Netherlands > Across the Zeeland Islands

Despite the corona measures, over the Easter holidays we decide to go out. Nicolette and I are heading for a long weekend at a small hotel in Oostkapelle. As soon as we get on the road, we notice that more people have the same idea to get away these days. Soon we find ourselves in a traffic jam on the A4 towards the Ketheltunnel. The navigation shows a delay of over forty minutes. There’s nothing else to do but join the queue and wait until we can move on. At the interchange with the A15, traffic starts flowing again. Most vehicles are going the other way. We pass Spijkenisse and cross the Haringvlietbrug onto Goeree-Overflakkee. How was it again with the Zeeland islands? Which island lies where, and exactly where is the border between Zeeland and South Holland? We get the answer quickly. When passing the Brouwersdam, we also see the sign ‘Welcome to Zeeland.’ We drive onto the island of Schouwen-Duiveland. Around half past four, we arrive at the Oosterschelde barrier. We had actually planned to take a walk through the nature reserve on the island of Neeltje Jans, but due to the delays on the road, there’s no time for that now. We decide to make a short stop at the former construction island of the Delta Works. We park the car right under a windmill. What a huge giant. The blades make an ominous sound in the wind. From the tip of the island, we look out at the impressive Oosterschelde barrier structure. There is a strong northwest wind. The waves crash against the concrete pillars of the barrier. Still, the weather isn’t severe enough for the sluices to be closed.

Netherlands - The Oosterschelde barrier from the island of Neeltje Jans

The sluices only close at a water level of +3 meters NAP. Since its construction in 1986, this has happened just 27 times. It feels chilly on Neeltje Jans. Quickly, we get back in the car and drive the last stretch to Oostkapelle. The Randduin hotel is just outside Oostkapelle, close to the beach. We are warmly welcomed. Along with information about the room, we also receive instructions about the corona measures. There is a one-way system in the corridors. We can enter through the front door, and leave through the back door or the terrace. They also point out where extra plates and glasses are available if we need them. An extra table with two chairs has been placed in the room. This is going to work well for the next few days. In the afternoon, we walk to Oostkapelle. A walking path through the Manteling nature reserve leads to the center.

Netherlands - The Hotel Randduin on the edge of Oostkapelle

At the spot where the Huis te Oostkapelle once stood, a man walking his dog enthusiastically tells us there are plans to rebuild the historic house. The country estate from the 17th century fell into disrepair in the early 19th century. At the Willibrord Church, another passerby points out the unusually wide tower. He explains that it used to be a Catholic church, but during the Reformation in 1572, it became Protestant. The church was heavily damaged at that time, with only the tower remaining standing. In the evening, we pick up food from a nearby restaurant. In our room, we enjoy the fish stew and pork tenderloin. We open a bottle of wine. A great alternative to the closed restaurants.