The village church and Windlust tell different chapters of Overschild’s history. The Graauwe Dijk is associated with historical water management; in Tetjehorn, by the Schildmeer, the focus is on the Riedmoor and bird habitats. ’t Roegwold lies between Overschild, Steendam and the sandy ridge from Siddeburen to Harkstede.

Church, mill and historic landscape

The village church in Overschild was built in 1880 in a simple Waterstaats style, but it is not a Waterstaats church. In the province of Groningen, it is considered a well-preserved example of a Reformed hall church from the late 19th century and a building of general cultural and architectural-historical significance. The surviving 19th-century interior is also considered valuable.

The church has been repurposed as a rest stop for cyclists, hikers and passers-by. It is located just south of the Damsterdiep, about 20 kilometres from the city of Groningen. For travel to the church by public transport, 9292ov.nl is recommended; for cycling, a bicycle route planner is recommended.

The Graauwe Dijk was built up by the monks of Wittewierum to hold back water from the swampy moors of Lageland for the wierden area to the north. Around the year 1000, Overschild is mentioned in a document in which Sibraht undertakes to pay 30 coins to Werden Abbey on the Ruhr. Water management at the Graauwe Dijk is part of the area’s landscape history; Overschild, too, is mentioned in writing as early as around the year 1000.

Windlust was built as a ground-sailed Dutch mill in 1859. Around 1914, H. Schuurman raised the mill and converted it into a gallery Dutch mill. Just over five decades separate its construction from its later raising. The mill is also the starting point of the “Ommetje Windlust” circular route.

Tetjehorn: Riedmoor and Schildmeer

Tetjehorn lies by the Schildmeer and is the largest Riedmoor in the province of Groningen. The area provides habitat for various bird species, including the Eurasian bittern, bearded reedling and white-tailed eagle. The Biesterwied observation tower is located in Tetjehorn and gives visitors a view of the Riedmoor and the Schildmeer from a height of six metres. Thus, landscape views and bird habitat are two specific aspects of this nature theme.

Circular route and directions

The ten-kilometre “Ommetje Windlust” circular route runs from the Windlust mill in Overschild to ’t Roegwold and can be explored on foot or by bicycle. Its length and the two stated ways of getting around can help you plan your visit.

The wooden “Schildjer Tibat” bicycle bridge crosses the Duurwold drainage channel, which runs through the Schildmeer. The Staatsbosbeheer Tetjehorn ('t Roegwold) car park is on Graauwedijk, 9625 PB Overschild. You can use Graauwedijk in Overschild as a landmark when planning your journey.

Discover more destinations: Slochteren, Steendam, Scharmer, Kolham.

Back to the main travel overview: Slochteren.