Oosterschelde National Park

Netherlands, Zeeland

Hiking
Wildlife watching
Snorkeling
Boating
Diving

The Deltawerken, including the Oosterscheldekering, are the largest flood defense system in the Netherlands.
The Rumoirtschorren area contains the only remaining historical hollestelle in the Netherlands that is still located outside the dikes.

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Rules and access

What Oosterschelde National Park asks of visitors. Rules come from the park authority.

Allowed

Diving
Experienced divers can explore underwater ruins at Slot Lodijke.
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Dogs
Dogs are allowed in some areas, but must be leashed unless otherwise indicated.
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Cycling
Cycling is allowed in designated areas, including routes near the South Coast of Schouwen.
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Snorkeling
Snorkeling is allowed in the Oosterschelde, offering a chance to explore its rich underwater life.
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Shellfish
Oysters, mussels, and periwinkles can be collected during low tide in designated areas.
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Tidal pools
Visitors can explore tidal pools but should handle marine life gently.
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Entrance
The park is free to enter and open at all times, though most areas are accessible from sunrise to sunset.
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Foraging
Foraging is allowed but only in specific areas and with adherence to rules to protect the ecosystem.
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Kayaking
Sea kayaking is permitted and offers opportunities to see marine life like porpoises and seals.
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Not allowed

Plants
Harvesting glasswort and sea lavender is prohibited without a permit.
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Crustaceans
Catching crabs and lobsters is not allowed.
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Fishing
Fishing is not mentioned as an allowed activity in the park.
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Noise
Visitors are asked to remain quiet near sandbanks to avoid disturbing seals.
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Walking
Walking on mudflats is prohibited to protect bird feeding areas.
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Access
The Rumoirtschorren area is too fragile and cannot be entered; it can only be viewed from the dike.
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Trails

Marked routes inside the park. Colours are the waymarks you follow on the ground.

Yerseke Fishing History Trail
5.4 km · Moderate
Yerseke
5.4 km · Moderate
Wandelroute Yerseke Moer zomer
3 km · Moderate
Wandelroute ommetje Flupland
4 km · Moderate
Wandelroute Zierikzee
5 km · Moderate
Wandelroute Ouwerkerk
8 km · Moderate
Wandelroute Neeltje Jans (Yellow)
3.2 km · Moderate
Levensstrijd Trail
10 km · Moderate
Zierikzee Trail
5 km · Moderate
Red Hiking Trail
2.5 km · Moderate
Wandelroute Kamperland
10 km · Moderate
Ommetje Flupland
4 km · Moderate
Wandelroute Neeltje Jans
3.2 km · Moderate
Schelphoek Trail
4 km · Easy
Wandelroute De Pluimpot
9 km · Moderate
Wandelroutes Slikken van de Heen
2.5 km · Moderate
Levensstrijd
10 km · Moderate
Ouwerkerk Trail
8 km · Moderate
Wandelroute Neeltje Jans (Blue Trail)
4.4 km · Moderate
Levensstrijd Route
10 km · Moderate
Kamperland to Wissenkerke
10 km · Moderate
Zierikzee Loop
10 km · Moderate
Porpoise Spotting Trail
5 km · Moderate
Slikken van de Heen Walking Routes
2.5 km · Easy
Ouwerkerk Walking Route
8 km · Moderate
Wandelroute Levensstrijd
10 km · Moderate
Yerseke Trail
5.4 km · Moderate
Yerseke Walk
5.4 km · Moderate
Yerseke Moer Red Route
2.5 km · Moderate
Yerseke Moer Red Trail
2.5 km · Moderate
Neeltje Jans Yellow Route
3.2 km · Moderate
Yerseke Moer Summer Walk
3 km · Easy
Yerseke Moer Red Walking Route
2.5 km · Moderate
De Pluimpot Trail
9 km · Moderate
Sint-Philipsland Loop
4 km · Moderate
Neeltje Jans Blue Trail
4.4 km · Moderate
Schelphoek
4 km · Moderate
De Pluimpot
9 km · Moderate
Wandelroute Yerseke
5.4 km · Moderate
Rammegors Trail
5 km · Moderate
Slikken van de Heen
2.5 km · Easy

What you might see

Wildlife and plants recorded in the park. Watch from a distance; leave no trace.

Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica · Uncommon
Cockle
Cockle · Common
Brent Goose
Branta bernicla · Common
Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaea · Common
Anemone
Anemone · Common
Coastal breeding birds
Coastal breeding birds · Common
Brittle stars
Brittle stars · Common
Bar-tailed godwit
Limosa lapponica · Common
Avocet
Recurvirostra avosetta · Common
Black goby
Black goby · Common
Black rustic moth
Black rustic moth · Common
Black-spotted moth
Black-spotted moth · Common
Black Rustic
Aporophyla nigra · Common
Black Spot Moth
Pseudopanthera macularia · Common
Black gobies
Black gobies · Common
Black autumn spinner
Black autumn spinner · Common
Be Anemon
Sea anemones · Common
Avocet Foot
Recurvirostra avosetta · Common
Beachfly
Strandvlieg · Common
Blackspot butterfly
Zwartstipvlinder · Common

Getting there and planning

Nearest city: Zierikzee

Park facts

Designation: National park
Established: 2002