Around Ouddorp, you’ll find a variety of landscapes and places to visit, from meadows with old tidal creeks to dunes, walking trails and historic discoveries. When planning your trip, the different features are just as worth considering as the route lengths—for example, wildlife watching, seasonal flowers or a ride on the historic tram.
Nature Reserves and Birdwatching
Volgerland lies below the Ouddorp lighthouse. About 100 hectares along the inner edge of the dunes form an important nature corridor there, as part of the National Ecological Network. A five-kilometre walking trail leads through the area, with white arrows marking the way. It is open from sunrise to sunset. Check the latest access information before your visit.
At a lookout point in Volgerland, you may be able to spot reed buntings, small warblers, little grebes, ducks and spoonbills. The cautious wording is appropriate for wildlife watching: these species may be found there, but sightings are not guaranteed.
Koudenhoek, an extensive meadow area crisscrossed by remnants of old tidal creeks, is also near Ouddorp. This landscape has a different character from the nearby dune areas: meadows and traces of former tidal creeks shape the scenery here. If you’re comparing nature spots, you can choose between open meadows and varied dune landscapes.
Walking Trails Between the Dunes and Coast
The Duinen van Goeree are near Ouddorp. In this extensive dune area, drifting dunes, mudflats, wide beaches and woodland alternate. Several birdwatching points complement the walking trails. The stated route lengths range from 2.8 to 20 kilometres. The paved Middelduinweg runs through the dunes and is another specifically named route option.
Volgerland is also easy to assess in terms of route length: the trail there is five kilometres long, while the routes in the Duinen van Goeree cover a wider range of distances.
Seasonal Nature and Water Sports
De Kleistee is a nature reserve in the heart of Ouddorp and is of particular historical value. It preserves a remnant of a centuries-old landscape of sand ridges. A walk there combines the natural setting with its historical character. Special flower species grow in spring and summer; if you look carefully, you may also see colourful butterflies.
Kitesurfing, windsurfing, foiling, sailing and stand-up paddling are all possible at the Brouwersdam. The various water sports offer an alternative to walking and wildlife watching. Which activity you plan depends on your own interests; this does not imply anything about access or suitability for particular visitor groups.
Lighthouse and Historic Tram
The Westhoofd lighthouse stands in the dunes near Ouddorp. It was built in 1947–1948 to a traditionalist design by architect G.W. Friedhoff. The construction period and design give the lighthouse its own historical significance alongside the surrounding nature areas.
The RTM Museum in Ouddorp offers another way to combine history with an outing. With a reservation, a historic tram travels over the Brouwersdam to Scharendijke and back. Admission to the museum is included in a regular tram ticket. As operating days, reservations and ticket conditions may change over time, it’s best to check these details before making plans.
Practical Information
A cycling junction map is available from the VVV Inspiratiepunt in Ouddorp. As availability may change, ask locally if you’d like to use the map to plan your trip. This way, you can choose nature trails, seasonal wildlife watching and cultural attractions according to the focus of your stay.
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