Westenschouwen between forest and coast
Accommodation in Westenschouwen
Westenschouwen combines a striking dune landscape with forests, coastline and a rich local history. Boswachterij Westerschouwen is Zeeland’s largest forest and is located on the coast of Schouwen-Duiveland. The Duinen Westenschouwen form a high primary dune ridge stretching between the start of the Oosterscheldekering and the Meeuwenduinen. As you explore the area, you’ll find different landscapes side by side: forest, dunes and sea.
Walking trails and finding your way in the forest
For a walk, Familiepad Westerschouwen offers two route lengths: the walking trail is 8 kilometres in total and can be shortened to 3 kilometres. It follows a concrete path with a gravel surface and is generally accessible to wheelchairs, pushchairs and rollators. Weather and maintenance may affect access, so check conditions before your visit.
Boswachterspad Bos starts at Excursieschuur Westerschouwen. From its observation tower, you can look out over the forest, the Meeuwenduinen and the sea. Most of Boswachterij is freely accessible on foot, by bicycle and on horseback. As local access rules may change, follow the signs on site.
The routes can be distinguished by their stated length and activity: Familiepad is 8 kilometres long and offers a 3-kilometre option; Ruiterroute Westerschouwen is 12 kilometres long and has two beach crossings. Mountain bikers can try Mountainbikeparcours Westenschouwen, which runs over the dunes and through the forest. These are different options, not one combined route.
Dunes, plants and wildlife
In spring, bee orchids and marsh orchids bloom around the water at Boompjesput. The coast also offers a connection with nature: the sea at Domeinen 1 is part of the protected Voordelta nature reserve, home to many birds, fish and seals. Domeinen 1 is one of four adjoining beaches at the tip of Westenschouwen. The protected marine landscape and the spring flowers at Boompjesput each offer their own distinct focus.
Beaches and special conditions
Rotonde, Speelduin and De Punt are family and sports beaches at the foot of the Oosterscheldekering. Speelduin borders Boswachterij Westerschouwen on its inland side. Strand Rotonde has a Blue Flag; this status may change from season to season, so check it before relying on it. De Punt is noted for strong currents in the water, associated with the nearby Oosterscheldekering. This difference is important when choosing a beach.
Klimbos Westerschouwen is 100 metres from the North Sea beach. Klimbos Zeeuwse Helden has six courses with around 90 obstacles and twelve zip lines. As facilities may change, check the current information about the courses before your visit.
Local history and other activities
Westenschouwen’s history can also be explored in different ways. From 1400, the new harbour was called Westenschouwen. Archaeological remains in the former harbour district include house foundations, wells or barrel wells, as well as a paved stretch of road. The legend “De Vrouwe van Westenschouwen” is also associated with the town.
If you’re planning a cycling trip, Natuurinformatiepunt & trampolinecentrum „Westerschouwen“ rents out e-bikes, mountain bikes, scooters and family bikes. The rental options may change, so check in advance whether the category you want is available. Alongside forest trails, the riding route and beaches, cultural themes and cycling activities provide different reasons to stay in Westenschouwen.
Discover more destinations: Dreischor, Ellemeet, Noordgouwe, Zierikzee, Renesse, Brouwershaven, Noordwelle and Burgh-Haamstede.
For the overview of the wider area: Schouwen-Duiveland.
