Through the Slikken of the Heen

Are you looking for a walk where nature is still in charge? Then set course for the Slikken van de Heen. This former tidal area on the border of the Brabantse Wal and the Zeeland island of Tholen offers a unique mix of open plains, dense shrubs and spectacular views.

Route description

• Once, the salt water of the Grevelingen and the Oosterschelde flowed daily over the flats here.
• After the construction of the Philipsdam in 1987, everything changed: the area was cut off from the sea and slowly transformed into an extensive freshwater marsh.
• Today it is a paradise for birds and large grazers.
• During your walk, there's a good chance you'll come face to face with Konik horses or the imposing Heck cattle, which graze here year-round to keep the area open.
• Early in the walk, you'll pass the strategically placed viewing screen. Take a moment here.
• Thanks to the shelter, you can watch the countless waterbirds in the creeks undisturbed.
• With a bit of luck, you might even spot the impressive white-tailed eagle, which regularly hunts for a meal here.
• The literal high point of the route is the sturdy lookout tower. After a short climb, you're rewarded with a 360-degree view.
• On one side you'll see the vast nature of the Slikken, and on the other the glistening water of the Krammer-Volkerak and the imposing windmills on the Philipsdam.
• The path leads from the tower briefly along the Schelde-Rhine Canal before heading back into the area to reach the starting point.