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An island tucked away in the southwest of the Netherlands, Goeree-Overflakkee quietly holds some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery, tastiest local treats, and wildest outdoor adventures. I had never visited before, and honestly? I was completely blown away. From egg-shaped bird observatories to pretzel-shaped pastries dripping with cinnamon — this island surprised me at every turn. Here are my top 9 reasons why Goeree-Overflakkee deserves a spot on your travel list.
Goeree-Overflakkee
Introduction
Goeree-Overflakkee is both an island and a municipality, located in the southwest of the Dutch province of South Holland. The island is surrounded by the North Sea, the Haringvliet, the Volkerak randmeer, the Krammer and the Grevelingenmeer — in other words, it is gloriously encircled by water on all sides.
Top 9 Reasons to Visit Goeree-Overflakkee
1. The Goeree-Overflakkee Tourist Inspiration Point
The Goeree-Overflakkee tourist information point is located in ‘t Blaeuwe Huus in Ouddorp, and it is the perfect place to kick off your island adventure. In a contemporary and interactive setup, you can explore everything the island has to offer — starting with a hands-on table where a full model of Goeree-Overflakkee comes to life. Get inspired here and build your own perfect day out before diving into the other 8 reasons below.
2. The Flakkeese Bolus
If you visit only one thing on this list for your taste buds, make it the Flakkeese bolus. This local delicacy is delightfully different from the famous Zeeland bolus — instead of dark caster sugar, it is made with white caster sugar and generous amounts of cinnamon, twisted into a beautiful pretzel shape. Did you know that the bolus was originally introduced to Zeeland by Portuguese Jews at the end of the sixteenth century? It is a bite of history that also happens to be wonderfully sweet and utterly addictive.
3. Bird Observatory Tij
A local forester met us and guided us to one of the most architecturally spectacular spots on the island: the Bird Observatory Tij, perched right at the edge of the Haringvliet. Opened in April 2019 as part of the Haringvliet Dream Fund, this observatory is built in the shape of a giant egg — and it is jaw-dropping both inside and out. Whether you are a dedicated bird watcher or simply someone who appreciates a jaw-dropping view, looking out over the Haringvliet through the observatory’s frame is a genuinely unforgettable experience.
Find more information and book an excursion to Bird Observatory Tij.
4. Slikken van Flakkee Nature Reserve
This stunning nature reserve is home to 150 Heck cattle, around 50 fjord horse mares with 30 foals, 60 deer, and a wealth of other wildlife. The best way to experience it up close — and trust me, you want to — is to book a guided excursion in an open-air wagon pulled by a tractor. Your guide will bring the landscape and its residents to life in a way that simply wandering alone never could. Excursions run during the summer months and can be booked at the VVV inspiration point in Ouddorp or online.
5. Zoet of Zout Restaurant
The name Zoet of Zout — Sweet or Salt — is a nod to its extraordinary location right on the Haringvlietdam, sitting between fresh and salt water. The striking light-blue metallic exterior catches your eye immediately, and the spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the water makes you want to linger for hours. Inside, the industrial-chic décor feels hip without being pretentious, and the open kitchen turns out dishes made from pure, local ingredients. We had a fantastic lunch — soup, a juicy hamburger, and some seriously good luxury sandwiches. Highly recommended!
6. A Seal — Seal Sanctuary in Stellendam
Right next door to Zoet of Zout is a seal sanctuary called A Seal, based in Stellendam and caring for injured seals found anywhere from IJmuiden to Cadzand — a stretch of coast that is home to over a thousand seals. The shelter rehabilitates animals in need and releases them back into the wild. You can get up close to the seals, watch dedicated volunteers at work, and learn everything about the different seal species that call this coastline home. Climb up to the sandbanks for a sweeping view over the area — it is absolutely worth a visit.
More information: A Seal Seal Sanctuary.
7 & 8. Brouwersdam Beach — Sun, Sand, and Kite Surfing
Stretching 17 glorious kilometres, Brouwersdam beach is one of those places that earns its reputation. Whether you want to stroll along the water’s edge, sunbathe with a good book, build sandcastles with the kids, or let the dog run free (allowed between 1 October and 1 May), there is space for everyone here. Several beach pavilions are dotted along the shore for whenever hunger or thirst strikes.
8. Kite surfing and other water sports
This beach is ideal and very suitable for extreme water sports. Just think of kite surfers, buggy kites, sand yachting and kite flying. If you also want to learn kite surfing or other water sports, there are schools in the area where you can go for a workshop or lessons.
But Brouwersdam truly comes alive when the wind picks up. The beach is a magnet for extreme water sports enthusiasts — kite surfers, buggy kites, sand yachts, and kite flyers all converge here. If you have always wanted to try kite surfing, there are local schools offering lessons and workshops. A dedicated kite zone is in place: kite surfing is permitted on the sea side only, not on the Grevelingen side. The northern half of the beach serves as a swimmers’ zone (to the right of beach club De Kous when facing the sea), marked by yellow buoys — kiting is strictly forbidden within these buoys. A rescue post is also nearby for peace of mind.
Check out the live webcam at Brouwersdam beach before you go.
9. Observation Tower at the Grevelingenmeer Information Centre
Our final stop was the Grevelingenmeer information centre and observation tower, managed by Staatsbosbeheer and designed to be the beating heart of nature discovery in this area. The best part? Entry to the building and the tower is completely free. The ground floor hosts a souvenir shop and canteen, while the interior architecture — all sweeping lines and natural materials — is impressive in its own right. Climb the stairs to the top of the tower and you are rewarded with a breathtaking panorama over the beach and the surrounding landscape. The perfect ending to a perfect island day.
Looking Back
These top 9 reasons to visit Goeree-Overflakkee came to life thanks to the Insta tour, organised by the municipality of Eiland Goeree-Overflakkee (IG: @Eilandgo) and Jann (IG: @senns_less) — thank you both for the wonderful invitation. I had never set foot on Goeree-Overflakkee before this trip, and it completely stole my heart. The nature reserves alone are worth the journey, but add in the food, the wildlife, the water sports, and the sheer sense of discovery, and you have one of the most underrated destinations in the Netherlands. Go. You will not regret it.
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