Nationaal park Oosterschelde

National Park Oosterschelde is the largest national park in the Netherlands, located in the province of Zeeland. This remarkable tidal area consists of open sea, salt marshes, mudflats, sandbanks and creeks, shaped by the constant ebb and flow of the tides. Covering over 37,000 hectares, it is a unique ecosystem teeming with life.

The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity. Seals, porpoises and thousands of wading birds thrive in this ever-changing environment. At low tide, sandbanks emerge where birds forage for food, while at high tide, the sea reaches up to the dikes. Birdwatchers can spot spoonbills, avocets, godwits and oystercatchers in abundance.

Below the surface, the Oosterschelde is a haven for divers. Colorful sea anemones, crabs, lobsters and schools of fish populate the clear waters, making it one of the top diving spots in the country.

Along the shores, visitors can walk, cycle and enjoy the salty landscapes. Popular places include the Plompe Toren, Neeltje Jans and Yerseke, where you can learn about oyster and mussel farming. Boat trips, mudflat walks and guided tours offer close encounters with the tidal nature.

Families will enjoy treasure hunts, visitor centres and educational activities about marine life. The park is also closely linked to the Delta Works, which protect the region from the sea while allowing nature to flourish.

National Park Oosterschelde is open year-round, with each season offering a different experience: breeding birds in spring, seals basking in summer, migratory birds in autumn and tranquil seascapes in winter. It’s a place of space, movement and raw natural power.