Vlagtwedde Bourtange lies in the extreme southeast of Groningen province, on the German frontier (closed to all but local cars). The village grew up on a sandy ridge (tange) amid boggy moorland, which was brought into cultivation by peasant farmers (boeren): hence its name.
Today Bourtange is an open-air musuem that was rebuilt as it was in 1742.
The sandy ridge of Bourtange was fortified by Prince William of Orange in 1580; then in 1605 it was strengthened by Prince Maurice, against the wishes of the bishop of Münster; and, now with five bastions, it proved impregnable until the end of the 17th century. During the 18th century its defenses were still further strengthened. Since the restoration of the old core of the village in 1967 this star-shaped stronghold has been protected as a national monument.
Hours:
April 1 to October 31: 10am-12:30pm, 1pm-5pm; Sat:10am-12:30pm, 1pm-5pm; Closed: Sun, Mon
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