Herkingen and the surrounding area
- There are playgrounds at the harbour and in the park behind it.
- The two large marinas are situated behind the dyke.
- Herkingen beach is within walking distance (230 metres): head left out of the park and then up the steps to the dyke. There you’ll find Europe’s largest saltwater lake: Lake Grevelingen.
You can learn to windsurf there, go on a SUP tour, or go sailing in a yacht or a sloop. It’s also the perfect spot for a snorkelling safari – there’s plenty of beauty to discover underwater. But of course, it’s also the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun.
- Herkingen Marina is a lovely starting point for a day by the water. From the marina, there are various sailing routes to choose from, taking you past the small islands. Brasserie Bolbaken is also situated in the marina, where you can enjoy a lovely lunch, dinner or a drink.
- The Herkingen windmill can be visited when the blue pennant is flying. The mill dates back to 1841 and was used to grind grain.
- In Herkingen, fun activities are regularly organised, such as the annual fair, winter market, spring market and the GO Triathlon.
- Close to Herkingen lies the Paardengat Nature Reserve, home to many rare bird species. It’s a lovely place to go for a walk along the numerous creeks.
- At Van der Velde Watersportwinkel, water sports enthusiasts can find everything they need to make the most of their water sports activities.
- In the area around Herkingen, there are many cycle routes winding through the enchanting countryside: breathtaking landscapes, picturesque villages and peaceful paths. On the left-hand side of the small harbour ‘Battenoord’ on Lake Grevelingen, you’ll often spot a number of flamingos – a lovely sight! Bicycles can be hired at Watersport van der Velde (Groene Kruisweg 2A in Herkingen).
Food and Drink Restaurants:
- Herkingen: ‘t Frietkot (snack bar), Wapen van Herkingen, Sushi Restaurant Nova, Brasserie Bolbaken, Tea Garden ‘de Bongerd’
- Eetcafe de Tram – Oude Tonge
- Middelharnis: Pizzeria Le Pinocchio and many other little eateries in the centre around the harbour.
https://www.demekkerstee.nl/nl/wat-is-er-te-doen-op-goeree-overflakkee/
There’s plenty to do on Goeree-Overflakkee. Take a stroll through the historic centre of Goedereede, visit De Mekkerstee goat farm in Ouddorp or head to the beach.
THE BEST DAYS OUT ON GOEREE-OVERFLAKKEE!
Goeree-Overflakkee is the southernmost island in the province of South Holland. Many tourists come for the vast beaches, but Goeree-Overflakkee has much more to offer.
#1 – THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF GOEDEREEDE
Goedereede is a beautiful old town. Stroll through the old streets – such as Het Klooster and Pieterstraat. Admire the magnificent townhouses on the Noordzijde and Zuidzijde Haven. When the weather’s fine, take a seat on the Markt for a bite to eat and a drink at De Gouden Leeuw. Parking is free at the Centrum In ’t Hof car park (near the Spar Goeree supermarket).
#2 – DE MÈKKERSTEE GOAT FARM
De Mèkkerstee Goat Farm is a fun day out for young and old alike. See how goats are milked and how cheese is made. There’s also a large farm shop selling fresh produce, including all kinds of sheep’s, cow’s and goat’s cheese. Take a seat in the restaurant for freshly baked apple pie or try some homemade ice cream. Outside, there’s a playground for children and, from spring to autumn, a pick-your-own garden where you can put together your own bouquet. As well as goats, there are all sorts of other farm animals to see, such as chickens, pigs and ponies. Entry and parking are free.
#3 – SHOPPING ON GOEREE-OVERFLAKKEE
Fancy a spot of shopping on the island of Goeree-Overflakkee? There are two main village centres: Ouddorp and Middelharnis. Ouddorp has a large town centre with a varied selection of shops and places to eat and drink. In Middelharnis, head to ‘d’n Diek’ for a variety of local shops and major chains. In both towns, you can enjoy a lovely lunch at one of the many restaurants. Combine an afternoon’s shopping with a tasty lunch or a cup of coffee on a terrace. As well as the shops, Goeree-Overflakkee also hosts various weekly markets and summer fairs. Check this page for an up-to-date overview of the weekly markets and summer fairs on Goeree-Overflakkee.
#4 – A NICE TRIP TO THE BEACH
Head to the little beach at Herkingen or the North Sea beach in Ouddorp!
Ouddorp has the most beautiful beaches in the Netherlands. Even when it’s extremely busy, you won’t be crammed in next to other beachgoers.
Ouddorp also has trendy beach bars (Tip: Paal 10) and vast dunes.
#5 – THE BEST RESTAURANTS
The island of Goeree-Overflakkee is renowned for its restaurants. Fancy a delicious meal at a beach bar, on a sunny terrace or in a posh restaurant? Anything is possible! Be amazed by the wide variety of restaurants on Goeree-Overflakkee where you can enjoy a lovely lunch or dinner.
#6 – RENT A SEGWAY OR SCOOTER
Fancy an unforgettable day along the coast? Then why not hire a Segway or scooter from Bever Verhuur in Ouddorp? On a lovely day, you can explore the island of Goeree-Overflakkee on a scooter or Segway. Will you choose a route through the dunes of Ouddorp or head towards Flakkee?
#7 – EXPLORING THE ISLAND IN A ‘2CV’
Don’t fancy cycling? Then hire an old-fashioned ‘2CV’ from Eendjes Verhuur in Stellendam. In a 2CV, you’ll experience what it’s like to drive with an old-fashioned open roof. Eendjes Verhuur in Stellendam has the best routes ready for you, though you’re of course free to choose your own route. They also offer a special Mèkkerstee package. You can choose between a high tea package or a cheese tasting. A lovely break from your tour of Goeree-Overflakkee.
#8 – DE FLIPJES PLAYGROUND
Is the weather nice? Then De Flipjes Playground in Ouddorp is a great day out with the children. This outdoor playground has dozens of play structures, such as swings, seesaws, roundabouts, trampolines, and slides and cable cars. The children can play here all day and have a great time for just €2!
#9 – GOEREE-OVERFLAKKEE REGIONAL MUSEUM
Prefer something a bit more cultural? At the Goeree-Overflakkee Regional Museum, you can learn more about the island’s history. The focus is on agriculture, fishing and traditional crafts.
#10 – NATURE RESERVES
Goeree-Overflakkee has more to offer than just golden sandy beaches. De Kwade Hoek is a popular nature reserve with unpaved walking trails and around 300 species of plants. The Slikken van Flakkee near Melissant are also well worth a visit. You can also visit all sorts of islands, such as Hompelvoet (by private boat only) and Tiengemeten (by ferry in the summer).
#11 – FLAKKEE WILDLIFE PARK
Faunapark Flakkee is the best wildlife park in Goeree-Overflakkee and is situated in Nieuwe-Tonge. The Faunapark is home to all sorts of unusual creatures. Marvel at the hutias, bobak marmots, tayras and even a magnificent swamp cat.
#12 – A DAY OF INDOOR WATER FUN
There are no fewer than four swimming pools on Goeree-Overflakkee! Is the weather a bit on the dull side today? Then head for a day of water fun at one of these four. The largest swimming pool is Aqua Mundo, at Port Zélande. It’s perfect for a whole day’s fun on the white-water course, in the turbo tunnel and in the indoor and outdoor pools. The other swimming pools are in Stellendam, Dirksland and Sommelsdijk.
#13 – TAKE A BOAT TOUR ON THE GREVELINGEN
On board the ‘Grevelingen’, you can enjoy a wonderful 1.5-hour boat trip on the Grevelingen. The boat departs from Den Osse harbour, sailing past Hompelvoet, Stampersplaat and Dwars in de weg, then past Brouwershaven and back to the harbour. You might even spot some seals along the way!
#14 – A SEAL SEAL RESCUE CENTRE
Visit the A Seal seal sanctuary in Stellendam. See the seals up close and learn all about the different species of seal that live in our area. Once a seal is strong enough to survive in the wild, it is released back into the wild. You can even be there to witness this!
#15 – WESTHOOFD OUDDORP LIGHTHOUSE
The Westhoofd lighthouse is definitely worth a visit! There’s a small car park near the lighthouse, but you can get even closer if you carry on on foot.
#16 – DE HOUTEN KAAP BEACH THEATRE
Situated near the North Sea, the Houten Kaap beach theatre offers a varied programme of theatre for all ages. Both inside the theatre and outside on the lively beach square, you can enjoy shows, performances and fun activities all year round.
#17 – ATTEND LOCAL EVENTS
Perhaps you’re wondering what there is to do on the island? Did you know that all sorts of great events are organised on Goeree-Overflakkee? ‘Concert at Sea’ is definitely one of the highlights. Enjoy the convivial atmosphere and the music on the Brouwersdam! You should also visit the Smaak aan Zee food truck festival to sample the most delicious dishes whilst soaking up the sunny atmosphere.
#19 – SPEND A DAY DOING WATER SPORTS
At the Brouwersdam Sailing and Surfing Centre or the Natural High surf school, you can enjoy kitesurfing, windsurfing and wave surfing. This is the best place to get to grips with various water sports. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll learn the basics of surfing. Children aged 8 and over are welcome. It’ll be an unforgettable experience!
#20 – SPOTTING FLAMINGOS IN THE WILD
Want to spot flamingos on Goeree-Overflakkee? This is perhaps the most special thing to do on the island! Between November and April, a flock of flamingos spends the winter on Lake Grevelingen. They love coming here because the water in this saltwater lake doesn’t freeze. Park at Battenoord harbour and walk along the footpath. Great fun for children: there are signs along the route with all sorts of questions, facts and activities.