Cycling between the Grevelingenmeer and the Oosterschelde

Beautiful views over water, a nice breath of fresh air and the beautiful polder within the dikes: Schouwen-Duivenland is a bit of the Netherlands in miniature. The island once consisted of four islands (Schouwen, Duivenland, Dreischor and Bommenede) that have grown together thanks to nature and human intervention. Schouwen-Duivenland is a flat island, some parts of which are below sea level. On the western tip is a dune area, the height of which is about 42 meters above sea level. This tour leads you through the center of the island. Along the beach, but also along fields, meadows and through charming villages. You cycle east along the beach on the north side of the island. First you drive along the North Sea, past the Brouwersdam along the Grevelingenmeer, the largest saltwater lake in Western Europe. The Grevelingen was once an arm of the North Sea, since the closure some sandbars have turned into islands. Like the uninhabited Hompelvoet, where fjord horses graze. In the breeding season, the island is off limits, it is then guarded by a bird watcher. In Brouwershaven you will pass windmill De Haan, a low tower mill from 1724. Despite the fact that the mill was already low, it was later made even lower. The scaffolding was removed and the blades lowered, making it a ground sailer. Via the Drieschorpolder you continue your route to Zierikzee, a pleasant city with no less than 568 monuments. It is not for nothing that the beautiful Zierikzee has a protected cityscape. You continue to National Park Oosterschelde. Just before Serooskerke you cycle through the Schelphoek nature reserve. This area was created after the flood disaster of 1953. At first the hole in the dike at this location seemed not to be too bad, but it turned out to be one of the largest dike breaches. A four kilometer long ring dike was built around the area, which was closed with caissons. The most recently installed caisson still protrudes above the dike and is an excellent vantage point. The water-rich nature reserve consists of riparian areas, bird-rich creeks and beautifully landscaped woodlands. Before you drive back into the polder at Serooskerke, you can still see the Plompe Toren in the distance. This is the only remnant of the village of Koudekerke, which was swallowed up by the waves at the end of the sixteenth century. The restored tower is now an information center about the history, legends and nature of the region. The tower offers a wide view of the surrounding nature reserve. This route starts and ends in Landhuis Sere in picturesque Noordwelle. The country house is located in the middle of a large private estate with woodland, lawns and terraces. You can relax here overnight. The five rooms are equipped with all luxurious comforts. As a guest you can use the sauna, jacuzzi, bar and swimming pool. There is a tree house and trampoline for the children. And of course the beach is not far away. You can complete your visit to Schouwen-Duivenland by also driving route 144206 the next day.