Holiday apartment in Schouwen-Duiveland – Coast, Culture and Water Sports

Schouwen-Duiveland combines a coastal landscape rich in birdlife with a distinctive island history, museums, windmills and a wide range of experiences on the water. On the south coast lies the Zuidkust van Schouwen, a nature area that is part of Nationaal Park Oosterschelde. Thousands of coastal birds can be found there on sandbanks, mudflats and in the inlagen. Nationaal Park Oosterschelde is connected to the North Sea via the storm surge barrier; twice a day, 800 billion litres of salt water flow into and out of the area.

Nature

Nationaal Park Oosterschelde has no main entrance or fence and can be accessed free of charge. The coastal Boswachterij Westerschouwen on Schouwen-Duiveland complements the landscape: this nature area is Zeeland’s largest forest. The Zeepeduinen have been protected as a natural monument since 1988. On the beaches and in the dune area of Schouwen-Duiveland, you can feel the wind on your face, swim and enjoy water sports.

Sporting routes are also part of the landscape experiences. The 53-kilometre Toen en Nu route leads over old dykes, past former agricultural harbours and through saline nature areas. Those exploring Boswachterij Westerschouwen by mountain bike will find several climbs and steep descents on the Mountainbikeroute Westerschouwen.

Culture

In Zierikzee, the Stadhuismuseum Zierikzee is located in the former town hall, a listed building more than 450 years old. The museum tells the story of the historic town of Zierikzee and its surroundings. The Gravensteen, the oldest prison in Zeeland, is also located in Zierikzee. The Sint-Lievensmonstertoren “De Dikke Toren” can be climbed; from the top, the view extends across the town, the Zeelandbrug and the Oosterschelde.

Other historic buildings tell stories of times gone by. Slot Haamstede is a castle with a moat and castle forest, whose oldest section dates from the 13th century. The Plompe Toren is the only remaining reminder of the lost village of Koudekerke. Visitors can climb the tower and enjoy the view over the Oosterschelde and the Koudekerkse inlaag.

In Bruinisse, Brusea presents the history of fishing, including mussel fishing as well as the former life and work of mussel fishermen. In the museum kitchen, visitors can also bake Zeeuwse bolussen. Using changing exhibitions and historic agricultural equipment, the Museumboerderij Goemanszorg explains the development of agriculture as well as life and work on Schouwen-Duiveland in the past. There is also a free audio tour developed especially for children.

Molen Nieuwerkerk can be visited by appointment when the mill is in operation.

Water and Culinary Delights

The Oosterschelde can be experienced in a variety of ways. Visitors can take part in a seal safari in Nationaal Park Oosterschelde and learn more about the animals and the nature area. A boat trip on the Oosterschelde offers the opportunity to observe wading birds, terns and oystercatchers. The Oosterscheldekering can also be visited; there, visitors can admire the impressive technical solutions used in its construction.

The possible water sports at Brouwersdam vary depending on the side. On the Grevelingen side, you can windsurf, wing foil, stand-up paddleboard and sail. On the North Sea side, kitesurfing and kite foiling are possible.

Wijnhoeve De Kleine Schorre offers a special combination of landscape and regional craftsmanship. Visitors can taste wine there and receive information about growing grapes and bottling wine. During guided tours, they are taken from the vineyard to the cellar and learn more about the winemaking process.

Getting Around

Schouwen-Duiveland can be reached via the N59, N57 and N256 roads. At Transferium Renesse, you can park your car for a day at the beach; free buses run from there to the beach.

When comparing holiday apartments in Schouwen-Duiveland, first look at the exact location, type of accommodation and possible occupancy on the respective listing page. Also check which services are included, how the price is made up and which booking or cancellation conditions apply. This allows you to assess accommodation based on the specific listing details, without assuming features that are not explicitly mentioned. Depending on your personal plans, these points may vary in importance; the information provided for the individual listing before booking remains decisive.

Other Places

For further exploration of Schouwen-Duiveland: Brouwershaven, Bruinisse, Burgh-Haamstede, Ellemeet, Renesse, Scharendijke, Zierikzee, Zonnemaire, Kerkwerve, Westenschouwen, Noordwelle, Noordgouwe, Dreischor, Ouwerkerk, Nieuwerkerk, Serooskerke Schouwen and Oosterland.

For the higher-level travel overview: Zeeland.