Locks and pumping stations make the relationship between the village and the water tangible in Termunterzijl: the history of drainage meets the themes of fishing and the Wadden Sea here. Termunterzijl lies on the Ems-Dollard and is part of the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site; the village is also officially designated as a protected village landscape. The themes range from historic lock construction to natural features around the Punt van Reide.

Locks, drainage and fishing

The permanent exhibition at the Visserijmuseum Termunterzijl covers the village’s role in drainage, including water boards, sluices and pumping stations. Another focus is Termunterzijl’s role as a centre for shrimp fishing. This includes the fishing itself, drying facilities and home peeling. The exhibition thus presents two distinct aspects of life by the water side by side: regulating and draining the water, and using the sea for fishing.

A notable chapter in the history of drainage is the Boog van Ziel lock. Groningen’s city architect, Antoni Verburgh, built it around 1725 to replace an older lock. That lock had been built in 1601 and destroyed during the Sint-Maartensvloed of 1686. The Cremer pumping station museum adds to the story of water engineering: the water engineer Pieter Geert Cremer built it in 1930/1931. It is recognised as a Rijksmonument for its prominent position in the village landscape, cultural-historical value, good state of preservation and distinctive design.

Shrimp-peeling demonstrations are also part of the local fishing theme: Vispaleis Westerhuis holds them regularly. The museum exhibition and demonstrations offer different perspectives: the exhibition covers the historical role of fishing, including drying facilities and home peeling, while the demonstrations make shrimp peeling a hands-on topic.

Village landscape, views and nature

Along the Termunterzijldiep, houses stand beside a narrow brick-paved path that cars cannot use. This streetscape adds a tangible feature of the village to its status as a protected village landscape. Termunterzijl also has a small beach. From the top of the De Golf van Termunterzijl observation tower, visitors can see the De Dollard nature reserve and Germany on one side, and Termunterzijl and Termunten on the other.

The Punt van Reide lies east of Termunterzijl. The nature reserve provides a habitat for numerous migratory birds and a natural resting place for seals. The headland itself is not freely accessible; however, the areas on both sides offer opportunities to explore nature. If you are planning a trip there, bear this distinction in mind and do not confuse the nature reserves with freely accessible land on the headland.

Walking and other routes

A walking route about 13.6 kilometres long runs from Termunterzijl to the Punt van Reide and is marked using Waddenwandelen junctions. The route provides a direct link between the village and the nearby natural area. Check current route conditions and the signs on site before setting out. The access restriction at the Punt van Reide still applies: the route leads to the headland, which itself is not freely accessible, while the nature reserves on either side offer opportunities to explore.

A different route description covers the Dollardroute: it runs from Nieuwe Statenzijl to Termunterzijl and then onwards towards Winschoten. For planning purposes, this is a separate point of reference from the walking route to the Punt van Reide; the two descriptions give different starting points and directions. At Gemaal Rozema, A.Verburghwijk 2, 9948 PE Termunterzijl, a fish passage helps fish migrate upstream from the Wadden Sea. Waterschap Hunze en Aa’s offers visits to Gemaal Rozema as part of its educational programmes.

Shrimp and dining

Fishing shapes Termunterzijl not only as an exhibition topic. Alongside the regular shrimp-peeling demonstrations, local restaurants provide the culinary side of a visit: their offerings include cosy terraces and excellent fish dishes. If you are planning to dine out for a particular dish, check the establishment’s current menu beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Wagenborgen, Termunten, Delfzijl.

Back to the main travel overview: Delfzijl.