Hoedekenskerke can be explored through its distinctive local features: paths along the Western Scheldt, the historic Stoomtrein and traces of the past, from the medieval church choir to the museum of everyday life. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, these differences can help you choose your destination: would you like to get out and about, explore local history or plan a boat trip?
Dike paths and harbour
Hoedekenskerke station is at the foot of the dike on the Western Scheldt. On the other side of the dike is a small marina that falls dry at low tide. If you plan to visit the harbour, you should therefore take the tides into account. The former waiting shelter for ferry passengers also stands as a monument on the harbour plateau of the De Val visitor harbour.
The Odekijnspad runs along the Western Scheldt and over the so-called “Vijfzoodijk”. The varied walking trail also crosses a sea dike and an inland dike, as well as several orchards. A walking route of about 1.5 kilometres starts at the station, passes through an orchard and the village to the Koutermolen, then returns to the station via the village, church and 't Wienkeltje van Wullempje. The Hoedekenskerke walking route starts and ends at Dorpshuis de Griend.
Stoomtrein, park and De Buffer
The Stoomtrein Goes-Borsele offers a train ride much like one that might have taken place at the beginning of the 20th century. Hoedekenskerke station is its terminus. Check the current timetable before your visit if you want to plan your journey around the train ride.
De Buffer is located right next to the station, in Pluimweide Park. It features working model railways and an exhibition of traditional costumes belonging to the “Mooi Zeeland” costume group. The park is open to the public and free of charge. There is also a miniature railway in the park that children can ride. The train ride, the models at De Buffer and the miniature railway are separate railway-themed attractions.
Church, mill and local history
The Dutch Reformed Church at Kerkstraat 32 consists of the polygonal-ended chancel of a 15th-century church. The nave and tower have been lost. This surviving part of the building offers a particularly tangible glimpse into the village’s long history of construction.
The Koutermolen, a grain mill built in 1874, stands on Molenstraat. Since 1992, the small museum 't Wienkeltje van Wullempje has shown how people lived and worked years ago. The building was restored in the style of Wullempje’s shop and home, as well as those of his grandmother and aunt. In Hoedekenskerke, architectural landmarks and glimpses into everyday life in the past can thus be found side by side.
A war memorial by the N.H. Church in Hoedekenskerke commemorates the fight against the occupying forces, as well as the restoration of freedom and peace. It is a white natural-stone column with a carved dove.
Seal watching with ScheldeSafari
The ScheldeSafari seal-watching trip starts and ends at the harbour in Hoedekenskerke, after about 40 minutes. ScheldeSafari takes visitors by RIB to sandbanks that fall dry at low tide; from there, you can observe seals from a suitable distance. The departure point is Jachthaven de Val. Free parking is available there for bicycles and cars. Check the latest tour information before planning, as operational details may change.
Discover more destinations: Nieuwdorp, Baarland, Ovezande, 'S-Gravenpolder, 's-Heer Abtskerke, Lewedorp, Oudelande, Heinkenszand.
For the overview of the wider area: Borsele.
