Reimerswaal: Hiking between dikes and polders

Reimerswaal lies between the Oosterschelde and Westerschelde. Hiking is a defining feature of a stay here: the network of trails runs along inner and outer dikes, through orchards and along winding polder paths. Other highlights include the landscape around the Verdronken Land van Zuid-Beveland, oyster culture in Yerseke and historic sites in several villages.

Hiking trails between dikes and polders

The hiking trail network comprises 175 kilometres of marked paths. Of these, 16.5 kilometres run across unpaved farmland, through natural areas and over dikes. Seventy junctions help you find your way. Every village on the network has an information board showing the full network, the local village loop, the wheelchair-accessible route and the sights along the trails. Every village in Reimerswaal also has a wheelchair-accessible hiking route. If trail maintenance is underway, check the information on site: temporary diversions may affect the route.

For planning your route, two walking trails offer a concrete comparison of distances: the Cisterciënzer Ommetje in Waarde is 8.9 kilometres long, while the Ommetje Yerseke: Zilte Route is 5.4 kilometres. The Yerseke route is therefore 3.5 kilometres shorter. In Hansweert, the Parlevinkerspad follows in the footsteps of the parlevinkers: it crosses a filled-in canal and passes former locks. The trails differ not only in length, but also in the themes they explore.

Nature views near Rilland

Near the village of Rilland, you can view the Verdronken Land van Zuid-Beveland from the Oesterdam. A viewpoint on the Oesterdam looks out over the mudflats and salt marshes of the nature reserve; access depends on local conditions. The area itself is off-limits, so check the applicable access rules before your visit.

Mudflats and salt marshes also define the habitat: the main plants growing there are strandquecke and English cordgrass. The Verdronken Land is a breeding ground for wild ducks, marsh harriers and wading birds, including avocets, redshanks and oystercatchers. Near Rilland, there is also a Hollestelle, an artificial drinking pool within a ring dike. It is one of the few surviving examples in Zeeland.

Yerseke: oyster culture and museum

In Yerseke, the oyster ponds are connected directly to the Oosterschelde by a lock. The small buildings beside the ponds date from 1870. The guided Rondleiding Yerseke begins at the Tourist Shop in the town centre and leads to the oyster ponds. During the tour, you can sample oysters, mussels and lobster in converted oyster sheds. Check whether the tour is available before travelling.

On the guided oyster-gathering experience at the Oosterschelde, participants reach a sea dike at the foot of the dike behind Yerseke harbour at low tide, where the seabed is partly exposed. The experience depends on the tides; check the booking conditions in advance. Oesterij also offers tastings of fresh Zeeland shellfish delicacies. In authentic information sheds, visitors can see how oysters and mussels are sorted, cleaned and packed. Check current access to these visitor experiences before travelling.

The Oosterscheldemuseum was housed in Yerseke’s former town hall, built in 1914. The exhibition covers the history of oyster farming and uses a film to show the mussel production process. A dedicated section focuses on the sunken city of Reimerswaal, displaying archaeological finds, maps and other remains. Check before travelling whether the museum is still at the same location.

Churches and industrial history

In Waarde, the present-day church building dates from the late 14th century; it is a hall church. The church is also available for cultural events such as concerts. As its availability may change, check dates and availability before visiting. The Cisterciënzer Ommetje is also linked to a historical assumption about the area: the Cistercians are said to have founded a grange in Waarde near the castle of the Lords of Waerde.

Other landmarks reflect different aspects of the cultural heritage. The Deurenwip in Hansweert has been preserved in the landscape as industrial heritage. In Krabbendijke stands Molen de Rozeboom, a ground-sailing windmill built in 1862 and extensively restored in 2013. Yerseke is also home to a surviving section of a choir dating from the second half of the 15th century.

When planning your hotel stay, you can choose based on the places and themes that interest you most: Yerseke combines oyster culture and a museum, while Waarde offers its own points of interest, including a walking trail and a church. Choose your base according to which of these places and experiences you want to include in your stay.

Discover more destinations: Kruiningen, Rilland, Yerseke, Hulst, Kapelle, Schouwen-Duiveland, Middelburg, Vlissingen.

For the broader travel overview: Zeeland.