Wissenkerke, Neeltje Jans and Veere

Three dams and a gigantic bridge connect the former island of Noord-Beveland to the mainland. Cycle around the island and meet the inhabitants, who have been fighting the water for centuries. Traditionally, the fishermen and sailors of Noord-Beveland worshipped Nehalennia, the Goddess of the fishermen. After a major storm surge, the first dikes were built in 1014. Mounds were also raised. After another storm surge in 1134, the entire Noord-Beveland was diked, but to no avail: in 1134, storm winds pushed the water so high that the entire island was flooded. In 1598, the villages of Colijnsplaat and Kats were built, and in the following century Wissenkerke was also founded. After that, the reclamation went quickly: in 1684, the entire Noord-Beveland had been reclaimed. During the Flood Disaster (1953) what is known as the 'miracle of Colijnsplaat' occurred: a dike breach was prevented here at the last minute. The flood disaster was the reason for the construction of the Delt Works, which were supposed to prevent such flooding in the future.