If all else fails, use the sledge hammer approach.  Take a large
screwdriver, jam it through the oil filter, and use it as a lever to turn
the filter.

CAUTION - This is quite messy as the oil drips out the new holes which have
just been created in the filter, so take proper precautions about
collecting it.

I have had to use this technique only once (with a non-VW vehicle), but it
will work if you can get proper angles and clearance for the screwdriver to
fit.  That occasion was long ago, while I was still in school, and had not
yet accumulated either the appropriate tools or the wisdom to use them.

Budd Premack
87 Wolfsburg,  86 Syncro, 84 Vanagon (son's)
73 Super, 64 Bug
Minneapolis, MN