weather permits comfortable walking.
From above, the perfectly symmetrical five-pointed star shape is striking because each point was designed to defend a different strategic direction. This geometric layout represented an innovative fortress concept that remains clearly visible from the air today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
