Landgoed Slot Haamstede, located on Schouwen-Duiveland, is a historical and natural landmark where history and nature blend seamlessly. The 13th-century Slot Haamstede castle, surrounded by a moat and ancient trees, takes visitors back in time. The grand knight’s hall, antique furnishings, and ancient castle walls reflect the rich history of this estate, restored in the 17th century by Jacob van den Eynde after a major fire. Since 1981, the estate has been managed by Natuurmonumenten, allowing the public to explore this unique setting while preserving its historical character.
Surrounding the castle is the Castle Forest, an old woodland filled with deciduous trees such as majestic English oaks. An ancient wall encircles the forest, where unique plants like ivy-leaved toadflax and wall ferns flourish. On the coastal side lies the Zeepeduinen, an expansive dune area with sandy plains, dune valleys, lakes, and flowering shrubs. Here, birds like the nightingale and woodlark sing in summer, while larger animals such as fallow deer, roe deer, and Shetland ponies contribute to maintaining the open dunes. The area also contains WWII bunkers, now serving as shelter for various bat species.
The estate offers several walking trails from 3 to 5 km, leading visitors through the castle grounds and Zeepeduinen. These routes provide an opportunity to experience the historical and natural heritage of Slot Haamstede, allowing one to appreciate the peace, beauty, and diversity of the landscape.