Stavenisse combines a clearly recognizable village layout with distinctive themes for a stay: Voorstraat runs from the harbor to the church, and historic façades date from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Also part of the picture are the memory of the 1953 flood disaster and paths along the coast and through natural landscapes. When planning your visit, decide whether village history, hiking, cycling, or arriving by water should be the main focus.

Village History and Remembrance

The Nederlands Hervormde Kerk Stavenisse was originally built in 1617 and renovated in 1910–1911; its original church tower has been preserved. The chapel houses the ornate tomb of Hieronymus van Tuyll van Serooskerke. A tomb monument for Tuyl van Serooskerken, created around 1670, was made by Rombout Verhulst. These details draw attention to architectural history and funerary art.

Watersnoodhuis Stavenisse is located in the former town hall, De Stove, and presents the flood disaster of February 1, 1953, through photographs, newspapers, and personal stories. The “Toen & Nu” exhibition features historical and contemporary photographs, original newspaper articles, and personal stories. Exhibition content may change; check the exhibition before your visit if it is important to your plans.

Hiking, Cycling, and Landscapes

The Ommetje Stavenisse route follows the coastline and passes through natural landscapes; along the way, you can also discover traces of the flood disaster. Alongside the exhibition, the circular route offers a way to experience the memory of 1953 through the landscape. Another option is a children’s walking route marked with bear paws and footprints. Stavenisse is also included in the first phase of the Tholen walking network.

After the Stoofdijk, the West-Tholenroute heads back into Stavenisse, passing the marina. The Ommetje focuses on the coastline, natural landscapes, and traces of the flood, while the West-Tholenroute returns to the village and passes the marina. Near the Stavenisse landing stage, the Fietsrondje Tholen-West goes around the Inlaag Stavenisse. This small, low-lying polder was created by building a reserve dike. Markers and route alignments may change; check the latest information before setting off.

The wetlands of Diepe Gat and Geulse Weel near Stavenisse are significant for their birdlife and landscape. They complement the coastline and the Inlaag with a view of wetlands, if you want to understand the area’s natural features.

Travel to Stavenisse by Boat

From the Oosterschelde, you can sail directly into Stavenisse harbor. The marina is tide-dependent and has around 200 berths. If you’re arriving by boat, check the tides, current navigation conditions, and berth availability in advance; conditions and capacity may change.

Discover More Destinations

Sint Maartensdijk, Poortvliet, Scherpenisse, Tholen, Sint-Annaland, Sint Philipsland

See the main travel overview: Tholen.