Schouwen-Duiveland is a beautiful island in the province of Zeeland, located in the southwest of the Netherlands. The island is surrounded by the North Sea, the Lake Grevelingen and the Eastern Scheldt, making it an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. The island is renowned for its beautiful beaches, historic towns, extensive nature reserves and the famous Delta Works.
Beaches
One of the main attractions of Schouwen-Duiveland is its beaches. The coastline of Schouwen-Duiveland is approximately 21 kilometres long and consists of several beautiful beaches, such as Renesse, Burgh-Haamstede and Westenschouwen. They are known as some of the most beautiful and spacious beaches in the Netherlands. The beach is wide and has fine white sand that feels soft under your feet. It's a perfect place to relax, sunbathe, swim, or take a walk along the coastline. The largest beach on the island is Renesse beach, known for its wide expanses of sand and lively beach bars. The dunes that lie behind the beaches are also beautiful and provide a lovely setting for walking or cycling.
Villages and Towns
In addition to the beaches, Schouwen-Duiveland also has several beautiful historic and picturesque locations that are worth a visit.
- Zierikzee is the largest place on Schouwen-Duiveland and has an extensive range of shops. It is one of the most picturesque towns in Zeeland and has a rich history. It's an old harbour town with many monuments, such as the Sint-Lievensmonstertoren, the town hall and the Nieuwe Kerk. It's delightful to stroll through the narrow streets of the historical centre and visit the many cosy shops and restaurants.
- Burgh-Haamstede is a beautiful place on Schouwen-Duiveland and is particularly known for its dunes and beaches. It is thus a popular destination for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. The beach of Burgh-Haamstede is long and wide and offers ample space (even in July and August) for various beach activities. The Westerschouwen Forest Area is nearby and offers wonderful walking and cycling routes.
- Renesse is a vibrant seaside resort on Schouwen-Duiveland and is particularly popular among young people. It has a lively centre with many shops, bars, and restaurants. Here you will find many souvenir shops, ice cream parlours, clothing stores and a surf shop. Renesse also has a beautiful beach where you can sunbathe, swim and surf. There are numerous beach pavilions where you can grab a bite to eat and a drink.
- Brouwershaven is a charming village on Schouwen-Duiveland with a rich history. It has a lovely harbour and several historical buildings, such as the Grote or Sint Nicolaaskerk and the old town hall. It's a delight to wander through its narrow streets and savour the atmosphere of times gone by.
Nature
For nature lovers, there's plenty to do on Schouwen-Duiveland as well. Below, you'll find some of the most beautiful and unique natural areas:
- Oosterschelde National Park is a splendid natural area and the largest National Park in the Netherlands. It's renowned for its stunning flora and fauna. It's one of Europe's most important bird habitats and hosts a variety of marine mammals, such as seals and porpoises. You can take beautiful walks, cycle, birdwatch, and spot seals here.
- Westerschouwen Forestry is the largest forest in Zeeland and offers many opportunities for walking, cycling, and horse riding. The area consists of dunes, forests, and heaths and has various marked walking and cycling routes. Many species of birds live in the area, and you might also encounter fallow deer and roe deer.
- The Schelphoek is a small nature reserve with a unique history. The area was redesigned in 2006 after the flooding of the North Sea during the Great Flood in 1953.
- Plan Tureluur is a bird-rich nature reserve with mudflats, salt marshes, and creeks. It is an important breeding area for various bird species, such as the spoonbill, the egret, and the avocet. You can take beautiful walks and enjoy the fantastic view over the water.
- Nature Reserve De Vroongronden is a special nature area with alternating grasslands, fields, forests, and dunes. The area is especially famous for its many butterfly species and dragonflies.
- Another beautiful place to explore is the Plompe Toren, a 15th-century church tower that once formed part of a medieval village. The tower is now the only remaining building and offers a spectacular view of the surroundings.
In conclusion, there are many beautiful natural areas on Schouwen-Duiveland where you can enjoy walking, cycling, and the peace and tranquillity of nature. Whether you enjoy birdwatching or just want a refreshing walk on the beach, there's something for everyone.
Attractions
Another unique attraction is the Deltapark Neeltje Jans, built after the Great Flood of 1953. The park offers a unique insight into the Delta Works, a series of dams, locks, and storm surge barriers that protect the land from flooding. The park has several interactive exhibitions and attractions that show you how the Delta Works operate and how they protect the land from the force of the sea.
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