Ouwerkerk
Ouwerkerk is the oldest village on Schouwen-Duiveland, but it became nationally known due to the devastating night of February 1, 1953. During the North Sea Flood, multiple dikes broke, allowing the sea to rush in with great force, reaching even as far as Nieuwerkerk.
The final breach in the dike was closed using four concrete caissons, which today stand as powerful symbols of recovery. These same structures now house the Watersnoodmuseum, a moving museum that tells the story of the disaster and the strength of Zeeland’s recovery.
Located along the Oosterschelde estuary, Ouwerkerk offers two small, quiet beaches with stunning views over the water. Between the village and the dike lies a unique creek area, shaped after the flood when the land could no longer be used for farming. Now it’s a peaceful nature reserve, perfect for walking and cycling.
Th…
Ouwerkerk is the oldest village on Schouwen-Duiveland, but it became nationally known due to the devastating night of February 1, 1953. During the North Sea Flood, multiple dikes broke, allowing the sea to rush in with great force, reaching even as far as Nieuwerkerk.
The final breach in the dike was closed using four concrete caissons, which today stand as powerful symbols of recovery. These same structures now house the Watersnoodmuseum, a moving museum that tells the story of the disaster and the strength of Zeeland’s recovery.
Located along the Oosterschelde estuary, Ouwerkerk offers two small, quiet beaches with stunning views over the water. Between the village and the dike lies a unique creek area, shaped after the flood when the land could no longer be used for farming. Now it’s a peaceful nature reserve, perfect for walking and cycling.
The village has around 575 residents and follows the traditional layout of a ring village. Several small-scale holiday parks can be found nearby, ideal for visitors seeking rest, nature, and a meaningful place. In Ouwerkerk, you don’t just hear the silence of the landscape, you feel the resilience of Zeeland.
