It is a part of the municipality of Westerwolde, and lies about 25 kilometres (16 mi) northeast of Emmen.

[1] Sellingen was founded in the 12th century on a sandy ridge along the River Ruiten Aa [nl].

[5] In 1665, the bishop of Münster secretly constructed a road through the moor from Walchum in Lower Saxony to Sellingen as part of a planned invasion of Groningen.

[8] It is somewhat random landscape with forests, meadows and swamps, and is known for its variety of damselflies.

[9] The Hasseberg [nl] is located near the German border, and is the highest point in Groningen at 14.6 metres (48 ft).