Those staying in Burgh-Haamstede don't need to take the car to go hiking. Schouwseduin32 borders directly on the nature reserve De Zeepeduinen, and the largest forest in Zeeland, Boswachterij Westerschouwen, is just around the corner. On this page you will find the most beautiful marked routes in the area.
In short
- Sandy dunes, white route: 3.4 km, about 1 hour.
- Dune soap and Castle Haamstede, red route: 5.5 km. Together with the white route just over 9 km.
- Forest Ranger Westerschouwen: five marked routes by the Dutch Forest Service, from 1.8 to 6.5 km.
- With the dog: on a leash in the Zeepeduinen on the paths. There is a dog off-leash area in the forest ranger station.
The Soap Dunes: walking from your front door
The Zeepeduinen (Soap Dunes) are part of the Slot Haamstede estate and are managed by Natuurmonumenten. It is a varied dune area with dune valleys, open sand plains, a small dune lake, and patches of forest. The name derives from the Zeelandic word for seepage: groundwater used to seep from the dunes to the lower land here.
White route (3.4 km, approx. 1 hour): a loop through the Zeepeduinen. Start at the car park on the Adriaan van de Weijdeweg. Along the way, you'll see Shetland ponies that keep the area open, a sheltered dune lake, and wet valleys where striped newts and salamanders live. In the open areas, you can spot birds such as the meadow pipit, the common pochard, and the whimbrel.
Red route (5.5 km, approx. 1 hour 50): Sea dunes and Slot Haamstede. This route starts at Slot Haamstede and leads through dunes and castle woods. The oldest part of the castle is a defensive tower from the 13th century. Along the way, you will also come across bunkers from World War II. Combine the red and white routes for a walk of over 9 km.
Forest Ranger Westerschouwen: the largest forest in Zeeland
Between Burgh-Haamstede and Westenschouwen lies Boswachterij Westerschouwen: a hilly pine forest with dunes, deciduous trees, sand drifts and dune meadows. The Dutch Forest Service has laid out five walking routes there.
- Little Hook (white, 1.8 km) and Foxdale (red, 2.6 km): start at the excursion shed, Kraaijensteinweg 140 in Westenschouwen.
- Green dunes (orange, 2.5 km) and Theunisses Hil (purple, 6.5 km): start at the car park on the Adriaan van de Weijdeweg.
Tip: Climb the observation tower on the Blinkert, the highest dune in the area. On a clear day, you can see across the forest, dunes, and sea.
Walking with the dog
In the Zeepeduinen, dogs are welcome, on a leash and on the paths. In the Forest Ranger District Westerschouwen there is a special off-leash area. If you really want to let your dog run free, the beach is ideal: outside the high season, this is allowed all day. You can find all the rules per beach and season on our page Dog-friendly Beaches Schouwen-Duiveland.
Tips for the road
- Follow the colored poles. The routes are well marked.
- Stay on the paths. The Kop van Schouwen is a protected nature reserve.
- Wear sturdy shoes: many paths are sandy.
- Return in the autumn for mushrooms and the roaring of the deer at Castle Haamstede.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a nice short walk near Burgh-Haamstede?
The white route through the Zeepeduinen (3.4 km) or the Hoekeputje route in Boswachterij Westerschouwen (1.8 km).
Can my dog come with me to the Zeepeduinen?
Yes, on a leash and on the paths.
Where do I start in Forest Ranger Westerschouwen?
At the excursion shed at Kraaijensteinweg 140 in Westenschouwen, or at the car park at Adriaan van de Weijdeweg in Burgh-Haamstede.
Hiking from your holiday home
Schouwseduin32 is a private holiday home for 5 people with an enclosed garden of 550 m², bordering De Zeepeduinen. After a long walk, the fireplace awaits. Your dog is very welcome. View the holiday home and book directly.
Sources: Natuurmonumenten (walking routes Zeepeduinen and Slot Haamstede), Staatsbosbeheer (Boswachterij Westerschouwen).
