Best attractions and places to see in Markiezaat include a diverse landscape within the Markiezaat nature reserve, situated at the foot of the Brabantse Wal. This region is characterized by its freshwater marshes, forests, and the Markiezaatsmeer, a significant wetland area. It offers a blend of natural beauty and historical sites, providing opportunities for exploration and discovery. The area is recognized for its rich birdlife and serves as a Natura 2000 site.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
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The only old farm outside the dike in the Netherlands
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Marquisate can refer to: the area governed by a margrave or marquis. Such an area is called a Mark, margraviate or marquisate (from the French marquisat). The Marquisate of Bergen op Zoom usually uses the deviating spelling with /ie/, in contrast to, for example, the Marquisate of Antwerp. Marquisate of Bergen op Zoom, former region around Bergen op Zoom the Markiezaatsmeer (Flooded land of the Marquisate of Bergen op Zoom), usually referred to simply as: "the Markiezaat" Markiezaatsmeer, a lake near Bergen op Zoom
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Bed and breakfast In the farmhouse we have two rooms with a double bed each. On the first floor there is a luxury bathroom. In addition, there is the bakery with a living area on the ground floor (table and chairs, sofa, wood stove, ...). There are two single beds in the attic. Customization is always possible! There has already been a camper next to the bakery. We are not a campsite, but we have no problem with an occasional tent. An extra sleeping place can always be improvised.
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Designed to offer children a nature experience outside the visitor centre's opening hours.*Visitor centre with its impressive lookout tower.* About 30 years ago, Leo, as a primary school teacher, wrote a lesson plan about the Kraaijenberg and the surrounding nature. Now, “De Kraaijenberg” is a visitor centre with over 7,000 visitors per year. Children love to come here because of the challenging nature of the area; they run up the path and can run around freely in the surrounding grassy terrain. The visitor centre is unique because of its impressive lookout tower that stands on top of a high pollen field on the Brabantse Wal, from which you have a magnificent view all the way to Zeeland. The visitor centre has changing exhibitions about plants and animals in and around the Markiezaat nature reserve. On the day that Leo received me, the finishing touches were being put to the changing exhibition: “The Oosterschelde (underwater!) in four seasons”. You can visit an insect garden and a nesting box wall and walk a route along the white pole path to the birdwatching hut. There are also walking and cycling tours to download from their website. An ideal place for nature and environmental education. The visitor centre has changing exhibitions about plants and animals in and around the Markiezaat nature reserve. This is located southwest of Bergen op Zoom and has been designated as a Natura 2000 area. Within this area, the Markiezaat, the Markiezaatmeer takes up the largest part of the area. This lake used to be connected to the Oosterschelde. On the banks of the lake, you will find marshes, reeds and willow groves. The area is particularly special because many (rare) bird species can be seen there, such as the spoonbill, the grebe, the grey goose, the teal, the Kentish plover and the avocet. The Markiezaatsmeer is one of the richest bird areas in the Netherlands and even the whole of Europe. In the attic of the visitor centre you can watch a DVD with beautiful images of plants and animals that you don't often see in the open field, in short, a visit is more than worth it!
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Markiezaat Lookout Tower Thanks to our search for lookout towers, we continue to discover new locations. Today, the Markiezaat lookout tower was on the agenda. From this wooden tower, you have a beautiful view of the Markiezaatsmeer, a part of the Oosterschelde that was closed off from the sea by a new dam in 1984 as part of the Delta Works. After the Wadden Sea and the IJsselmeer, the Markiezaat is the largest wetland area in the Netherlands. Hundreds of thousands of migratory birds land there every year.
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Visitor information Open every Sunday from 12:00 to 16:00. From April to October also open on Wednesdays, from 13:00 to 17:00. Would you like more information about the visitor center or organize something yourself? Send an email to kraaijenberg@gmail.com. Also check Facebook for fun outdoor tips!
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Markiezaat is renowned for its diverse natural landscape. Key natural attractions include the Markiezaatsmeer, an important freshwater wetland and Natura 2000 area, home to various bird species like the white-tailed eagle. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding green fields, forests, and the Markiezaatsmeer from the Kraaienberg Observation Tower.
Yes, Markiezaat offers historical insights. A notable site is Hoeve Hildernisse, an eighteenth-century farm located within the nature reserve. This historical farm provides a glimpse into the region's past and is also a venue for group activities and offers bed and breakfast accommodation.
Markiezaat is very family-friendly. The Visitor Center De Kraaijenberg is designed with children in mind, offering changing exhibitions and activities focused on local flora and fauna. Nearby, children can enjoy The Klauterwoud Adventure Playground, which provides a challenging nature experience. The Kraaienberg Observation Tower also offers an engaging experience for all ages with its expansive views.
Parking is available near several key attractions. For instance, there is a parking lot conveniently located near the Kraaienberg Observation Tower and the Visitor Center De Kraaijenberg, making access easy for visitors.
The Markiezaat area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous MTB trails, enjoy gravel biking routes, or go for a run on the scenic running trails. These activities allow you to experience the diverse landscapes of the nature reserve.
The Markiezaat nature reserve is beautiful year-round, but for optimal birdwatching and outdoor activities, spring and autumn are particularly rewarding. During these seasons, migratory birds are abundant, and the weather is generally pleasant for hiking, cycling, and exploring the wetlands.
Absolutely. Markiezaat is a Natura 2000 site and one of the richest bird breeding areas in the Netherlands. At Markiezaatsmeer, you have excellent opportunities to spot various bird species, including the unique white-tailed eagle, hen harrier, spoonbill, grebe, and avocet. The Visitor Center De Kraaijenberg also has changing exhibitions about local wildlife.
While specific cafes are not highlighted, the Visitor Center De Kraaijenberg provides facilities and is a good starting point for your visit. For more extensive dining options, the nearby town of Bergen op Zoom offers a wider selection of cafes and restaurants.
Visitors frequently praise the expansive views from the Kraaienberg Observation Tower and the rich birdlife around the Markiezaatsmeer. The family-friendly nature of the Visitor Center De Kraaijenberg and the adventurous Klauterwoud Adventure Playground are also highly appreciated, especially by families.
The Visitor Center De Kraaijenberg aims to be inclusive, and the area around it, including the path to the lookout tower, is generally well-maintained. While specific accessible trails are not detailed, the visitor center can provide information on the most suitable routes for varying mobility levels.
To fully appreciate the main attractions like the Kraaienberg Observation Tower, Markiezaatsmeer, and the Visitor Center De Kraaijenberg, a half-day visit (3-4 hours) is recommended. If you plan to include hiking, cycling, or extensive birdwatching, a full day would be more appropriate.
Given the nature reserve's wetlands and varied terrain, it's advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. Layered clothing is recommended to adapt to changing weather conditions, and a waterproof jacket can be useful, especially during cooler or wetter months. Don't forget binoculars for birdwatching!


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