The largest national park in the Netherlands consists of the river basin of the Oosterschelde and their shores on the islands Schouwen-Duiveland and Tholen in the north and North Beveland and Zuid-Beveland in the south as well as the tributaries Zijpe. Mastgat and Krabbenkreek between Schouwen-Duiveland, Tholen and Sint Philipsland (island) . The Oosterschelde is connected to the open one via the storm surge barrier North Sea and is therefore subject to the influence of ebb and flow. This national park is 37 hectares and consists mainly of water.
background
The Oosterschelde is an important part of the three-river delta, the Rhine, Maas and Schelde, which lies between Rotterdam and Zeeuws-Vlaanderen flows into the North Sea. This has resulted in a complex interplay of currents, islands and estuaries. In the past, the Oosterschelde and the Westerschelde formed the estuary of the Scheldt, which exchanged salt and fresh water currents twice a day with the tides. But since then Walcheren, Zuid-Beveland and Noord-Brabant are linked, the Oosterschelde has a life of its own. With the closure of the Philips dam, the supply of fresh water from the Meuse and Rhine was also stopped. Since then, only salt water has flowed through the Oosterschelde. This makes the Oosterschelde the only estuary that has ebb and flow but no fresh water supply. This results in fairly clean and bright water as it is not clouded by river water. A variety of plants, fish, birds and all kinds of small animals live in this salt water tidal area. Seals have also discovered the area for themselves.
Storm surge barrier
Originally, the Oosterschelde was supposed to be closed just like Haringvliet and Grevelingen. The delta plan was under the impression of 1953 flood was developed and should make such catastrophes impossible once and for all. When, after the closure of the other waters, it became clear what a huge encroachment on nature this was, protests broke out from both fisheries and nature conservationists. With the closure of the Oosterschelde, a large saltwater area, which is extremely important for the mussel and oyster fishery, would have been lost. This combination of economic and environmental interests, but also the still existing safety aspect, ensured that politicians decided to build this very expensive pier dam in 1976. This construction is permeable to normal tides, but is closed with large metal gates in the event of impending danger. The 21 pillars stand on gigantic concrete plateaus. How big they are can still be seen on the former working island Neeltje Jans, where there is still a reserve pillar. In 1986 the weir was completed. The tidal movements were saved, but have decreased.
nature
The Oosterschelde National Park is primarily a lake water park. Most of it can be seen underwater, a colorful world of algae, lobsters, shrimps, sea snails, fish, water lilies, soft corals and squids. The water is clear enough and popular with scuba divers. Below the low water line, 100 different animal species live in the area flooded by the tides, a further 170 species.
getting there
By car
- 'From north and east Germany:
- A7 / N7 direction Groningen, A28 direction Assen - Hoogeveen - Zwolle - Amersfoort - Utrecht; A27 direction Gorinchem - Breda; A59 Roosendaal - Vlissingen
- From West and South Germany:
- BAB3 to GÜG Elten; A12 direction Arnhem - Utrecht; A27 direction Gorinchem - Breda; A59 Roosendaal - Vlissingen
- or
- GÜG Venlo A67 direction Eindhoven; A2; A58 direction Breda - Roosendaal - Vlissingen
- from the A58 in Middelburg to the N57 (exit 39) in the direction of Burg-Haamstede.
By train
- from East and North Germany:
- IC to Amsterdam C; change there in IC to Vlissingen. Get off in Middelburg. The travel time between Amsterdam and Middelburg is 2:15 hours.
- from southern and western Germany:
ICE to Amsterdam C; change there in IC to Vlissingen. Get off in Middelburg. The travel time between Amsterdam and Middelburg is 2:15 hours.
- IC from Venlo to Breda; Change to train to Roosendaal; there change to Stop clean to Vlissingen. Get off in Goes.
- from Maastricht to 's-Hertogenbosch; there change to IC to Roosendaal; there change to Stop clean to Vlissingen. Get off in Middelburg.
- in Middelburg change to the bus to Burgh-Haamstede ..
Visit
- The Oosterschelde is not only a nature reserve, but also a fairway. Commercial shipping and fishing use the water intensively. The pleasure boat trip is bound by rules: fast motorboats are not allowed to go everywhere Water scooter are generally forbidden. Otherwise, watercraft are the best way to explore the national park. This can be done, not only with your own, but also with rented boats or within the framework of Round trips.
- If you want to see the underwater nature, you can explore the silt plates at low tide, or at Diving discover a real treasure trove. The spots where you can dive (and park) without disrupting the fishing are indicated.
- A visit to the former work island Neeltje Jans is recommended. After the construction work on the storm surge barrier was completed, the island was set up as a nature reserve. Even a trip to this artificial island without visiting a park is worthwhile.
- 1 Delta Park Neeltje Jans, Faelweg 54354 RB Vrouwenpolder. Tel.: 31 111 655655. Dogs are not allowed. If you want to take advantage of the entrance fee for the park, you should arrive early in the day. The on-site storm surge barrier and the entire delta works in Zeeland and Zuid-Holland are explained, as well as water management, nature conservation, history and the fight against water. One of the pillars is open to visitors. There are various attractions for children, such as the hurricane machine, water playground, seal show. The 10 m long whale pavilion that the WalvisWereld houses, catches the eye from its construction alone. A boat trip costs another € 3.Open: 2015 season, 29 March to 2 November, 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.Price: Adult admission: € 20, parking € 7.
Also on foot the Oosterschelde can be explored. At the edges there are many dikes and old caves with good views of water and birds. There are bird watching huts and information boards.
- The Oosterscheldepad is a 196 km long hiking trail on the banks of the national park. A guide to this (in Dutch language) is available in bookshops and at VVV's.
Diving
by divers for divers(Mostly fully booked)
Web links
- http://www.np-oosterschelde.nl/? - Official website of the Oosterschelde
