Kattendijke brings together three distinct themes for a stay: village history, routes through a landscape shaped by water and dikes, and diving in the Oosterschelde. The octagonal church tower, topped with a pear-shaped ornament, dates from 1640. There are also routes focused on cycling and walking. If you are considering the village as a destination, you can plan your visit around whether you are most interested in historic buildings, the landscape or activities on the water.
The Church, Monnikenhof and the History of the Dikes
The church in Kattendijke was originally built in the early 15th century. Its octagonal tower, topped with a pear-shaped ornament, dates from 1640. The two dates tell different chapters of the village’s history: the church building has medieval origins, while the tower was added later. Monnikenhof is also part of this historic picture. Remains of the outbuildings of a medieval monastery have been preserved there.
Around 1190, Kattendijke and its surrounding area were probably protected by a large dike built by Cistercians from Ter Doest Abbey in Flanders. This history of the dikes can be linked to the landscape features that are among the area’s defining themes today. The church, Monnikenhof and the account of the dike offer different points of interest if you are curious about the history of the village and its surroundings.
Creeks, Salt Marshes and Reclaimed Land
Deesche Watergang is a creek formed by the storm surge of 1134. The creek area around the watercourse provides feeding and breeding grounds for numerous waterbirds and meadow birds. Birdlife varies by season, so nature watching can offer different experiences depending on when you visit.
Kattendijkse Plaat also has its own distinctive landscape: it is a mudflat area with young salt marshes. Hollestellepad passes through land laboriously reclaimed from the sea. The creek, mudflats and history of land reclamation reveal different aspects of the landscape. If you enjoy walking, Hollestellepad offers a route whose course is directly connected with this history.
Cycling and Walking Routes Around Kattendijke
The Goes–Kloetinge–Kattendijke cycling route is 20 kilometres long. It runs over the Oude Zeedijk and along the Deessche Watergang, and leads to the church in Kattendijke. This gives the route a specific length and a destination in the village, while also taking in landscape features that are important to the region’s history. Check for any current diversions before setting off.
The Oosterschengeroute offers another point of reference: it starts at the Oude Zeedijk/Dorpsstraat junction in Kattendijke. Check the latest route details when planning your trip. Stage 16 of the Oosterscheldepad also passes through Kattendijke; here, too, it is worth checking for possible diversions. These two route descriptions offer different starting points for planning, without requiring you to combine them into a single route.
Diving in the Oosterschelde
The dive sites between Wemeldinge and Kattendijke are known for their abundant and diverse underwater life. The dive site in Kattendijke has a restroom building with showers, toilets and rinse sinks. As facilities can change, check their condition and amenities before you travel.
Sturdy steps are installed on the shore side, allowing divers to enter and exit the water more safely. Check their condition before your dive. The first five-star dive hotspot in the Netherlands is also located on the south side of the Oosterschelde. Check the designation and facilities before planning a dive.
Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests
Plan your stay around whether you want to dive, cycle or explore the history of the village and its landscape. The cycling route is 20 kilometres long; check the current conditions at the dive site before diving.
Discover more destinations: Wolphaartsdijk, Kloetinge, Goes, 's-Heer Hendrikskinderen
Back to the main travel overview: Goes.
