Zierikzee, Burgh-Haamstede

Zierikzee is considered the heart of Schouwen-Duiveland and is the starting point of this route. Zierikzee was not having an easy time of it. Besides the ever-threatening water, its inhabitants had to deal with five city fires, sieges by Flemish troops, Beggars and Spanish soldiers and then a bombing by a British pilot in World War I. But the Zeeland motto of 'Luctor et Emergo' also applies to Zierikzee: the city has made a full recovery.

From Zierikzee, cycle towards the church village of Kerkwerve. The centrally located church, around which this village is built, lies on a werve, a terp-like elevation. In the village, with mostly farms, you will find two of our selected Pitstops. The Alpaca and Falabella Ranch and Meat Farm Boot. Continuing the route past Mondriaanshoofd, along Slikweg, you cycle past a beautiful nature reserve where dismounting is well worthwhile. The wetland is part of Natinaal Park Oosterschelde. There is a bird-watching screen near the car park, but you will also find watchtowers and bird-watching huts further in the area. The plan that played a big part in the development of this nature reserve at the beginning of the 21st century was called Plan Tureluur, after the endangered meadow bird that is now frequenting the area again and making its enthusiastic "tjululuu" sound again!

The furthest village you visit on this route is Burgh-Haamstede, which, like Zierikzee, has had a turbulent history. It originally consisted of two different villages: Burgh and Haamstede. Burgh was formed in the late ninth century around a ring fort that was raised against the Normans. In World War II, the village was hit by at least 80 bombings. Burgh, unlike higher-lying Haamstede, also suffered badly during the 1953 flood disaster. Much damage was done and there were casualties. Haamstede is known for its medieval castle, which was inhabited by Witte van Haemstede, son of Count Floris V. During the 1953 flood disaster, many Zeelanders moved to Haamstede precisely because it was a bit higher up and Haamstede was spared much misery.

With a head full of interesting facts, you cycle along the southern coast of Zeeland's island back to Zierikzee. Where you really should stop along the way to enjoy a sight or the beautiful views over the vast nature of Oosterschelde National Park.