Zeeland and North Brabant in one route

This refreshing cross-province route goes through surprisingly varied landscapes. It is located right next to the Oosterschelde National Park. This is the largest and wettest National Park in the Netherlands. After the implementation of the Delta Plan, the Oosterschelde was cut off from the rivers by the Philips and Oesterdams, and the influence of the sea can be better regulated.

The Oosterschelde has become a quiet sea arm with a more or less even salt content. The water is exceptionally clear. Large sea animals such as the seal and the porpoise are regular guests in the Oosterschelde. Cycling along the Oosterschelde it is wonderful to get off your bike and gaze into the distance. Who knows, you might spot something! In Scherpenisse, the corn mill De Korenbloem and the water tower are real eye-catchers as they protrude above the buildings in the low polder land. The smaller Zeeland island of Tholen is beautifully authentic and has not yet been discovered by mass tourism like other islands. The typical polder roads are wonderful for cycling and the view of the characteristic flower dikes is delightful. Cut flower cultivation occupies an important place on the island. You will undoubtedly cycle past various colourful flower fields, although it depends on the season and whether they have just been harvested, how beautiful they are.

You leave the island of Tholen via the Tholen bridge, a white arch bridge that connects the island to the mainland. You first cycle through the Auvergnepolder, west of Halsteren, which was constructed on mudflats of the Scheldt-Rhine Canal. Then you should soon see the Brabantse Wal, also referred to as Zoom. It is a striking elevation in the landscape that runs from Ossendrecht to Halsteren. The Brabantse Wal is a so-called steep edge, an abrupt transition from the higher sandy soils to the lower sea clay polders. The steep edge was probably created by erosion by the river Scheldt and by the sea.

It reaches heights of approximately 20 metres above NAP. Halsteren probably arose because its location on the steep edge simultaneously offered a safe haven against flooding and direct access to the fertile sea clay soils. If you pass through Halsteren, you cycle along the Groote Melanen, a fish-rich lake southeast of Halsteren. Then you come along the south side of Halsteren again and pass the Sint Antioniusmolen, where flour is sold in the mill shop. Again via the Tholen bridge the tour goes back to the Zeeland countryside. The city of Tholen is pleasantly historical with an old city centre, which is still largely surrounded by ramparts and fortifications.