Schouwen-Duiveland between coastal nature and history

On Schouwen-Duiveland, bird-rich coastal landscapes meet museums, towers and traces of earlier ways of life. The experiences range from the tides of the Oosterschelde to the history of Zierikzee and the fishing industry in Bruinisse. You can plan your trip around the subjects that interest you most: wildlife watching, regional history, wine or water sports.

Coastal landscape and birdlife

The Zuidkust van Schouwen nature area lies on the south coast of Schouwen-Duiveland and is part of Nationaal Park Oosterschelde. Thousands of coastal birds can be found on sandbanks, mudflats and in the inlagen; their numbers vary with the seasons. The national park is connected to the North Sea by the storm surge barrier. Twice a day, 800 billion litres of salt water flow into and out of the area—a striking illustration of the dynamics of this landscape.

Nationaal Park Oosterschelde has no main entrance or fences, and access is free. Local seasonal restrictions apply. Each nature area also has its own character: the coastal Boswachterij Westerschouwen is Zeeland’s largest forest and offers opportunities for hiking. The Zeepeduinen have been protected since 1988. At the edge of the central dune lake, you can watch waterbirds from the bird hide.

The Zeepeduinen are home to 40 bunkers from the Second World War. Summer excursions explore the Atlantic Wall, the defensive line that ran along the coast of western Europe. Another historic landmark in the landscape is the Plompe Toren, the only surviving trace of the submerged village of Koudekerke. Visitors can climb the tower and enjoy views of the Oosterschelde and the Koudekerkse inlaag. Check the latest access information before visiting.

Museums and historic buildings

In Zierikzee, the Stadhuismuseum tells the story of the historic town and its surroundings. It is housed in the former town hall, a listed building that is more than 450 years old. The Sint-Lievensmonstertoren, also known as “De Dikke Toren,” offers a different view of the town: visitors can climb it to see the town, the Zeelandbrug and the Oosterschelde. The Gravensteen adds another historical perspective as the oldest prison in Zeeland.

At Brusea in Bruinisse, fishing takes centre stage: the exhibitions cover mussel fishing and the lives and work of mussel fishers in the past. Visitors can also bake Zeeuwse bolussen in the museum kitchen. With changing exhibitions and historic farming equipment, Museumboerderij Goemanszorg shows how agriculture, life and work on Schouwen-Duiveland have evolved. A free audio tour was designed specifically for children. Slot Haamstede comprises a castle, moat and castle woods; its oldest section dates from the 13th century.

Wine, trails and water sports

Wine enthusiasts can sample wines at Wijnhoeve De Kleine Schorre and learn more about growing grapes and bottling wine. Tours take you from the vineyard to the cellar, where the production process is explained. For a different perspective on the landscape, the 53-kilometre Toen en Nu route passes along old dikes, former agricultural harbours and salt-rich nature areas. As route details may change, check the current route before setting out.

The water sports available at Brouwersdam vary by side: on the Grevelingen side, you can windsurf, wingfoil, stand-up paddle and sail. Kitesurfing and kitefoiling are possible on the North Sea side. Check the conditions and designated zones on site.

When choosing a hotel, it is worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your trip: birdwatching and scenery, historic sites and museums, wine or water sports. This helps you tailor your search to the experiences that will shape your stay. For the towers, it is also a good idea to check the latest visitor information in advance.

Discover more destinations: Renesse, Scharendijke, Zierikzee, Burgh-Haamstede, Dreischor, Ouwerkerk, Nieuwerkerk, Serooskerke Schouwen, Ellemeet, Oosterland, Zonnemaire, Kerkwerve, Westenschouwen, Noordwelle, Brouwershaven, Bruinisse, Noordgouwe.

For the broader travel overview: Zeeland.