On the southern coast of Schouwen-Duiveland lies the Zuidkust van Schouwen nature area, part of Nationaal Park Oosterschelde. Here, you’ll encounter bird-rich coastal landscapes, while historic buildings and museums tell other chapters of the region’s story. Whether you’re interested in nature, seafaring, agriculture or architecture, you can plan your discoveries around your own interests.

Coast, birds and moving water

Thousands of coastal birds are found on the sandbanks, mudflats and in the inlagen of the nature area; their numbers vary depending on the season. The movement of the water also shapes the character of the national park: it is connected to the North Sea via the storm surge barrier, with 800 billion litres of salt water flowing in and out twice a day. The park has no main entrance or fence and is free to access. Local seasonal restrictions should be observed.

Other nature areas offer different perspectives. Boswachterij Westerschouwen is a coastal nature area and Zeeland’s largest forest, with opportunities for hiking. If you’re mountain biking, you’ll find several climbs and steep descents on the route there. Forty bunkers from the Second World War remain in the Zeepeduinen. Summer excursions introduce visitors to the history of the Atlantic Wall. The Zeepeduinen have been protected as a natural monument since 1988.

A birdwatching hide on the shore of the central dune lake in the Zeepeduinen lets you observe waterbirds. A boat trip on the Oosterschelde also offers the chance to see waders, terns and oystercatchers. A seal safari in the national park tells you more about the animals and the nature area; these activities may vary depending on the season and provider.

History in buildings and museums

In Zierikzee, the Stadhuismuseum tells the story of the historic town and its surroundings. It is housed in the former town hall, a listed building that is more than 450 years old. The Gravensteen is Zeeland’s oldest prison. For an overview of the town and its surroundings, you can climb the Sint-Lievensmonstertoren, also known as De Dikke Toren. From there, the view stretches across the town, the Zeelandbrug and the Oosterschelde. Check the tower’s access arrangements before your trip.

Another striking testament to the past is the Plompe Toren: it is the only surviving reminder of the lost village of Koudekerke. You can climb the tower and look out over the Oosterschelde and the Koudekerkse inlaag; here too, check access details in advance. In Ouwerkerk, the Watersnoodmuseum is housed in the caissons. Slot Haamstede Castle has a moat and a castle forest; its oldest section dates from the 13th century.

In Bruinisse, Brusea showcases the history of fishing, including mussel fishing and the lives and work of mussel fishers in the past. Visitors can also bake Zeeuwse bolussen in the museum kitchen. The Goemanszorg Museum Farm explores the development of agriculture and life and work on Schouwen-Duiveland in the past. Changing exhibitions and historic farming equipment bring this transformation to life. There is also a free audio tour developed especially for children.

Smaller discoveries add to the picture, too: at Brouwershaven’s maritime harbour, a small museum introduces visitors to the history of seafaring across several exhibition rooms. The Molen Nieuwerkerk, also known as the Nieuwerkerkse Molen, was built in 1844. A visit can be arranged by appointment when the mill is operating.

Water, routes and practical information

The activities at Brouwersdam differ depending on which side you’re on. On the Grevelingen side, you can windsurf, wingfoil, stand-up paddle and sail; on the North Sea side, kitesurfing and kitefoiling are possible. Conditions and activities may vary, and on the North Sea side you should check the designated zones locally. You can also swim and take part in water sports at the beaches and in the dune area; local areas and conditions may differ.

Cycling and walking routes also give you flexibility when planning. The 53-kilometre Toen en Nu cycling route passes over old dikes, by former agricultural harbours and through saline nature areas; route details may change. The Vogelboulevard cycling route follows the cycling junction network and can be started in Zierikzee or Burgh-Haamstede. Use the walking network to plan your own routes and choose their length by navigating from one junction to another.

Schouwen-Duiveland can be reached by road via the N59, N57 and N256. At the Transferium Renesse, you can park your car for a day at the beach; free buses go to the beach from there. As this service may be seasonal, it’s worth checking the current timetable.

Discover more destinations: Brouwershaven, Bruinisse, Burgh-Haamstede, Ellemeet, Renesse, Scharendijke, Zierikzee, Zonnemaire, Kerkwerve, Westenschouwen, Noordwelle, Noordgouwe, Dreischor, Ouwerkerk, Nieuwerkerk, Serooskerke Schouwen, Oosterland.

For an overview of the wider region: Zeeland.