Ouwerkerk
The oldest village on Schouwen-Duiveland: Ouwerkerk. First mentions and relics can be found as early as the 11th century. Ouwerkerk is best known for its constant battle against the water, as it was severely hit by the flood of 1953. Want to learn more about the disastrous night of 1953? Visit the museum and listen and read the personal stories of the people who lived in Ouwerkerk. The changes that the flood brought to the landscape can still be seen today.
1953 North Sea flood disaster
The North Sea flood of 1953 was disastrous for Ouwerkerk. Every sixth person died when large parts of the village were flooded. The dikes in the area were the last to be repaired. For this, four caissons were needed, which had to be towed all the way from the south of England to Ouwerkerk. If you are in Ouwerkerk, take a walk to the new cemetery and visit the monument commemorating the disaster: a hand reaching for help, which is being swallowed by a big wave.
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Krekengebied (Kreken area) Ouwerkerk
Because the hole in the dike could only be closed after several months, the area behind the dike was flooded. Even when the dikes were closed, the water stayed. We call these puddles behind the dike Kreken. Because the water is salty, the area could no longer be used for agriculture. Instead, new trees were planted to create a new and unique nature reserve.
Take a look at the creek area.
More to discover - in Ouwerkerk
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Watersnoodmuseum
Watersnoodmuseum
The museum is housed in those four caissons which were used to close the dike. Over the years, it has been expanded and renovated. The museum is a place to remember and commemorate. However, it is also a place to learn. Find out what the 1953 flood has taught us about maintaining our dikes.
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Sint Getruidkerk
Sint Getruidkerk
Since the Middle Ages, Ouwerkerk has had a church. However, the church you can visit nowadays isn’t that old. In 1944, Ouwerkerk was bombed, and a year later, German troops blew up the church’s remaining tower. The new Sint Geertruidkerk was built in 1956.
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Viane Weighbridge
Viane Weighbridge
The former harbor village of Viane was built at the shore of the Oosterschelde. Farmers brought their harvest, usually beets, to the harbor. Before the goods were loaded onto the ship, they were weighed. For this purpose, a weighbridge was built at the port of Viane, which you can still visit today.
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Tide pools
Tide pools
Discovering the underwater world of the Oosterschelde without getting wet feet? Ouwerkerk has ten tide pools, which become visible with low tide. Which animals do you see?