The landscape is at the heart of any stay in Sellingen: the Sellingerbossen en Ter Borg walking route runs through the forests around Sellingen and along Ter Borg. Along the way is the Ter Borg heathland, considered the largest heathland area in the province of Groningen. The natural attractions are complemented by cycling routes, an outdoor swimming pool and historical themes. You can therefore shape your stay according to whether you mainly want to spend time outdoors or learn more about the area's history.

Walk among forest, heathland and the Ruiten Aa

The Sellingerbossen en Ter Borg route brings together several landscape features: it runs through the forests around Sellingen and along Ter Borg, and also passes the Ter Borg heathland. This is considered the largest heathland area in the province of Groningen. If you are interested in the nature around the area, you will find a specific walking trail here, with forest and heathland as its defining features.

The route also passes the Theater van de Natuur on the Ruiten Aa. It is considered the smallest theater in the Netherlands and can rotate 360 degrees. From there, you can enjoy a view of the Ruiten Aa and the forests of Sellingen. The unusual structure and the views of the river and forest give this section a distinctive character within the walking route.

Cycling routes and other activities

Sellingen is centrally located in Westerwolde, amid a network of separate cycling paths. The area has signposted cycling routes, described routes and a mountain bike route. You can choose the focus of your ride depending on whether you prefer to follow signposted routes, use a described route or specifically ride a mountain bike route.

Another option is the Kabouterpad Sellingen. This 1,300-metre forest trail combines a story with gnome-themed tasks and making a nature picture. For a specific starting point, the Boswachterspad Ruiten Aa leads to Kopje Genieten, Dennenweg 1A, 9551 VJ Sellingen; the route starts there.

The De Barkhoorn outdoor swimming pool is located in Sellingen next to the forest. If you are planning a day of swimming, check in advance whether the pool is open on the date of your visit.

History and work in Sellingen

The earliest recorded mention of a church in Sellingen dates from 1150. Another chapter in the area's history takes us to the 1930s: Kamp de Beetse was established near the village as a work-creation camp for unemployed men. In August 1945, after the liberation, the camp was converted into an internment camp. Several hundred political offenders were held there, including NSB members and SS personnel.

The area's history also includes its former production and crafts. Edam cheese was made at the Coöperatieve melkfabriek in Sellingen until 1970. The Laudevat, a plastic container for cheese-making, was also invented there in 1961. In the old Stelmakerij Sellingen, wagon parts and wooden tools for the village's farmers were once made. These subjects offer a glimpse into different kinds of work, from cheese-making to crafts for agriculture.

A walking and cycling route through Sellingen passes historic places and distinctive landscape features. This lets you take in the area's history and surroundings together on a route through Sellingen.

Discover more destinations: Bourtange, Ter Apelkanaal, Vlagtwedde, Ter Apel.

Go to the main travel overview: Vlagtwedde.