Stellendam: Nature, Routes and History

You can discover Stellendam through a variety of themes: animal care and nature, waterside paths and local history. The attractions described include the Korenlust windmill, the harbour canal, routes connected with the Watersnoodramp and Keizer farm shop. Scheelhoek and the A Seal seal centre represent different aspects of nature. If you are looking for a hotel in Stellendam, it may help to first consider which of these interests matter most to you when planning your trip.

Nature and Seals

Scheelhoek is an important bird sanctuary just behind the Haringvliet sluices on Goeree-Overflakkee in Zuid-Holland. The focus here is on birdlife and the protected area. The A Seal seal centre in Stellendam offers a different way to explore the subject of nature: seals are cared for there until a vet declares them healthy and they can be released back into the sea.

Visitors to the seal centre can see how the animals are cared for and learn more about seals and their habitat. This makes it different from a nature reserve: at A Seal, the focus is on caring for the animals and providing information about their way of life. Check the current visitor information before setting out.

Routes and Places of Remembrance

The “Ooggetuigen Watersnoodramp Stellendam” route leads through the village and past the places that were most severely affected. It includes an audio tour with eyewitness accounts and poems. Those who want to explore the history through personal voices and literary contributions will find a different format here from the Kunstkruimel route.

You can follow the Kunstkruimel route independently or walk it with a Watersnoodambassadeur as your guide; prior confirmation may be required for a guided visit. “Kunstkruimels” placed throughout the village indicate the water level during the 1953 Watersnoodramp. The route thus combines a walk through the village with visible markers showing the water level at the time.

At Havenkanaal Stellendam, visitors can walk along the towpath to the beacon and enjoy the view. The path has a specific destination by the water, making it different from routes focused on flood remembrance and stories. Stellendam harbour canal was needed to keep the harbour accessible from the sea—a further link to the village’s maritime history.

Korenlust Windmill and Visitor Information

The “Korenlust” windmill was built in 1856. Its predecessor was lifted from its foundations by a hurricane in November 1838. These two dates tell a story of destruction followed by reconstruction without conflating the two mills: 1838 refers to the predecessor, and 1856 to the present-day Korenlust.

There is a specific tip for visiting the windmill: when the blue pennant is flying, the miller warmly welcomes visitors. Look out for this signal rather than assuming fixed opening hours.

Local Produce

Keizer farm shop in Stellendam sells local products directly from the farm. The products listed include potatoes, asparagus, strawberries and dairy products. The availability of individual products may vary by season. The farm shop thus complements the nature and history themes with a practical way to discover local produce; shopping there is a different travel interest from going for a walk or visiting somewhere focused on animal care and information.

Discover more destinations: Nieuwe-Tonge, Ouddorp.

See the broader travel guide: Goeree-Overflakkee.