Discover Nieuwerkerk: History, Nature and Holiday Apartments

Nieuwerkerk is a Kerkring village whose origins date back to the 12th century. The Kerkring is part of the oldest section of the village. This makes discovering Nieuwerkerk an introduction to local history that can be combined with nature observation, cycling and an enjoyable break.

Church and Local History

Nieuwerkerk’s Protestant church, dating from the 15th century, was originally dedicated to Saint John. After the nave burned down in 1586, the chancel and tower were separated from each other. The hexagonal tower was rebuilt in 1975 on the foundations of the tower that was blown up by the Germans in 1945. The church therefore reveals several clearly datable construction phases. Those interested in architectural history can view the church as a site with several historical points of reference.

A flood monument depicting a phoenix stands in Nieuwerkerk’s general cemetery. Nieuwerkerk is also home to an unnamed grain mill dating from 1844, known as the “Nieuwerkerkse molen”. With its construction date of 1844, the mill represents a later period than the 15th-century church.

During the flood disaster, Nieuwerkerk was the second-hardest-hit village; 289 people lost their lives there. The flood disaster is therefore one of Nieuwerkerk’s historical themes.

Steenzwaan: Water and Salt-Tolerant Vegetation

The Steenzwaan Creek is a remnant of the Zwemer watercourse, a riverbed between the Oosterschelde and the Gouwe. In the vicinity of Nieuwerkerk, the Steenzwaan features saline seepage and salt-tolerant vegetation such as glasswort, sea aster and sea milkwort. For those interested in nature, the landscape is particularly tangible through its plant life.

In the vicinity of Nieuwerkerk, a wetland area lies along the Steenzwaan and is used by birds such as black-tailed godwits, plovers and spoonbills. For those interested in nature, the birds add a second focus to observing the salt-tolerant vegetation.

Cycling Route with a Historical Theme

The Watersnood Route is a 61-kilometre cycling route along places that commemorate the disaster of 1953. For cycling travellers, its appeal lies in combining a longer distance with historical remembrance. It should therefore be understood as a longer bike tour rather than a short detour. Anyone wishing to cycle the entire route should plan their daily schedule around this distance.

A Break at Theetuin “de Stokroos”

Theetuin “de Stokroos” serves coffee, tea, soft drinks and various light dishes such as omelettes, soup, toasted sandwiches and filled bread rolls. With advance reservation, farm-style bread meals and afternoon tea are available there for groups of two or more. A small children’s playground and pony rides round out the offerings. Drinks and light dishes are available for a short break. Farm-style bread meals and afternoon tea are available by reservation for groups of two or more. This means the stop can be arranged either as a short break or as a planned meal.

Discover More Places

More destinations for your travel planning: Ellemeet, Renesse, Burgh-Haamstede, Westenschouwen, Serooskerke Schouwen, Noordgouwe, Scharendijke and Zierikzee.

For the higher-level travel overview: Schouwen-Duiveland.