Wolphaartsdijk: Nature, Water and History

Wolphaartsdijk combines nature on Lake Veere with walking and cycling routes, water sports, and local and island history. When planning your stay, you can choose between different interests: birdwatching, a cycling loop, a historical route, or activities on the water.

Birdlife and nature areas

The Middelplaten are uninhabited islands in Lake Veere and an important breeding ground for birds such as lapwings, redshanks, and avocets. You can see the islands from the Muidenweg in Wolphaartsdijk or from the water. You are not allowed to go ashore; ranger-led excursions are occasionally available.

De Piet is a nature and recreation area on Lake Veere, west of the hamlet of Sluis de Piet. De Schelphoek is a nature area near Wolphaartsdijk where you can go for a walk. At De Schelphoek, the flood disaster monument “Waves, dike and hand” commemorates the twelve people from Wolphaartsdijk who lost their lives in the 1953 flood disaster. The monument is easily accessible from the car park at De Schelphoek.

The ways to visit differ: you may not go ashore on the Middelplaten; at De Schelphoek, you can go for a walk, and the monument is easily accessible from the car park.

Cycling and walking routes

A 32-kilometre cycling loop around Wolphaartsdijk runs along Lake Veere, over quiet dikes, and through green polders. Many cyclists use the seasonal ferry between Kortgene and Wolphaartsdijk to ride the loop around Lake Veere or shorten it. If you plan to take the ferry, check the timetable for your intended travel date.

The Wolphaartsdijk historical walking route explores an important part of the history of the former island, focusing on the struggle against water. The two routes therefore have different focuses: the cycling loop takes you through varied landscapes, while the walking route explores a historical theme.

Windmills and local history

West of Wolphaartsdijk stands De Hoop, a 22-metre-high, round brick Dutch-style windmill with a gallery. It was built in 1808 on the commission of Johannes Adriaanse as a grain mill and still mills authentic Zeeuwse Vlegel flour today. De Griffioen is the former town hall, built in 1929. De Hoop is older than De Griffioen.

Water sports

Motorboats or Polyvalk boats can be rented for a day at Oesterhaven; no boating licence is required. You can use the boats to explore Lake Veere and its islands. Sailing courses are also offered at Oesterhaven.

The Watersportvereniging Wolphaartsdijk gives children their first sailing experiences in an Optimist and offers the opportunity to earn CWO1, CWO2, and CWO3 sailing diplomas. This lets you choose between exploring the lake in a rental boat and sailing activities that include courses or training.

Discover more destinations: Kattendijke, Kloetinge, 's-Heer Hendrikskinderen, Goes.

Return to the main travel overview: Goes.