At low tide, the Hooge Platen cover about 1,800 hectares of mudflats and sandbanks. The area is an important resting, feeding and breeding ground for birds, fish and seals. The Platen themselves are not accessible, but can be viewed from the dike, from the bird hide near Nummer Een or during a boat trip on the Westerschelde.
Observe nature and understand the landscape
The Hoofdplaat jetty also offers a good view of the Hooge Platen; various birds and seals can be observed from there. Sightings vary by season and are not guaranteed. Those interested in plants will find a different focus at Inlaag Hoofdplaat: unusual plants grow there, including zilt torkruid, zilte rus, zilte zegge, Groenknolorchis, vleeskleurige orchis and kleinbloemige salie. The calcareous character of the Inlaag is due to the many shells in the former seabed. The tidal areas of the Hooge Platen and the plant life of the Inlaag thus represent different nature themes around Hoofdplaat.
Walking trails and a longer march
“'t Ommetje” is a 6-kilometre walking route around Hoofdplaat. In 2007, the route won the “’t Mooiste ommetje van Zeeland” competition. Another option is the cycling and walking path running outside the dike between Hoofdplaat and Nummer Een. Residents and visitors use it for walking and cycling. High tide can affect the path; take this into account when planning your visit.
A considerably longer event is the Bevrijdingsmars Hoofdplaat–Knokke: held annually in early November, it starts at the Oorlogsmonument Spuikom and is about 33 kilometres long. The two routes therefore differ clearly in length and purpose: “'t Ommetje” goes around Hoofdplaat, while the march forms a longer link to Knokke. If you are travelling specifically for the march, check the exact date in advance.
Coast and beach
The beach near Hoofdplaat is an artificial beach used by residents and visitors in good weather. Its use is therefore dependent on the weather. Facilities and conditions may change; check both before visiting. The coastal path and the beach offer different ways to enjoy the surroundings: cycling or walking along the path, or spending time at the beach in good weather.
Church, memorial site and chapel history
The village’s history also has several facets. The N.H. Kerk in Hoofdplaat was built from 1783 to 1785. At the memorial site by the Spuikom stands the sculpture “Vreemde vogel”, designed by J. Boekhout. Another historical story concerns the “Onze Lieve Vrouw van de Zaterdag” chapel: after Hoofdplaat was spared the 1953 storm, Catholic residents built the chapel. Together, these points of interest span a building from the late 18th century, a sculpture at the memorial site and the story of the chapel after the 1953 storm.
Discover more destinations: Schoondijke, Sint Kruis, Aardenburg, Nieuwvliet-Bad, Oostburg, Retranchement, Ijzendijke, Zuidzande.
For the wider travel overview: Sluis.
