Wolphaartsdijk, on Lake Veere, offers a blend of windmill history, paths through the polder landscape, and opportunities to observe nature. When planning your trip, you can choose between a walk, a 32-kilometre cycling loop, and activities on the water. The struggle against the water has also shaped the history of the town.

Windmill and local history

The De Hoop windmill stands west of Wolphaartsdijk. It was built in 1808 on behalf of Johannes Adriaanse. The 22-metre-high, round stone Dutch windmill with a gallery was built as a grain mill. To this day, it grinds authentic Zeeuwse Vlegel flour.

De Griffioen is a former town hall, built in 1929. The Wolphaartsdijk historical walking route tells an important part of the story of the former island of Wolphaartsdijk, focusing on the struggle against the water.

At De Schelphoek, the flood disaster monument “Waves, dike and hand” commemorates twelve people from Wolphaartsdijk who died in the 1953 flood disaster. The monument is easy to reach from the car park at De Schelphoek. The walking route covers the history of the former island in a broader context; the monument focuses on the specific event of 1953 and its victims.

Bird islands and walks

The Middelplaten are uninhabited islands in Lake Veere and an important breeding ground for birds such as lapwings, redshanks, and avocets. They can be seen from Muidenweg in Wolphaartsdijk or from the water. Visitors are not allowed on the islands, but ranger-led excursions are occasionally possible.

For a walk, consider the De Schelphoek nature area near Wolphaartsdijk. The options differ: the Middelplaten can be viewed from the vantage points mentioned, while De Schelphoek offers the opportunity to go for a walk.

Cycling tour and seasonal ferry

The 32-kilometre cycling loop around Wolphaartsdijk follows the shores of Lake Veere, crosses quiet dikes, and passes through green polders. It combines a longer ride with several different landscape features.

Many cyclists use the seasonal ferry between Kortgene and Wolphaartsdijk to cycle around Lake Veere or shorten the loop. If you plan to take the ferry, check the timetable in advance. This lets you choose between the full loop and a shorter route that includes a ferry crossing.

Sailing and exploring Lake Veere

At Oesterhaven, you can rent motorboats or Polyvalk boats for a day without a boating licence and explore Lake Veere and its islands. Sailing courses are also offered there. The Watersportvereniging Wolphaartsdijk gives children their first sailing experiences in Optimist dinghies and enables them to earn CWO1, CWO2, and CWO3 sailing diplomas. The waterside options differ: day rentals for exploring the lake are available alongside sailing courses and first sailing experiences for children.

Discover more destinations: Goes, Kattendijke, 's-Heer Hendrikskinderen, Kloetinge.

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