Noordwelle was laid out as a ring village: its houses are grouped in a circle around the Corneliuskerk. The church tower was built around 1450. Today, the Corneliuskerk serves as a church as well as a venue for exhibitions and concerts. This brings the layout of the village centre and various cultural functions together in a striking building.

Ring Village and Landscape History

The village centre was established in the 12th or 13th century on a creek ridge, a former bank, and still lies higher than the surrounding lands today. The circular layout gives the old village centre a clear structure; its elevated position relative to the surrounding area adds a landscape dimension to this form. The village centre predates the church tower, built around 1450.

Church and Kloosterwelle

Kloosterwelle holds a weekly vespers service in the Corneliuskerk. It includes singing, a moment of silence, prayers and the opportunity to light a candle. The vespers service thus adds a religious dimension alongside the building’s cultural use. Nearby is the Kloostertuin De Wellehof, a regular venue for Kloosterwelle. Check the current vespers schedule before planning your visit.

Contemporary art is also part of Noordwelle’s cultural activities. Exhibitions and surprising installations are hosted in special locations such as barns, gardens or residents’ studios.

Architectural Heritage in the Village Centre

The buildings also offer a variety of points of interest. At the edge of the ring stands a replica of a travalje, recalling the former horse-shoeing station. At Dorpsring 4 is De Zeven Harten, a deep house with a heavily restored stepped gable dating from 1631. De Helle is a detached building of the rural-house type, dating from the 17th century. Zeelandia is a manor house or farmhouse with a 19th-century residence and a rendered façade.

Straô Rieën Throughout the Year

Straô Rieën is held annually in six villages on Schouwen: Renesse, Noordwelle, Burgh-Haamstede, Ellemeet, Scharendijke and Serooskerke. The tradition has been practised since 1643. At the end of winter, horses are ridden to the beach, where their legs are washed with seawater. During Straô Rieën, decorated horses parade from the villages to the beach. Unlike the weekly vespers service, Straô Rieën is tied to the end of winter. Check the current event dates when planning a trip.

Cycling and Route Planning

Cyclists have two different options. The hand-operated cable ferry in Noordwelle allows cyclists to pull themselves and their bikes across to the other side. The 53-kilometre “Toen en Nu” cycle route includes a section about Noordwelle. Check the route’s current content and itinerary before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Ouwerkerk, Ellemeet, Scharendijke, Zonnemaire, Brouwershaven, Nieuwerkerk, Dreischor, Burgh-Haamstede.

For the overview of the wider area: Schouwen-Duiveland.