Hengstdijk: Polder, Birdlife and Church History

When looking for hotels in Hengstdijk, you can start by considering which themes you would like to shape your stay: the polder landscape and walking paths, nature watching or ecclesiastical art history. The places and features offer different points of interest. This lets you plan your trip around specific interests rather than combining every theme into a single excursion.

Polder paths and a former tram line

The Hengstdijk–Vogelfort circular route passes through the polder landscape west of Hengstdijk and is part of the “Langs Linies en Kreken” walking network in the municipalities of Hulst and Terneuzen. The route thus connects a landscape with a wider network of walking paths. The concrete bridge in Hengstdijk stands on the route of the former Drieschouwen–Walsoorden tram line. The Hengstdijk tram bridge is also incorporated into the Hengstdijk circular route. Together, these offer two different points of interest: a route through the polder landscape and a bridge that recalls a former transport link.

Nature and seasonal birdlife

Recreatiecentrum De Vogel is located beside the lake in the De Groot Vogel nature reserve. The special location of the De Vogel nature area near Hengstdijk makes it possible to observe many waterbirds. There is also a botanical point of interest: in 1983, creeping marshwort (Apium repens) was rediscovered in De Vogel in the Netherlands for the first time in a long while.

The bird groups described at Grote Putting change with the seasons. The area consists of numerous small meadow plots, separated by winding ditches and drainage channels. In summer, meadow birds such as lapwings, black-tailed godwits and avocets use the area. In winter, large groups of barnacle geese, greylag geese and Canada geese visit Grote Putting. The contrast is clearly seasonal: the meadow birds mentioned are the focus in summer, while in winter it is the groups of geese. De Putting, near Hengstdijk, is a low-lying meadow area and one of the few genuine old-land areas still found in Zeeland.

Ecclesiastical art and history

There are also specific points of interest for culture lovers. The organ in the Heilige Catharinakerk in Hengstdijk was built in 1917 by the Vermeulen brothers. The inventory of the R.K. St.-Catharinakerk includes Simon de Vos’s 1649 painting “The Adoration of the Magi.” The two works lead to different historical themes: early 20th-century organ building and a 17th-century painting.

Fruit growing as a seasonal attraction

Landwinkel Oude Stoof organizes activities related to fruit growing. These include pruning fruit trees and picking apples and cherries. As availability may vary by season, it is best to check in advance which activities are offered on your travel dates.

Whether you would rather focus on a circular route, seasonal birdlife, ecclesiastical art or fruit-growing activities during your trip, these themes can help you organize your interests for your stay in Hengstdijk.

Discover more destinations: Lamswaarde, Vogelwaarde, Walsoorden, Terhole, Graauw, Heikant, Kloosterzande, Hulst

Go to the main travel overview: Hulst.