Scharendijke combines water sports and beaches with distinctive structures and a rich history. At Lake Grevelingen, you can take in the landscape from the walking trail; at the Brouwersdam, activities on the water take centre stage. There are also historic sites and the annual Straô Rieën tradition.

Brouwersdam and Lake Grevelingen

The Brouwersdam is part of the Delta Works and was the seventh dam to be built. Its construction created Lake Grevelingen, the largest saltwater lake in Western Europe. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are possible at the Brouwersdam. If you are interested in these activities, you can also learn about how the lake was formed and the role of the dam: the structure, landscape and water sports are all closely connected here.

Diving is another option on the water. Duiklocatie:Scharendijke Start Toren (16b) is a well-known dive site in Lake Grevelingen. So, as well as activities at the Brouwersdam, exploring underwater is another option to consider.

Trails, views and local history

The long Muralt Wall on the old sea dyke beside Lake Grevelingen at Scharendijke is a listed national monument (Rijksmonument). It begins west of Scharendijke at Het Koepeltje, which still stands among the dunes. From a walking trail covered with fine gravel, you can see across Lake Grevelingen as far as the Schorren island of Hompelvoet. The view offers a sense of the landscape and its waters, while the Muralt Wall itself is a testament to coastal engineering.

Het Koepeltje is a historic lookout post that traditionally served as a shelter for a “Landwacht” (local guard). In 1598, the Gecommitteerde Raden van Zeeland established it as a watchhouse, or “Sentinel”. It continued to serve as a lookout post during the First World War. Scharendijke was founded in the 15th century; Kloosternol was established as an agricultural harbour in 1901. The harbour was important for transporting madder, a plant widely grown on Schouwen-Duiveland. These different dates tell stories of local history, watchkeeping and agricultural transport, without needing to be presented as a single line of development.

Beach, recreation and Straô Rieën

Scharendijke Beach is a family beach with plenty of activities for all ages. Activities in the North Sea waves are also possible there. The paid Rampweg car park is a one-minute walk from the beach. As parking rules may change, check the conditions before you travel.

The West Repart recreation area has playgrounds, sports fields and walking trails. Its village beach has sandy shores where you can swim, sunbathe or stroll by the water. So, in addition to the family beach, you can choose a recreation area with a variety of facilities or a beach for activities on the water.

Straô Rieën offers another way to discover Scharendijke. This annual event takes place in six villages on Schouwen, including Scharendijke. During the procession, decorated horses travel from the villages to the beach. The tradition dates back to 1643: at the end of winter, farmers brought their horses out of the stable; the custom included a ride to the beach, where the horses’ legs were washed with seawater and their wounds were healed. If you want to experience the event, check the dates before travelling.

When choosing accommodation in Scharendijke, you can use the experiences you are looking for as a guide: the beach and water sports, views along walking routes, or the area’s history each offer a different focus. For specific properties, check their stated location and facilities to make sure your choice suits your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Bruinisse, Zierikzee, Dreischor, Noordwelle, Nieuwerkerk, Serooskerke Schouwen, Ellemeet, Burgh-Haamstede.

For the broader travel guide: Schouwen-Duiveland.