Onstwedde(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Oosterwijk, the standout choice is Hotel De Gouden Kruis, a boutique hotel blending 18th-century Dutch architecture with modern comfort. Located steps from the Sint Nicolaas Church, it offers traditional Dutch breakfasts and rooms with exposed wooden beams and warm, earth-toned interiors. For a more intimate stay, B&B Het Oude Huis—a former farmhouse dating back to 1730—provides cozy, handcrafted furnishings and a private garden, ideal for travelers seeking authentic rural charm in the heart of Groningen province.

The historic town center of Oosterwijk is the prime location for lodging, offering easy access to landmarks like the Town Hall Square, Market Church, and Old Mill Ruins. This walkable district is quiet at night, safe, and well-connected by public buses to Groningen city (20 minutes away). Staying near Beekstraat Street combines proximity to local cafes, shops, and scenic trails, while also allowing seamless exploration of nearby farmlands and nature paths.

Must-try cultural experiences include the weekly Thursday market at Town Hall Square, featuring local organic produce, handmade pottery, and regional pastries. Visit the Old Mill Museum for guided tours on 17th-century windmill mechanics, and attend the annual Windmill Festival, which includes folk performances and craft workshops. History buffs should book a lecture at the Groningen Provincial Archives, revealing Oosterwijk’s role as a medieval trade hub.

Try Aardappelpannenkoeken (Dutch potato pancakes) and Groninger Zuurvlees (pickled beef), both specialties served at De Stadskroon Restaurant, a centuries-old eatery using farm-fresh ingredients. Don’t miss wild strawberry jam, a seasonal local treat sold at markets. Pair your meal with locally brewed malt beer (Bier van de Oost)—rich, smooth, and deeply rooted in regional tradition.

Yes, Oosterwijk is highly family-friendly. The Green Path Park features playgrounds, a maze garden, and open lawns perfect for picnics. The Old Mill Ruins offer a child-friendly tour with interactive models and role-play activities. Each summer, the Family Bike Day draws families with safe routes, refreshment stops, and guided rides. Many B&Bs provide cribs and high chairs, ensuring a comfortable stay for all ages.

Despite its small size, Oosterwijk has excellent transport links. The central bus station connects directly to Groningen city (20 min) and other regional towns. The town is bike-friendly with well-maintained cycle paths along the Eemse Route. During festivals, a free shuttle bus runs between major attractions and accommodations, enhancing convenience. Public trains also stop nearby, making day trips to Amsterdam or Utrecht effortless.

Near Oosterwijk, the Eemse Wetlands Reserve is a prime destination for birdwatching, home to herons, kingfishers, and waterfowl. Follow the Green Path Trail through oak forests and wildflower meadows, where you may spot rabbits and hedgehogs. In autumn, the maple grove near the Old Mill turns vibrant red and orange—perfect for photography. Nearby Polderhof Farm offers hands-on experiences like milking cows and picking seasonal vegetables, ideal for kids.

Key events include the Windmill Festival (Molenfeest) in June, showcasing operational historic windmills, folk dances, and craft fairs. The Winter Light Festival illuminates the town center with lantern displays and a festive market. During spring, the Flower Show at Town Garden features over 50 varieties of tulips and daffodils, with workshops in floral arrangement and commemorative booklets available.

Oosterwijk offers a peaceful, low-key nightlife. Highlights include De Kromme Toren, known for craft beers and live jazz nights; Het Oude Kerkje, a former church hosting poetry readings and acoustic concerts. On weekends, an open-air cinema screens films under the stars at Town Hall Square, with attendees bringing blankets. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, perfect for couples or solo travelers seeking relaxation.

Visit the Beekstraat Craft Market, held every first weekend of the month, featuring local artisans selling ceramics, wool textiles, and handmade jewelry. Postkantoor Winkel, a preserved 19th-century post office, stocks limited-edition Dutch postcards and vintage maps. The hidden gem Oudboekwinkel (Old Bookshop) specializes in rare 19th-century literature and regional history books—ideal for collectors and bibliophiles seeking unique souvenirs.