Oosterwolde, Friesland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Oosterwolde
Town
Oosterwolde Church (1735)
Location in Ooststellingwerf municipality
Oosterwolde Location in Friesland Show map of Friesland Oosterwolde Location in Netherlands Show map of Netherlands
Country	Netherlands
Province	Friesland
Municipality	Ooststellingwerf
Area
• Total	31.07 km2 (12.00 sq mi)
Elevation	7 m (23 ft)
Population  (2021)
• Total	9,510
• Density	306.08/km2 (792.8/sq mi)
Postal code	8431
Dialing code	0516

Oosterwolde (which means "Easterwâlde" in the local Frisian language) is the biggest town in the Ooststellingwerf area. It is located in the eastern part of Friesland, a province in the Netherlands.

This town was first written about between the years 1325 and 1336. Back then, it was called "tot Oesterwolde," which means "eastern forest." Oosterwolde grew up between two special areas called brinks. These were like shared open fields or pastures.

Discovering Oosterwolde's Past

How Old Is Oosterwolde?

Oosterwolde has a long history, going back almost 700 years! The first time anyone wrote about the town was between 1325 and 1336. Its name, "eastern forest," tells us a bit about what the area might have looked like long ago.

The Old Church of Oosterwolde

The Dutch Reformed church in Oosterwolde was built in 1735. It replaced an even older church from the Middle Ages. Today, this historic church has a new and interesting use! It is now a Bed & Breakfast, offering a unique place to stay. You can even sleep "between the pews!"

Oosterwolde's Growth and Importance

In 1840, Oosterwolde was a smaller place with about 548 people living there. But it grew over time. In 1886, Oosterwolde became the main town, or capital, of the Ooststellingwerf municipality. This meant it became an important center for the area.

Factories and Local Businesses

The town also became important for businesses. In 1887, a dairy factory opened in Oosterwolde. This factory was part of a company called Frico, which is now known as FrieslandCampina.

Later, in 1915, a special factory was opened by a group called the "Oosterwolde" cooperative purchasing agency. This building had a cool design, mixing two styles of architecture: rational and Jugendstil.

Gallery

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  Bridge in Oosterwolde

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  Canal view

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  Town hall

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  Spring in Oosterwolde