It is a part of the municipality of Eemsdelta, and lies about 25 km east of Groningen.

Based on the earlies references, it means "settlement on higher ground by Wago (person)".

[3] Wagenborgen is a road village which developed on a sandy ridge in the 11th century.

[5] The Brons family used to own a forge in the village where steam powered threshing machines were manufactured.

In 1873, the charity "Tot Christelijke Liefdadigheid" was founded by the family, and Groot Bronswijk was established to next year to care for people with psychiatric problems.