From lighthouse to water tower

The (former) island of Goeree-Overflakkee is located on the border of Holland and Zeeland. Goeree-Overflakkee is enclosed 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 man and nature from the water, the contours of which can still be seen today in the shapes of the various polders. On the way from lighthouse to water tower, over dams and dikes and almost always along or with a view of water, it is wonderful to cycle. Cozy terraces, plenty of shopping opportunities and beautiful marinas can be found in Middelharnis and the family seaside resort of Ouddorp, among others. The fishing port of Stellendam is especially worth a visit on a Friday morning; from the visitors' gallery you can then take a look at the sorting of the fish that were brought in on Thursday night. Visit beautiful monuments along the way, such as the tower in the picturesque town of Goedereede or the Regional Museum in Sommelsdijk. The Slikken van Flakkee On the banks of Lake Grevelingen there are beautiful nature reserves, of which the Slikken van Flakkee is the largest with approximately 1500 hectares. Mudflats are created 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 have permanently dried up. 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 mudflats. In the 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 swing gates for a trip to one of the bird view points. You will not only 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 for miles around. The promenade on the Westdijk is good for the largest shopping area in Goeree-Overflakkee. As a result, Middelharnis is bustling with fun all year round. Middelharnis is often mentioned in the same breath as the twin village of Sommelsdijk. Old buildings are strung together 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 ramble on the surrounding waters, water sports enthusiasts come here to stretch their legs and stock up on provisions. This village is also a perfect stopover for cyclists! The Haringvliet The disaster of 1953, which left a trail of death and destruction behind, was the reason for the Delta Works. Since that time, the North Sea has been cut off from the Haringvliet by the Haringvliet sluices. The water of the Haringvliet separates Voorne Putten from Goeree-Overflakkee. Until 1970 there was only a water connection between the islands. In the summer there is still a ferry, especially to transfer tourists. Stellendam The outer harbor of Stellendam has been regarded as 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 with sea water. Shrimps caught at night are on the table the next morning to be peeled. That makes the Stellendam shrimp a fair product and you can taste it! Goedereede With over 100 monuments, Goedereede is a picturesque town. Striking is the blunt church tower, on which a fire could once be built and the tower served as a lighthouse. At that time, Goedereede was still by the sea, and formed a safe harbor - good roadstead - for richly loaded merchant ships. Due to silting, the town came to lie further and further from the sea. This ended the booming economy. Goedereede changed over the years into a quiet agricultural village. The town has also produced a celebrity: Adriaan Boelens, the only Dutchman who ever became pope. He lived in the building in which hotel De Gouden Leeuw is now located. Adrian VI held office only briefly: from 1522 until his death in 1523.