
10 Nature reserves
Around Cadzand lie 10 exceptional walking areas. Het Zwin on the Belgian border is the most extraordinary, a tidal reserve where rare birds such as the avocet and Sandwich tern breed.
Cadzand-Bad is the south-westernmost resort in the Netherlands and holds a special trump card: directly behind the beach, a cross-border nature area begins that extends deep into Belgium. Those who walk from Cadzand have one of the finest and most peaceful coastal areas of the Low Countries stretching before them.
Walking routes around Cadzand lead along the wide beach, through the dunes and towards Het Zwin, the unique cross-border reserve with salt marshes, mudflats and bird-rich schorren. Below are the finest routes.

Around Cadzand lie 10 exceptional walking areas. Het Zwin on the Belgian border is the most extraordinary, a tidal reserve where rare birds such as the avocet and Sandwich tern breed.

Het Zwin is a tidal area of mudflats and salt marsh on the border between Knokke-Heist and Cadzand. In 1952 it became Flanders' first nature reserve and covers some 575 hectares in total. What can you expect at Het Zwin? - Flora and fauna: Thousands of migratory birds rest here, and the Zwin is an important breeding site ...

On the coast of Zeelandic Flanders, between Breskens and Nieuwvliet-Bad, you will find the unique nature reserve Waterdunen. It is a special project where nature and people meet, bringing together different functions: Tidal nature: a landscape shaped by the sea - Recreation: a paradise for walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers, ...

The fortification ramparts of Retranchement form a small nature area where history and nature come together. Surrounded by water and greenery, you walk here over old defensive ramparts, along moats and through a varied landscape. What can you expect at the fortification ramparts of Retranchement? The area of around 27 ...

The Willem Leopoldpolder near Retranchement is a small and varied nature area in the border region between the Netherlands and Belgium. What can you expect in the Willem Leopoldpolder? Together with the neighbouring Verschepolder, this area forms a unique landscape of around 65 hectares where tranquillity, nature and ...

The Drowned Land of Saeftinghe, at some 3,500 hectares, is the largest brackish salt marsh in Western Europe. It lies on the Westerschelde in the east of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, close to the port of Antwerp. What can you expect at Saeftinghe? - History: In the Middle Ages this was fertile polder land with villages and a ...

The visitor centre Het Zwin in Knokke-Heist forms the modern gateway to the famous nature reserve Het Zwin, located on the border between Belgium and the Netherlands between Knokke-Heist and Cadzand-Bad. What can you expect at the visitor centre of Het Zwin? This interactive nature park is known as the ‘international ...

Just behind the coastline, between Blankenberge and Zeebrugge, lies the provincial domain Zeebos, a planted forest of 41 hectares. This beautiful nature reserve offers a tranquil environment to enjoy nature and the landscape, perfect for walking and nature enthusiasts. What to expect at Zeebos? - Walking Trails: ...

Between Blankenberge and Zeebrugge, a narrow dune belt hosts a unique nature reserve: De Fonteintjes. This area offers an enchanting landscape of dune ponds, dune scrub, and wet dune grasslands, ideal for nature lovers and walkers. What to Expect at De Fonteintjes? - Walking Routes: Discover De Fonteintjes via the ...

Cadzand has 4 viewpoints with a panoramic outlook over the North Sea, the coastline and the border area with Belgium. Below are the finest locations.

The Panorama Pier near Retranchement is a remarkable viewpoint along the dune boulevard between Cadzand-Bad and Knokke-Heist. This 56-metre-long wooden boardwalk extends into the Het Zwin nature reserve and offers spectacular views across the unique landscape. What can you expect at the panorama pier? - Cycling and ...

Fort Nassau, located near the border village of Retranchement, is a remarkable historic site where nature and history come together. History of Fort Nassau - Historic Fort from the Eighty Years’ War: During the Eighty Years’ War (1568-1648), Prince Maurice conquered the strategic town of Sluis. To protect the harbour ...

Nieuwe Sluis Lighthouse towers above the dunes and dike, watching over the Western Scheldt, a true eye-catcher and must-see for visitors to the Zeeland coast. What makes Nieuwe Sluis Lighthouse so special? - Climb the Tower: During the tourist season, you can climb the lighthouse. After more than 90 steps, you’ll be ...

The Groede viewpoint is located on top of the dunes near Groede, between Nieuwvliet-Bad and Breskens. It is a pleasant place to stop during a walk or cycle ride and enjoy the view over the beach, the sea and the dunes. What can you expect at the Groede viewpoint? - Stunning views over the coast: From the platform, you ha ...
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