Scharendijke: Water sports, paths and history

When choosing a place to stay, you can explore Scharendijke through several specific interests: water sports at the Brouwersdam, beach activities, paths along the Grevelingen and the history of the village. This lets you prioritise the themes you want to shape your trip.

Water sports and history by the water

The Brouwersdam is part of the Delta Works and was the seventh dam to be built. Its construction created the Grevelingenmeer, the largest saltwater lake in Western Europe. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are possible at the Brouwersdam. The Grevelingenmeer is also home to Duiklocatie:Scharendijke Start Toren (16b), a well-known dive site.

This brings together different water sports: kitesurfing and windsurfing at the Brouwersdam, and a named dive site in the Grevelingenmeer. If you want to plan your stay around a particular activity, this distinction can help you choose a focus. The dam’s history and the lake’s creation also give the water a historical dimension.

Paths, views and a historic lookout post

The long Muralt wall on the old sea dyke along the Grevelingen near Scharendijke is listed as a Rijksmonument (national heritage site). It begins west of Scharendijke at Het Koepeltje, which still stands in the dunes. The walking path, surfaced with fine gravel, offers views of the Grevelingenmeer and the island of Hompelvoet with its salt marshes. Along this path, a named structure and specific landscape features come together.

Het Koepeltje Scharendijke also has its own history. The historic lookout post traditionally provided shelter for a “Landwacht” (local watch). In 1598, the Gecommitteerde Raden van Zeeland established it as a guardhouse, or “Sentinel”. During the First World War, Het Koepeltje continued to serve as a lookout post. This makes it another point of interest if you are interested in historic use as well as paths and scenery.

Beaches and activities for different interests

Strand Scharendijke is a family beach offering numerous activities for all ages. Activities in the North Sea waves are also possible there. The paid Rampweg car park is a one-minute walk from the beach. Check the current parking rules before setting off.

The West Repart recreation area has playgrounds, sports fields and walking paths. Its village beach has sandy shores where you can swim, sunbathe or stroll by the water. The activities on offer differ: Strand Scharendijke focuses on activities and North Sea waves, while West Repart combines play, sports and waterside options.

Local history and Straô Rieën

Scharendijke was founded in the 15th century. Kloosternol was established as an agricultural harbour in 1901 and was an important port for transporting madder, a plant widely grown on Schouwen-Duiveland. These details add an agricultural and maritime dimension to local history, alongside the Delta Works and the Muralt wall.

Straô Rieën is an annual event held in six villages on Schouwen, including Scharendijke. Decorated horses process from the villages to the beach. The tradition dates back to 1643: at the end of winter, farmers bring their horses out of the stable; the custom includes riding to the beach, where the horses’ legs are washed with seawater and their wounds healed. Its winter season and horse procession distinguish this traditional event from the other beach and water sports activities.

Discover more destinations: Dreischor, Burgh-Haamstede, Brouwershaven, Noordwelle, Kerkwerve, Noordgouwe, Serooskerke Schouwen, Zierikzee

For the broader travel overview: Schouwen-Duiveland.