A trip to zeeland &
goeree-overflakkee (the Netherlands)
Never before have I spent so much time at home. I don't mind being at home, but every once in a while I'm in need of a different surroundings. Since international travel is nearly impossible at the moment, we decided to take a trip little closer to home. Zeeland and Goeree-Overflakkee really managed to suprised me. I will share three of my favorite activities of last weekend! All suprising, free and possible during covid-19.
1. Visiting the oyster beds in Yerseke
Oysters are often seen as a luxurious delicacy, expensive and commonly paired with champagne. I love how a visit to the oyster beds provides a wonderful
contrast. Yes, it’s the same delicate food, but eating it in the slightly dirty and industrial
setting of the oyster beds is a whole new experience.
The oysters are grown in the sea and lake Grevelingen, and are stored in ‘oyster beds’ (oester
putten). Here the oysters are kept until they are exported to restaurants and stores.
While in the beds, fresh water is added cleaning the oysters from dirt and sand. The oysters are
also ‘trained’ to close their shell, by taking them out of the water every once in a while. They
will then stay fresh for a longer time, once taken out of the water and transported.
There are two main types of oysters that are stored in Yerseke: Dutch Creuse and Dutch Imperial
(Zeeuwse platte oester). The Dutch Imperial is the most exclusive oyster in the Netherlands. The
Dutch Imperial takes five to six year before it’s ready for consumption, while the Dutch Creuse is
already ready for consumption in three years.
How to get there?
Most of the oyster beds are located in the same street in Yerseke (Havendijk). There are many
restaurants where you can taste oysters and look around the oyster beds. The Oesterij might be the
best one to visit if you want to learn more about the oyster farming and oyster beds.
- Oesterij
- You can walk around the oyster beds for free. (sadly enough not during lockdown) There are
information signs and videos to provide you with information. It’s also possible to taste
oysters in the Proeverij or take some home in the shop.
- Website: www.oesterij.nl/en/plan/oyster-beds.
- Address: Havendijk 12, 4401 NS Yerseke
2. Pay a visit to the flamingos in Goeree-Overflakke
I can hear you think: flamingos in the Netherlands?? Yup, we were surprised too. Every year a colony
of flamingos winters in Goeree-Overflakkee. The colony lives in a freshwater lake in Germany, which
freezes in the winter, so the flamingos winter in lake Grevelingen in Goeree-Overflakkee, which
doesn’t freeze due to the saltiness of the water.
The flamingos are best seen from the harbour in Battenoord. We first tried to spot the flamingos at
sunset, but it quickly got too dark to see them. Not a wasted trip though, as we did get treated to
a beautiful sunset! The next day, we went back and found the flamingos on walking distance from the
harbour.
How to get there?
The flamingos are best seen from the harbour in Battenoord. We parked the car at the harbour and
followed the cycling path to the west. If they are there you will soon be able to spot some pink
spots in the distance.
Address: Battenoord 1, 3244 LB Nieuwe-Tonge
3. Bird watching in bird observatory Tij
This spectacular architectural bird observatory is definitely worth a visit. I saw some pictures of
the observatory on Instagram and immediately added it to my bucketlist. A place to
consider for your own bucketlist!
A short trail, including a path on wooden decking brings you to the observatory. The observatory is
shaped like a (very) large egg of a tern, a structure of 8 meters high and 11 meters wide. It's a paradise
for bird watchers, but also for casual explorers like me. Bring your binoculars and enjoy!
How to get there?
You have to park your car at the Marinahaven in Stellendam. From the parking lot you can follow a
path that leads to the observatory. It’s an easy walking path, no hiking boots required. If there is
high water though, the path will slowly be flooded, so make sure to bring rain boots if the water is
higher than 80cm +NAP.
