Burgh-Haamstede star tour

Today you will cross the Eastern Scheldt estuary and sail on the storm surge barrier. The barrier's sixty-two steel gates are almost always open to let in seawater, but can be closed in the event of a strong storm to protect the hinterland from flooding. The planning and construction of this storm surge barrier (1986) was an extraordinary feat of hydraulic engineering, the crowning achievement of the thirteen Delta Works that have protected Zeeland from deadly storms. Unfortunately, it seems that there have been unforeseen negative effects on the saline environment that the Dutch tried so hard to preserve in the estuary.

The mudflats are eroding because the tides no longer deliver enough sediment. As the mudflats are an important habitat for many species, such as lugworms that feed on oysters, mussels and clams, the number of wildlife could decline. In addition, the mudflats themselves are currently an additional barrier protecting the hinterland from flooding, so their disappearance could theoretically increase wave action and the risk of flooding. The estuary and its coast have been given national park status to protect marine flora and fauna. So far, it still attracts divers, tourists and birdwatchers. Today's route continues to the island of Noord-Beveland, the smallest and quietest of the Zeeland islands. Before the Delta Works opened it to visitors relatively recently, it was isolated and frozen in time. Take a ferry to the island of Walcheren. The picturesque village of Veere (1296) is a good place to have a fine lunch of locally caught seafood. Originally a fishing port, the place soon flourished through shipping and trade. For centuries there were close ties with Scotland: trading relations and even royal relations. Veere had the sole right to Scottish Waren to the Netherlands and trade with them. In return, the Scots received all kinds of privileges in the town of Veere. Can you find their traces? If you have a sweet tooth, visit the traditional candy shop to buy the Zeeuwse Babbelaars, typical of Zeeland.

Overnight place: Burgh-Haamstede

Today you will take a trip to the island of Schouwen-Duiveland. Your first stop is Slot Haamstede with a moated castle (haunted!), a country estate, forests and a nature reserve where Shetland ponies graze. Then you set course for Renesse, known for its beautiful beaches. Take a seat in one of the charming beach pavilions and enjoy a well-deserved cup of coffee and a large piece of apple pie. Afterwards, a drive through a tranquil landscape leads to the eastern arm of the Scheldt. The land along this coast is being restored to its original, natural, wet and brackish state. This is done to help the birdlife.

A few kilometers south of Burgh-Haamstede, a lonely church tower is the only remnant of the former village of Koudekerke, washed away by the waves. Climb the tower for an interesting view. At high tide, the mudflats are flooded, at low tide you can see them. Then the sea leaves a feast for the many species of wading birds that then come to feed. The mudflats are also a welcome place for seals to rest in the sun. Can you see any? Some people are lucky and see porpoises (related to the dolphin) swimming along the shore. The church tower, called the Plompe Toren, has been converted into a small visitor center that focuses on local history, legends and wildlife. Back in the twin villages of Burgh and Haamstede, there is more to see. The De Burghse Schoole museum, housed in a school building dating from 1843, is open most afternoons. One room has been converted into an old-fashioned classroom, perfect down to the last detail, and the other room houses a permanent exhibition on the origins of Burgh.

Overnight place: Burgh-Haamstede

Over the 6 km long Brouwersdam to the island of Goeree-Overflakkee. The dam is part of the Delta Works and separates the Grevelingenmeer lake from the North Sea. The lake is tide- and current-free, so the water is very clear. A lock was built into the dam to channel seawater into the lake, allowing mussel and oyster farming to continue. The village of Ouddorp is a magnet for holidaymakers and water sports enthusiasts. Sit down in one of the many street cafes and ask for 'bolus', delicate cinnamon pastries with sticky syrup, a Zeeland speciality. Some bakeries still sell 'palingbroodje'. It is like a sausage roll, only filled with eel (fish) instead of sausage. It is a Zeeland speciality that is traditionally eaten warm on special occasions with a cup of tea. On Goeree, attempts are being made to return parts of the land to nature, as you will see if you continue today's cycling route.

Overnight place: Burgh-Haamstede

If you want, you can use this day to visit Zierikzee, one of the cultural highlights of this trip. Many centuries ago, the city prospered thanks to trade and shipping. After the city's decline, there were no funds to demolish and replace the old houses. So they still stand today and are there for all to admire. Five hundred and sixty-eight lovingly restored monuments and a medieval city layout. Take one of the city tours and have your camera ready. The Maritiem Museum tells stories from the heyday of seafaring and trade in the city. It is housed in the former prison. The Stadhuismuseum deals with the relationship between city, sea and land. From mid-July to the end of August you can take the ferry from Zierikzee back to Burgh-Haamstede. If you want, you can use this last day to visit the Deltapark Neeltje Jans, one of the biggest tourist attractions. In the centre of the park is the Delta Expo, where you can find out everything you need to know about the Delta Works, which are designed to prevent a repeat of the flood disaster of 1953. In the Topshuis you will find an exhibition about the Oosterschelde National Park.

There is also a saltwater aquarium, a sea lion show, a playground, a great water slide and much more. You will find Delta Park Neeltje Jans halfway over the Oosterscheldekering storm surge barrier. 

Overnight place: Burgh-Haamstede

After breakfast it is time to go home.