Kerkwerve

In the charming village of Kerkwerve, the village centre is laid out in a ring around the church. This centrally located church, dating from 1900, stands on a raised mound, also known as a werf. This is how the village got its name: Kerkwerve. Visit the village during Open Monument Day and hear how horses are shod in the travalje. Train enthusiasts, both young and old, can enjoy themselves at Recreatieboerderij Langeraad.

In the village

Walk around the church and admire the historic buildings along the Ring. You will also find the travalje here. This horse shoeing frame was used to shoe horses. In bad weather, the work was moved to the barn next to it. During Open Monument Day, the horse shoeing frame is in use, and you can both see and hear how the horses are shod. Further along, you will see a small statue of a woman on a motorbike. This is local resident nurse Zijp-van Bijlo (1895–1967). She worked as a district nurse in Kerkwerve and was famous in the village. You could hear her coming from far away during her home visits on her JaWa motorbike.

Outside the village

In the hamlet of Moriaanshoofd, just outside Kerkwerve, stands corn mill De Zwaan from 1886. Together with the pulpit in the church, these are the two national monuments of Kerkwerve. The mill still grinds on a voluntary basis. When the mill is turning, you are very welcome to come inside and take a look. West of Kerkwerve, you will find a vliedberg: a man-made mound, usually intended as the foundation for a motte castle. It is one of the two remaining vliedbergen on Schouwen-Duiveland. The other is located near Scharendijke. Do you love trains and model railways? At Recreatieboerderij van Langeraad, there is a miniature steam railway where children and adults can ride during special events. The model-building hobby club Gouden Handjes also has several model railways in its museum on the grounds of the recreational farm.

Visit de windmill

Prunje Polder Nature Reserve
Prunje Polder Nature Reserve

Just a stone's throw away, you'll find the Prunje Polder Nature Reserve, also known as Plan Tureluur. This area of creeks and marshes lies directly alongside the Oosterschelde and attracts a wide variety of bird species. Look through your binoculars along the edges of the pools—you have a good chance of spotting spoonbills fishing in the water with their distinctive large bills. The dikes offer the best views across the reserve. If you're lucky, you may also see the sheep grazing freely on the dikes, helping to maintain the landscape. A walking path leads to the Zuidkaap observation tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views over the Prunje Polder. It is especially worth visiting in September, when the samphire turns a reddish-brown colour, creating a beautiful contrast with the blue water.