Schouwen-Duiveland
What makes Schouwen-Duiveland special
Schouwen-Duiveland is surrounded by the North Sea, Oosterschelde National Park and the Grevelingen. With the Oosterscheldekering on one side, the Zeelandbrug and the Watersnoodmuseum on the other, the island is inextricably linked to the sea.
The island has many places where the underwater world is at least as beautiful as above the water surface. Remnants of creeks and floods have become attractive nature reserves. Polders form the green hinterland of the island. And behind the dunes lies the largest forest in Zeeland.
The island has many places where the underwater world is at least as beautiful as above the water surface. Remnants of creeks and floods have become attractive nature reserves. Polders form the green hinterland of the island. And behind the dunes lies the largest forest in Zeeland.
Beaches
An unending stream of bathers moves towards the west coast every summer. You will find beautiful beaches here. No less than 21 kilometers long. The beaches are clean. And divided into several sections. Plenty of choice! There is a family beach. A water sports beach. A nature beach and a luxury beach.
Active on Schouwen-Duiveland
The water, land and sea make Schouwen-Duiveland, just like the rest of Zeeland, a place where you want to be active outdoors. Walking, cycling, mountain biking or running. Explore the surroundings sportily or on the hemakje. In the dune areas at the tip of Schouwen sports enthusiasts can indulge themselves. On the mountain bike trail at Boswachterij Westerschouwen near Westenschouwen you'll cross dunes and the forest via steep climbs, technical descents and bends.
Bicycles
On the (racing) bike you can easily ride around the island. With the wind or against the wind. On Schouwen-Duiveland there are several bicycle routes where you can cycle along the water. The fresh sea breeze in your nose and a view over the water. That is cycling outside the dikes. But even behind the dikes, the Zeeland landscape is varied and beautiful in all seasons. You can recharge your batteries along the way in one of the cycle cafés.
Hiking
Discover Schouwen-Duiveland on foot. Choose a small round trip or a multi-day route. Zeeland's walking network connects various hiking routes. Walk along the water and the beach and discover the varied landscape. More about hiking on Schouwen-Duiveland.
Westerlicht Lighthouse
Westerlicht lighthouse is in Haamstede and is one of the largest lighthouses in the Netherlands. The red and white paintwork was applied only a century after the lighthouse was built as a warning for low-flying aircraft. The lighthouse's partly stone and partly iron staircase has 226 steps. Lighthouse Westerlicht is not manned and not open to the public.
Dunes and woods
At the Kop van Schouwen you will find a beautiful dune and forest landscape consisting of the Boswachterij Westerschouwen, the Meeuwenduinen and the Vroongronden. Rolling dunes, pine trees, deciduous forests, shifting dunes and everywhere the sound of the sea in the background. The 4400-hectare Plan Tureluur is a Valhalla for bird lovers.
Villages and towns
Behind the wide dunes and high dikes are characteristic villages, each with their own character. The historic city of Zierikzee is located centrally on the island. The surrounding villages and polders form the green hinterland of the island. Dreischor lies right in the middle of the island. This is one of the best preserved ring villages of Zeeland. The fishing festivals in the fishing village Bruinisse are an annual highlight in the village. Poet, lawyer and politician Jacob Cats was born in Brouwershaven. This village lies right on Grevelingenmeer and is a popular destination for sailors.
Zierikzee
The port city of Zierikzee is one of the top 10 monumental cities in the Netherlands. The city has a rich history and more than five hundred monuments. Amidst all these beautiful buildings is also a large number of stores. Zierikzee has a fine selection of stores where you can succeed in buying clothes and jewelry. Then catch your breath on one of the terraces at the Havenplein. Or have dinner with a view of the harbour. Also watch this video that Goodbye.tv made about Zierikzee.
Watersnoodmuseum
On 1 February 1953, a large part of the southwestern Netherlands was flooded. The water left deep tracks through Zeeland, which are still visible and tangible. At the Watersnoodmuseum in Ouwerkerk you can learn everything about the 1953 flood and the battle against the water. The museum is housed in four giant caissons. Large concrete containers that were used to close the largest dike holes.
