Bourtange
If you are looking for some beautiful 18th century photography opportunities or want to learn more about the history of the Netherlands, then Bourtange is the place for you. This fortress is located in northern Netherlands near the German border. If you are planning to travel around in this area, I would highly suggest giving it a visit! The moment you step inside the town it feels like you have traveled back in time.
Reaching Bourtange
The town is easily reachable by public traffic and has free parking spots if you decide to go by car. The town is opened all throughout the year, but if you want your visit to the town to be extra fun you should definitely visit during some of the events they organize. For all planned events visit the website agenda of Bourtange here: bourtange.nl/evenementen
Battle of Bourtange
The big “Battle of Bourtange” is an event where yearly they reenact the biggest battle of the town. You travel back in time to the year 1814 where the Dutch troops, accompanied by other countries, fight the troops of Napoleon to recapture Bourtange. This was the event we watched happen when we visited the town. Throughout the day you see several fights between the troops. In these fights, the soldiers used muskets and real canons. Of course they didn’t use actual bullets, instead they used blanks. Nonetheless the firing of canons actually felt and sounded really impressive.
Activities
In between the fights, we enjoyed the beautiful fortress and the town within. There are multiple small museums where you can have a look and learn more about the town itself. In the fortress there is a market place, a church, a windmill and souvenir shops, so you won’t get bored quickly. We easily filled the entire day here, from morning until late in the afternoon.
Photos I took in Bourtange
During the Battle of Bourtange, there were tons of great photo opportunities. I took my Canon 700D with a 50mm and a 70-300mm lens with me to take some photos. Below a selection of my favorites of that day. Let me know what you thing of them and if you are interested in visiting Bourtange.
