Attractions and Places To See around Oosterschelde - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Oosterschelde include a diverse range of natural features, engineering marvels, and cultural sites within the largest national park in the Netherlands. This region is known for its rich biodiversity and dynamic tidal nature, with 800 billion liters of saltwater flowing in and out daily. The Oosterschelde is openly connected to the North Sea via a storm surge barrier, creating a unique environment of mudflats and sandbanks. It serves as a habitat for various plant, bird, and marine life, including seals and porpoises.
Best attractions and places to see around Oosterschelde
- The most popular attractions is Oosterschelde barrier, a man-made monument that is a 9-kilometer-long storm surge barrier. This impressive structure protects the Oosterschelde from floods and features a wide cycle path.
- Another must-see spot is Oosterschelde National Park, a natural monument characterized by its tidal nature. Visitors can observe mudflats and sandbanks that are submerged at high tide and exposed at low tide, creating a dynamic ecosystem.
- Visitors also love Plompe Tower, a historic man-made monument that is the sole remnant of the submerged village of Koudekerke. The tower can be climbed for views over the nature reserve and houses a small museum.
- Oosterschelde is known for its natural monuments, man-made structures, and historical sites. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from vast coastal nature reserves to significant engineering works.
- The attractions around Oosterschelde are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1900 upvotes and over 140 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Oosterschelde Storm Surge Barrier
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Oosterschelde National Park
Highlight • Natural Monument
The mudflats and sandbanks that are submerged at high tide, dry up again at low tide. The Oosterschelde is a unique area because of this tidal nature: a dynamic world.
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Oosterschelde National Park
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Cycling Path Across the Oosterscheldekering
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Plompe Tower
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Tips from the Community
Pure nature, accompanied by sheep while cycling
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We love this bike route. From Scharendijke across the island to the south. Then along the Oosterschelde over dykes and directly past the water. Sometimes you share the path with sheep and cows. Then stroll in Zierikzee and across the island back to Scharendijke. A total of about 40 km. When the sun is shining, the water is wonderfully blue and you can hear it rushing next to you all the time.
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The Oosterscheldekering is a flood defense in the Netherlands, part of the Delta Works. It is also a 9 kilometer long road connection between Schouwen-Duiveland and Noord-Beveland, part of the N57.
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Beautiful route where the wind is your companion or opponent. With your nose in the right direction you can cut across the dikes. Don't forget to look back every now and then. The beautiful landscapes on both sides of the dike will certainly delight you.
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Oosterschelde National Park is openly connected to the North Sea via the storm surge barrier. Twice a day, 800 billion litres of salt water flows in and out of the area. The mudflats and sandbanks that are submerged at high tide, dry up again at low tide. The Oosterschelde is a unique area because of this tidal nature: a dynamic world.
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Need some rest. At this location you can press the pause button and enjoy the comings and goings of passers-by. Various information boards tell you more about the immediate area.
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About this historical landmark: It is not only birds that flee from the water. The people of Zeeland also had to pack up and leave on several occasions. Time and again the sea pushed in and flooded dikes and villages. Here on the South Coast at least fifteen villages disappeared into the water between 1475 and 1650. And all that remains is the Plompe Toren. The tower once belonged to the prosperous village of Koudekerke. The tower now houses a small but charming information centre of Natuurmonumenten. Here you can hear the legend about the drowned village of Koudekerke. The tower is also free to climb! In the distance you can often see seals lying on the sandbank. The tower is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00 in the summer. In the winter the tower closes at 17:00. More information at https://www.zeeland.com/nl-nl/visit/1206_nl/plompe-toren
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This is where the largest storm surge barrier in the world begins. The work is titanic! A few kilometers further, on the artificial island Neeltje Jans, there is an information center that tells the story and construction of this work, a theme park and a nature area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore in Oosterschelde National Park?
The Oosterschelde National Park is characterized by its dynamic tidal nature, with mudflats and sandbanks that are submerged at high tide and exposed at low tide. This creates a unique ecosystem rich in plant, bird, and marine life. You can observe seals sunbathing on sandbanks and, if lucky, spot porpoises in the waters. The park is also a prime location for birdwatching, especially at Plan Tureluur, which hosts thousands of waders, gulls, geese, and ducks.
What historical and cultural sites are worth visiting in the Oosterschelde region?
You can visit the Plompe Tower, the sole remnant of the submerged village of Koudekerke, which offers magnificent views and houses a small museum. The Oosterschelde Museum in Yerseke provides insights into the region's maritime history, focusing on fishing, oyster, and mussel cultivation. Additionally, the Watersnoodmuseum (Flood Museum) in Ouwerkerk offers a poignant experience about the 1953 flood disaster.
Are there family-friendly activities available around Oosterschelde?
Yes, Deltapark Neeltje Jans is an excellent family-friendly destination. It offers exhibitions about the Delta Works, seal and sea lion shows, and a water playground. The beaches around Oosterschelde, such as those at Ouwerkerk or Goese Sas, are also ideal for families to build sandcastles and discover marine life in tide pools.
Where can I go for hiking or cycling in Oosterschelde?
The region offers numerous marked routes for hiking and cycling, particularly in areas like Forestry Westenschouwen, The Domains, and the Gull Dunes, which feature a hilly dune landscape. For more specific routes, you can explore guides like Cycling around Oosterschelde or MTB Trails around Oosterschelde for detailed tour suggestions.
What is the Oosterschelde Storm Surge Barrier and can I visit it?
The Oosterschelde barrier is a 9-kilometer-long storm surge barrier, part of the Delta Works, designed to protect the region from floods. It's an impressive engineering marvel that can be closed during storms. You can visit it and even cycle across its wide path, enjoying the views. Deltapark Neeltje Jans, located on a former artificial island, also provides educational exhibits about the Delta Works.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Oosterschelde?
Oosterschelde is a haven for wildlife. You can frequently spot seals resting on sandbanks like Roggenplaat and Vondelingsplaat during low tide. Porpoises also inhabit the waters, though they are harder to spot. The area is globally significant for birdlife, with thousands of migratory birds, waders, gulls, geese, and ducks, especially at birdwatching spots like Plan Tureluur.
Is Oosterschelde a good destination for diving?
Yes, the Oosterschelde is considered one of the most beautiful diving destinations in the Netherlands due to its vast biodiversity of maritime flora and fauna. Popular diving sites include the Zeelandbrug and the Plompe Toren, where divers can encounter lobsters, oysters, mussels, cuttlefish, and even seahorses.
Are there any dog-friendly areas or trails in Oosterschelde National Park?
Yes, the Oosterschelde National Park generally allows dogs on a leash in many areas, including some walking and cycling paths. It's advisable to check specific local regulations for beaches or nature reserves within the park, as rules can vary.
What is the best time of year to visit Oosterschelde?
The Oosterschelde offers unique experiences throughout the year. Spring and autumn are excellent for birdwatching due to migratory patterns. Summer is ideal for enjoying the beaches and water activities. The dynamic tidal nature is a constant, making it interesting in any season, but warmer months generally offer more comfortable conditions for outdoor exploration.
What do visitors enjoy most about Oosterschelde?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the unique tidal landscape of the Oosterschelde National Park. Many appreciate the extensive cycling paths with continuous views of the sea, often describing it as a 'pure holiday feeling.' The impressive engineering of the Oosterschelde barrier and the historical insights offered by sites like the Plompe Tower are also highly valued.
Can I find beaches suitable for relaxation in Oosterschelde?
Yes, the Oosterschelde features several beaches perfect for relaxation and family activities. Beaches at locations like Ouwerkerk, Goese Sas, or the Pluimpot on Tholen are ideal for building sandcastles, searching for washed-up items, or simply enjoying the coastal environment.
Are there options for gravel biking around Oosterschelde?
Absolutely. The diverse terrain around Oosterschelde, including its dune landscapes and coastal paths, provides excellent opportunities for gravel biking. You can find various routes, from easy to difficult, by checking guides such as Gravel biking around Oosterschelde.
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