Discover Hoedekenskerke: Harbour, Mill and Village History

Hoedekenskerke combines historic village sights with trails along the Western Scheldt. When planning a stay, you can choose from a range of interests: the harbour and dike, a ride on the Stoomtrein Goes-Borsele, or a walk taking in the mill, church and museum.

Western Scheldt, Dike and Harbour

Hoedekenskerke station lies at the foot of the dike beside the Western Scheldt. On the other side of the dike is a small marina that falls dry at low tide. ScheldeSafari also puts the harbour centre stage: a RIB takes you to sandbanks that are exposed at low tide, where you can observe seals from a respectful distance. The trip starts at Jachthaven de Val, where free parking is available for bicycles and cars. After about 40 minutes, the seal-watching trip ends back at Hoedekenskerke harbour. Check current tour dates and parking conditions before planning your visit.

Walking Trails Through Varied Landscapes

The Odekijnspad runs along the Western Scheldt and over the so-called Vijfzoodijk. This varied walking trail also crosses a sea dike and an inner dike, and passes through several orchards. Another route, about 1.5 kilometres long, leads from the station through an orchard and the village to the mill. The return route goes through the village, past the church and 't Wienkeltje van Wullempje, and back to the station. You can choose between a trail with dikes and orchards and a route taking in several local sights; no walking time is given for the approximately 1.5-kilometre route.

Stoomtrein and Park Pluimweide

Hoedekenskerke station is the terminus of the Stoomtrein Goes-Borsele. The railway offers a train journey of the kind that might have taken place at the beginning of the 20th century. This lets you combine a railway experience with a stay in the village, without the journey itself taking the place of discovering Hoedekenskerke. For specific plans, it is advisable to check the Stoomtrein timetable.

De Buffer is located right next to the station in Park Pluimweide. It features working model railways and an exhibition of traditional costumes from the “Mooi Zeeland” costume group. The park also has a miniature railway that children can ride. The public park is free to enter. If you plan to ride the miniature railway, check the latest operating information beforehand.

Mill, Church and Village History

Koutermolen is a grain mill built in 1874 on Molenstraat. A route of about 1.5 kilometres from the station leads to it, combining a visit to the mill with a walk through the village. The Dutch Reformed Church at Kerkstraat 32 is also a notable historic site: the polygonally closed choir of the 15th-century medieval church has survived, while the nave and tower have been lost.

The small museum 't Wienkeltje van Wullempje has shown how people lived and worked years ago since 1992. The building was restored in the style of the shop-house belonging to Wullempje, his grandmother and his aunt. These glimpses of everyday life add a different perspective on local history to the older buildings. At the war memorial by the N.H. Church stands a white natural-stone column with a carved dove. The memorial commemorates the struggle against the occupiers as well as the return of freedom and peace.

Whether you want to focus on the Western Scheldt, the historic railway or the sights in the village during your stay, the range of trails and places to visit gives you practical points of reference when choosing your destination and hotel.

Discover more destinations: Lewedorp, Borssele, 's-Heer Abtskerke, Heinkenszand, Oudelande, Nieuwdorp, Ovezande, 'S-Gravenpolder.

For the broader travel overview: Borsele.