Bourtange, Star-shaped fortress in Westerwolde, Netherlands.
The pentagonal fortress features moats, ramparts, and a network of walkways surrounding the central village with preserved military structures from the 1700s.
The fortress, built in 1593 during the Dutch Revolt, controlled the only road through the Bourtange marshlands between Germany and Groningen until 1851.
The village maintains military traditions through weekly demonstrations of musket firing, guard changes, and traditional crafts in restored historic buildings.
Visitors can explore the military museum, walk the fortification walls, and participate in guided tours that explain defensive systems from April through October.
The fortress includes five complete bastions connected by walls, creating a symmetrical star shape visible from above, with each point facing different strategic directions.
Location: Westerwolde
Shares border with: Bellingwolde
Address: Bourtange, Netherlands 9545 Bourtange 9545 Bourtange
Website: https://bourtange.nl
GPS coordinates: 53.00672,7.19209
Latest update: May 31, 2025 19:04
Bourtange Fortress
80 m
Synagoge
24 m
Kerk van Bourtange
73 m
Hervormde kerk
6 km
Vestingmolen Bourtange
99 m
Neuheeder Moor
3.5 km
Bourtangersluis
2.3 km
Wollinghuizersluis
2.8 km
Jipsinghuizersluis
4.3 km
Weenderstraat 19, Sellingen
4.2 km
Betonnen balkbrug
5.3 km
Gereformeerde kerk, orgel
4.3 km
Weenderstraat 47, Weende
4.3 km
Weenderstraat 53, Weende
4.3 km
Marktplein 7, Bourtange
26 m
De Staakenborgh
2 km
Marktplein
1 m
Plaquette voor Ella en Mozes Braaf
460 m
Marktplein 5, Bourtange
24 m
Kapiteinslogement
32 m
Baracquen Batterijenstraat
66 m
Majoorslogement
29 m
Redoute Bakoven
901 m
Marktplein 13, Bourtange
30 m
J. Buiskoolweg
4.8 km
Weenderstraat 46, Weende
4.3 km
Vestinggracht
177 m
De Linie, voorwerk vesting
1.5 kmReviews
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