Surroundings

Hof van Philipsland is situated in a unique location in Zeeland, surrounded by farmland and close to the waters of the Oosterschelde. The area is known for its tranquillity, nature, beautiful panoramas and charming Zeeland villages. From the accommodation you can easily discover the finest spots on the island and in the surrounding region.

The surroundings of Sint Philipsland are ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy nature. Expansive polders, dykes and nature reserves create a landscape where peace takes centre stage. Just a few minutes’ walk away lies the Oosterschelde, one of the most beautiful nature areas in the Netherlands. Here you can walk along the dyke, spot birds or enjoy views over the water.

Oosterschelde National Park

Diving at the Anna-Jacobapolder lock

Just a few minutes by bike you will find the lock at Anna-Jacobapolder, one of Zeeland’s best-known dive sites. The clear, salty water of the Oosterschelde offers excellent visibility and a surprisingly colourful underwater world. Between the lock walls and on the seabed you can find sea anemones, lobsters, seahorses and countless fish species.

The site is suitable for beginners and experienced divers alike. There is an easy entry point at the lock and the current is minimal at slack tide. Afterwards, warm up in the sun on the dyke with views over the Oosterschelde.

Slikken van de Heen

Directly south of Sint Philipsland lie the Slikken van de Heen, a vast nature reserve where land and water merge. This brackish salt marsh is an important breeding ground for coastal birds and a resting place for migratory species.

The area is also a breeding ground for remarkable bird species: marsh harrier, stonechat, osprey and white-tailed eagle. In winter, the peregrine falcon is almost always present, alongside large concentrations of waterfowl. Roe deer are regularly spotted, and the newest residents are the pine marten and the badger.

Walk along the paved paths at the edges of the reserve. The open landscape and salty air make this a wonderful place to unwind. In autumn, the glasswort fields paint the landscape in shades of red and purple.

Krabbenkreek

The Krabbenkreek is the part of the Oosterschelde between Tholen and Sint Philipsland. Here you will find expansive mudflats and salt marshes. At low tide it is an important foraging area for thousands of waders, ducks and geese. Enjoy the abundance of birdlife here.

The creek is also excellent for swimming. The water warms up quickly in summer and the gradual depth makes it safe for children. Besides swimming, you can also try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking or simply paddling along the shore. The Krabbenkreek is a hidden gem that never gets crowded.

Krabbenkreek is a sub-area of the Oosterschelde and forms part of one of the 40 Geosites of UNESCO Geopark Schelde Delta.

Eendenkooi Sint Philipsland

Duck decoys — known as eendenkooien — are a uniquely Dutch form of cultural heritage: an oasis of calm where an ancient craft has been practised since the Middle Ages. In the past, ducks were caught here for consumption. Today the ducks are still caught, but now they are ringed and blood samples are taken for scientific research into bird diseases.

This is still done using the traditional method. Stepping into the Eendenkooi is like stepping back in time. The Eendenkooi in Sint Philipsland is one of the more than 100 remaining duck decoys in the Netherlands. The decoy is set in a bird-rich area of 11.5 hectares.

Bruintjeskreek

The Bruintjeskreek is a varied area of open water and marshland. Originally a wide channel with high banks, but after the diking of the Anna Jacobapolder the creek gradually narrowed. The banks were turned into pasture and the remaining creek was given a function as a reservoir for surplus polder water. In the middle of the creek, a small wood of willows grew up spontaneously.

Willemspolder

The Willemspolder is a relatively new nature area on the landward side of the Oosterschelde. It is a wet grassland influenced by saline seepage. A large pool has been dug in the area for various waterfowl. Many waders cross the dyke when the Oosterschelde water level is high.

Rumoirtschorren

The Rumoirtschorren (pronounced “roo-moord”) stretch from the hamlet of Sluis to the start of the Philipsdam. Some sections are very narrow, while others are up to 500 metres wide. At the tip of the island, outside the dyke, there is a drinking pool for livestock — a so-called hollestelle — a cultural-historical feature of the area.

Rumoirtschorren is a sub-area of the Oosterschelde and forms part of one of the 40 Geosites of UNESCO Geopark Schelde Delta.

Zierikzee

About half an hour’s drive away lies Zierikzee, one of the best-preserved historic towns in Zeeland. Stroll through the narrow streets with their monumental facades, enjoy fresh fish at the old harbour or admire the imposing Zuidhavenpoort. On Thursdays there is a lively weekly market. Zierikzee is the perfect destination for a day out with culture, shops and fine restaurants.

Walking and cycling

Sint Philipsland is a paradise for walkers and cyclists. The flat polder landscape, dykes and creeks offer kilometres of routes through unspoilt Zeeland countryside. Follow the dyke paths along the Oosterschelde and enjoy the wide views over the water.

Popular routes take you past historic polders, old dykes and charming Zeeland villages. Distances are manageable and you will hardly encounter any cars along the way. Ideal for a relaxed family bike ride or a brisk walk along the coast.

Useful apps

Want to discover the best walking or cycling routes in the area? With the junction network apps you can easily plan your own route.

Wandelroutenetwerk

Plan walking routes via junctions through the Zeeland landscape.

Fietsroutenetwerk

Plan your own cycling route via cycling junctions throughout Zeeland.