Knokke-Heist, Cadzand-Bad and Sluis

Explore the estuary of the Western Scheldt between Cadzand-Bad and Retranchement and cycle through the Het Zwin nature reserve. With 75 hectares, this is not a huge nature reserve, but the small scale is cute and the openness that the Kievittepolder brings makes the area unique. Behind a massive row of dunes you will find a salt marsh area, which is directly connected to the sea by the Zwingeul. Salicornia and sea lavender grow in abundance in this salt marsh and in the summer they bring beautiful colors to the nature reserve. Other salt-loving plants such as beach nursery, salt marsh and sea beet also do well, as does the yellow horned poppy. It is therefore not surprising that birds such as the redshank, the avocet and the oystercatcher like to breed in the area. With a bit of luck you will also see the little egret hunting over the salt marsh.

Not only beautiful, small-scale nature, but also a historic mill presents itself during this tour. The mill is located in Retranchement and was built in 1818. The grist and husk mill is an open stand mill that is still used by a volunteer miller to grind grain. By the way, there has been a mill on this site since 1643, but after it was blown down the new Retranchement mill was built.