For a stay in Stellendam, you can choose from several themes: nature and animal care, paths by the water, and the history of mills and floods. Scheelhoek draws attention to a bird reserve, while A Seal focuses on the care of seals. Two routes present different aspects of the Watersnoodramp. You can decide what to focus on depending on whether you are interested in nature, would like to go for a walk, or want to hear and see historical memories.

Bird Reserve and Seal Care

Scheelhoek is an important bird reserve just behind the Haringvliet sluices on Goeree-Overflakkee in Zuid-Holland. This protected area has its own place among the nature-related attractions. At the A Seal seal centre in Stellendam, visitors can see how seals are cared for and learn more about the animals and their habitat. A seal can return to the sea only on one condition: it can be released once a veterinarian has declared it healthy. Check the current visiting options at A Seal before your trip.

Two Routes, Two Ways of Remembering

You can walk the Kunstkruimelroute Stellendam independently or with a Watersnoodambassadeur as your guide. The “Kunstkruimels” placed around the village show the water level during the 1953 Watersnoodramp. The “Ooggetuigen Watersnoodramp Stellendam” route passes through the village and by the places most severely affected. It includes an audio tour featuring eyewitness accounts and poems. One route conveys the water level through markers around the village; the other uses voices and poetry in audio format.

Advance confirmation may be required to join a guided Kunstkruimelroute walk. Also check in advance whether the audio tour app is available. The different formats can help you choose: would you like to trace the water level using the “Kunstkruimels,” or are you interested in eyewitness accounts and poems? Both routes pass through Stellendam, but each has its own focus.

Harbour, Mill and Local Produce

The Stellendam harbour canal was needed to keep the harbour of Stellendam accessible from the sea. At the Havenkanaal Stellendam, you can walk along the towpath to the beacon and enjoy the view. A walk along the canal is a practical way to explore the maritime side of the town.

The “Korenlust” mill also tells the story of the town. It was built in 1856 after a hurricane in November 1838 lifted its predecessor from its foundations. One thing to look out for is the Blue Pennant: when it is flying at the mill, the miller warmly welcomes visitors. Look for this signal rather than assuming there are fixed opening hours.

For a taste of local produce, visit the Keizer farm shop in Stellendam. Its products come directly from the farm and include, among other things, potatoes, asparagus, strawberries and dairy products. As availability may vary seasonally, it is worth bearing this in mind when planning your visit.

You can give each theme the emphasis that suits your interests: Scheelhoek is a bird reserve, A Seal focuses on seal care and information about seals, and the routes combine walks with different ways of remembering. The harbour canal and mill add to the story of the town and its relationship with water, while the farm shop highlights agricultural produce. This lets you choose which of these perspectives you want to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Ouddorp, Nieuwe-Tonge

Return to the main travel overview: Goeree-Overflakkee.