Scharendijke: Grevelingenmeer, Beach and History

Scharendijke brings water, beach and living history together within a compact area. Grevelingenmeer, Brouwersdam, the family beach and distinctive traces of earlier times give you plenty to consider when looking for a holiday apartment in Scharendijke and wanting to take the character of your holiday into account from the moment you choose your destination.

Between the Muralt Wall, Dunes and Grevelingenmeer

The long Muralt Wall along the old sea dike on the Grevelingen near Scharendijke is classified as a Rijksmonument. It begins west of Scharendijke at Het Koepeltje, which still stands in the dunes. From the walking path covered with fine gravel, you can enjoy views of Grevelingenmeer and the Hompelvoet sandbar island. This means that a protected structure, a distinctive landscape and views across the water come together directly as part of a single outing in this area.

The origins and distinctive character of Grevelingenmeer also form part of the area’s special appeal. Brouwersdam is part of the Delta Works and was the seventh dam to be built. The construction of Brouwersdam created Grevelingenmeer, which is considered the largest saltwater lake in Western Europe. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are possible at Brouwersdam. Duiklocatie:Scharendijke Start Toren (16b) is also a well-known dive site in Grevelingenmeer. When looking for a holiday apartment in Scharendijke, these water-based experiences can therefore be a useful focus if active days on the lake or coast are part of your travel plans.

Holiday Apartments in Scharendijke for Beach and Leisure

Strand Scharendijke is a family beach and offers numerous activities for young and old. At Strand Scharendijke, activities in the waves of the North Sea are possible. The paid parking area at Rampweg in Scharendijke is a one-minute walk from Strand Scharendijke. This specific point of reference makes the beach an easy-to-locate destination within the village, without implying any characteristics of individual holiday apartments.

The recreatiegebied West Repart offers further opportunities. It has playgrounds, sports fields and walking paths. The Dorpsstrand in recreatiegebied West Repart has sandy shores where you can swim, sunbathe or stroll along the water. This makes it possible to plan a variety of holiday days: exercise on the walking paths, play and sports, or a more relaxing stay on the sandy shore. The holiday apartment you choose may depend on your preferred mix of beach, water activities and leisure options.

History and Regional Traditions

Scharendijke originated in the 15th century. Kloosternol also tells part of the area’s development: the site was established as an agricultural harbor in 1901 and was an important port for transporting madder, a plant frequently grown on Schouwen-Duiveland.

Het Koepeltje Scharendijke is a historic observation post that traditionally served as protection for a “Landwacht.” Het Koepeltje was already established in 1598 by the Gecommitteerde Raden van Zeeland as a watch house or “Sentinel.” During the First World War, Het Koepeltje continued to serve as an observation post. The sequence of watch house, observation post and wartime use gives the site a historical depth that you can discover while exploring the landscape alongside the water and beach experiences.

A special regional tradition is Straô Rieën. This annual event takes place in six villages on Schouwen, including Scharendijke. Decorated horses parade from the villages to the beach. Since 1643, farmers have brought their horses out of the stable at the end of winter; the Straô Rieën tradition includes a ride to the beach, where the horses’ legs are washed with seawater and wounds are healed. For visitors, this event combines village life, horses and the coastal landscape in an unusual way.

Other Destinations in the Area

If you would like to discover other places on Schouwen-Duiveland in addition to Scharendijke, you can find Serooskerke Schouwen, Zierikzee, Ellemeet, Noordwelle, Kerkwerve, Ouwerkerk, Burgh-Haamstede and Dreischor here.

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