Surroundings

Nature & water

The surroundings of Sint Philipsland are ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy nature. Expansive polders, dykes and nature reserves create a landscape where peace takes centre stage. Just a few minutes’ walk away lies the Oosterschelde, one of the most beautiful nature areas in the Netherlands.

Oosterschelde National Park

Slikken van de Heen

By car: 6 min

Directly south of Sint Philipsland lie the Slikken van de Heen, a vast nature reserve where land and water merge. This brackish salt marsh is an important breeding ground for coastal birds and a resting place for migratory species.

The area is also a breeding ground for remarkable bird species: marsh harrier, stonechat, osprey and white-tailed eagle. In winter, the peregrine falcon is almost always present, alongside large concentrations of waterfowl. Roe deer are regularly spotted, and the newest residents are the pine marten and the badger. In autumn, the glasswort fields paint the landscape in shades of red and purple.

Photo: Het Zeeuwse Landschap

Krabbenkreek

Cycling: 30 min By car: 12 min

The Krabbenkreek is the part of the Oosterschelde between Tholen and Sint Philipsland. Here you will find expansive mudflats and salt marshes. At low tide it is an important foraging area for thousands of waders, ducks and geese. Enjoy the abundance of birdlife here.

Krabbenkreek is a sub-area of the Oosterschelde and forms part of one of the 40 Geosites of UNESCO Geopark Schelde Delta.

Photo: Het Zeeuwse Landschap

Eendenkooi Sint Philipsland

Cycling: 20 min By car: 8 min

Duck decoys — known as eendenkooien — are a uniquely Dutch form of cultural heritage: an oasis of calm where an ancient craft has been practised since the Middle Ages. In the past, ducks were caught here for consumption. Today the ducks are still caught, but now they are ringed and blood samples are taken for scientific research into bird diseases.

This is still done using the traditional method. Stepping into the Eendenkooi is like stepping back in time. The Eendenkooi in Sint Philipsland is one of the more than 100 remaining duck decoys in the Netherlands. The decoy is set in a bird-rich area of 11.5 hectares.

Please note: from 15 July to 15 April the duck decoy is closed for the quiet season. During this period rest is very important for the birds.

Photo: Het Zeeuwse Landschap

Bruintjeskreek

Cycling: 55 min By car: 20 min

The Bruintjeskreek is a varied area of open water and marshland. Originally a wide channel with high banks, but after the diking of the Anna Jacobapolder the creek gradually narrowed. The banks were turned into pasture and the remaining creek was given a function as a reservoir for surplus polder water. In the middle of the creek, a small wood of willows grew up spontaneously.

Photo: Het Zeeuwse Landschap

Willemspolder

Cycling: 20 min By car: 10 min

The Willemspolder is a relatively new nature area on the landward side of the Oosterschelde. It is a wet grassland influenced by saline seepage. A large pool has been dug in the area for various waterfowl. Many waders cross the dyke when the Oosterschelde water level is high.

Photo: Het Zeeuwse Landschap

Rumoirtschorren

Cycling: 15 min By car: 8 min

The Rumoirtschorren (pronounced “roo-moord”) stretch from the hamlet of Sluis to the start of the Philipsdam. Some sections are very narrow, while others are up to 500 metres wide. At the tip of the island, outside the dyke, there is a drinking pool for livestock — a so-called hollestelle — a cultural-historical feature of the area.

Rumoirtschorren is a sub-area of the Oosterschelde and forms part of one of the 40 Geosites of UNESCO Geopark Schelde Delta.

Photo: Het Zeeuwse Landschap

Activities

There is plenty to do around Hof van Philipsland, on the water and on land. From a dive in the Oosterschelde to a relaxed bike ride through the polders.

Walking and cycling

Sint Philipsland is a paradise for walkers and cyclists. The flat polder landscape, dykes and creeks offer kilometres of routes through unspoilt Zeeland countryside. Follow the dyke paths along the Oosterschelde and enjoy the wide views over the water.

Popular routes take you past historic polders, old dykes and charming Zeeland villages. Distances are manageable and you will hardly encounter any cars along the way. Ideal for a relaxed family bike ride or a brisk walk along the coast.

Diving at the Anna-Jacobapolder lock

Just a few minutes by bike you will find the lock at Anna-Jacobapolder, one of Zeeland’s best-known dive sites. The clear, salty water of the Oosterschelde offers excellent visibility and a surprisingly colourful underwater world. Between the lock walls and on the seabed you can find sea anemones, lobsters, seahorses and countless fish species.

The site is suitable for beginners and experienced divers alike. There is an easy entry point at the lock and the current is minimal at slack tide. Afterwards, warm up in the sun on the dyke with views over the Oosterschelde.

Swimming, paddleboarding and sailing in the Krabbenkreek

The Krabbenkreek is excellent for swimming. The water warms up quickly in summer and the gradual depth makes it safe for children. Besides swimming, you can also try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing or simply paddling along the shore. The Krabbenkreek is a hidden gem that never gets crowded.

Water sports on the Grevelingen

The Grevelingen is the largest saltwater lake in Europe and a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or surfing — the clear water offers endless possibilities. Dogs are welcome here too, so your four-legged friend can join you in the water.

You can also simply relax in the sun here, without sand between your toes. There are plenty of spots right by the water with grass underfoot. And if you’d like to quickly rinse off the salt water? That’s possible too, at one of the many sanitary buildings.

Escape room and adventure at Akkermans Leisure (De Heen)

At Akkermans Leisure in De Heen you can hire an e-chopper for a tour across the Brabantse Wal, or step aboard a sloop to discover that same Brabantse Wal from the water. There is also a great escape room — perfect for an afternoon with the whole family or a group of friends.

Seal safari from Bruinisse

From Bruinisse you can join De Vrolijke Visser on a seal safari across the Oosterschelde. Watch the seals resting on the sandbanks up close — a special experience for young and old.

Escape rooms in Bergen op Zoom

In Bergen op Zoom you will find several escape rooms for those who enjoy a puzzling adventure. Ideal for a rainy day or a fun outing with friends or family.

Useful apps

Want to discover the best walking or cycling routes in the area? With the junction network apps you can easily plan your own route.

Wandelroutenetwerk

Plan walking routes via junctions through the Zeeland landscape.

Fietsroutenetwerk

Plan your own cycling route via cycling junctions throughout Zeeland.

Sights

Zierikzee

By car: 30 min

About half an hour’s drive away lies Zierikzee, one of the best-preserved historic towns in Zeeland. Stroll through the narrow streets with their monumental facades, enjoy fresh fish at the old harbour or admire the imposing Zuidhavenpoort. On Thursdays there is a lively weekly market. Follow one of the historic town walks past the various museums. Zierikzee is the perfect destination for a day out with culture, shops and fine restaurants.

Bergen op Zoom

Bergen op Zoom is a historic fortified town with a rich past. Take a walk through the town past its monuments and visit one of the museums, such as the Markiezenhof or the Gevangenpoort (Prison Gate). Just outside town lies Fort de Roovere with the famous Moses Bridge — the “invisible” bridge that runs right through the water.

Watersnoodmuseum (Flood Museum), Ouwerkerk

In four monumental caissons in Ouwerkerk, the Watersnoodmuseum tells the moving story of the 1953 North Sea flood. An impressive and educational visit about the power of the water and Zeeland’s struggle against the sea.

Bruinisse: Brusea and the salt works

In the fishing village of Bruinisse, the Brusea heritage museum reveals the history of mussel and oyster fishing. At the Zeeuwse Zoute salt works you can see how sea salt is traditionally extracted from seawater.

Willemstad

The historic fortress town of Willemstad in North Brabant is laid out in the shape of a seven-pointed star. Walk the old ramparts and bastions for wide views over the water and the fortifications. Visit the Mauritshuis — a small historic museum from 1623, built for Prince Maurits — and the striking domed Koepelkerk, with views from its tower. In the lively marina you can soak up the maritime atmosphere among the boats.

Tholen

The fortress town of Tholen makes a fine stop on a bike tour. Its historic centre has beautifully preserved ramparts, narrow streets and dozens of national monuments, with the Grote Kerk and the old town hall as eye-catchers. All around you can cycle and walk along dykes, meadows and waterfronts — spots like the Oesterdam are popular for the sun and the views. Thanks to its location on the Oosterschelde it is also great for watersports and small beaches. And for a bite to eat: in the harbours, such as Buutengaets in Sint-Annaland, you can taste regional produce and smoked eel. Come here above all for the charming small scale and the peace and quiet — no big shopping centres or busy nightlife.

Restaurants

A selection of restaurants in the area.

Huys van Roosevelt , Oud-Vossemeer

A special and historic location with a story — the ancestors of the American presidents Roosevelt came from Oud-Vossemeer. Atmospheric dining in a place steeped in history.

Pannenkoekenboerderij De Uitwijk (pancake farm), De Heen

Delicious pancakes on a cosy farm in De Heen. Ideal for a family outing.

Bru 17 , Bruinisse

For the true fish lover. Please note: the menu features fish dishes only.

De Cleenne Mossel , Bruinisse

Zeeland mussels and other regional dishes in Bruinisse.

Bruinisser Vishandel

Delicious kibbeling at a special spot. If you are lucky, Harry the seal drops by for a bite.