Nationaal Park Oosterschelde is the largest and wettest national park in the Netherlands, covering an impressive area of 37,000 hectares. This unique and dynamic landscape formed after the 1953 flood disaster, where the interplay of tides creates a rich biodiversity of thousands of birds, plants, and animals. The park is a vital breeding ground for various bird species and an essential habitat for fish like garfish, anchovies, and eel. Seals and porpoises are also commonly found here, often basking on the sandbanks.
Visitors can engage in a wide range of nature-oriented activities, including beachcombing, mudflat hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. The opportunities for birdwatching are endless, and with a bit of luck, you might even spot seals in their natural habitat. Nationaal Park Oosterschelde is free to enter, but it’s crucial to give nature the space and tranquility it deserves. The park is part of the Natura 2000 network, which encompasses important protected nature areas across Europe.
With its unique combination of freshwater and saltwater, along with a constantly changing landscape, the park serves as a home for over 85 species of waterbirds, including the common redshank, spoonbill, and various goose species. The tidal movements ensure that mudflats and sandbanks are exposed daily, providing fresh feeding grounds for the birds.