From lighthouse to water tower

The (former) island of Goeree-Overflakkee is located on the border of Holland and Zeeland. Goeree-Overflakkee is surrounded by the North Sea, the Haringvliet, the Volkerak-randmeer, and the Grevelingenmeer. What is now an island used to consist of several small islands. These islands were conquered piece by piece by people and nature from the water, the contours of which can still be seen today in the shapes of the various polders. It is wonderful to cycle along the way from lighthouse to water tower, over dams and dikes and almost always along or with a view of water. Cozy terraces, plenty of shopping opportunities and beautiful marinas can be found in Middelharnis and the family seaside resort of Ouddorp, among others. Stellendam's fishing harbor is especially worth a visit on Friday mornings; from the visitors' gallery you can then take a look at the sorting of the fish that was brought in on Thursday night. Along the way, visit beautiful monuments such as the tower in the picturesque town of Goedereede or the Regional Museum in Sommelsdijk. The Slikken van Flakkee There are beautiful nature reserves on the banks of the Grevelingenmeer, of which the Slikken van Flakkee is the largest with approximately 1,500 hectares. Mudflats are formed under the influence of the tide. At high tide they are flooded; at low tide they dry up. After the closure of the Grevelingen, the Slikken van Flakkee dried up permanently. Now it is a diverse nature reserve that consists of three parts: the Northern Slikken, the Middle Slikken and the Southern Slikken. Heck cattle and Fjord horses graze on the Southern Slikken. In high season, excursions with cart and tractor are organized here. Four short walking routes have been set out in the Midden Slikken. You can leave your bike at the swinging gates for a trip to one of the bird viewing points. Not only will you see countless water birds, but also beautiful orchids and you will smell the salty air! Middelharnis'd\\\'n Diek van Menheerse\\\' is a household name far and wide. The promenade on the Westdijk accounts for the largest shopping area in Goeree-Overflakkee. As a result, Middelharnis is buzzing with conviviality all year round. Middelharnis is often mentioned in the same breath as the twin village of Sommelsdijk. Old buildings are lined up in the monumental Voorstraat. A copper gaff ship on the tower of the former town hall betrays a maritime past. The marina still guarantees a nautical atmosphere. After a wander around the surrounding waters, water sports enthusiasts come here to stretch their legs and stock up on supplies. This village is also a perfect stopover for cyclists! The Haringvliet The disaster of 1953, which left a trail of death and destruction, prompted the Delta Works. Since then, the North Sea has been pinched off from the Haringvliet by the Haringvliet locks. The water of the Haringvliet forms the division between Voorne Putten and Goeree-Overflakkee. Until 1970, there was only a water connection between the islands. In the summer there is still a ferry, especially to ferry tourists. Stellendam The outer harbor of Stellendam has been the home port of fishing vessels from Ouddorp, Goedereede and Stellendam since the construction of the Delta Works. Together they form a fleet of about 50 cutters. Some of these fishermen are also skilled in catching shrimp, which are already cooked on board in a large kettle of seawater. Shrimp caught overnight are on the table the next morning to be peeled. That makes the Stellendam shrimp an honest product and you can taste it! Goedereede With more than 100 monuments, Goedereede is a picturesque town. What is striking is the stubby church tower, on which a fire could once be built and the tower served as a lighthouse. Goedereede was then still on the sea, and formed a safe harbor - good roadstead - for richly loaded merchant ships. Due to silting up, the town became increasingly distant from the sea. This put an end to the flourishing economy. Goedereede changed over the years into a quiet agricultural village. The town has also produced a celebrity: Adriaan Boelens, the only Dutchman to ever become pope. He lived in the building where hotel De Gouden Leeuw is now located. Adrian VI only held office for a short time: from 1522 until his death in 1523.