Westerschouwen Forest
Boswachterij Westerschouwen

**Walk, hike or mountain bike amongst the trees and sand dunes in Zeeland's biggest forest. **

Westerschouwen Forest is on Zeeland's northernmost peninsula, Schouwen-Duiveland, and is the largest forest in the province. Interestingly, it isn’t very old though: the planting of trees there only began around 100 years ago. Before 1920, the area was just one big sandy expanse. This means that interspersed with the trees are sandy, dune filled areas. (P.S. This is where you’ll find the ponies if you’re lucky). Nature lovers will find an abundance of nature here from butterflies to birds of prey and rabbits to deer. Keep an eye out.

Walks through the forest

The forest offers pretty, signposted walks amongst the trees and the dunes. Several walking routes start at the entrance to Westerschouwen Forest where you’ll find the visitors centre and Klimbos Zeeuwse Helden.

Starting Point: Kraaijensteinweg 140, 4328 RD Burgh-Haamstede

• Foxdalwendeling Route (red): Wander through the forest’s green valley on this 3km route. It connects both starting points, so you can start at either one. Pay attention to the signs to make sure you get back to where you started
• Boswatcherspad Route (yellow): Watch for out woodpeckers and enjoy the calming sounds of the sea on this 6.5km forest route.
• Hoekeputje-tiocht (white): See more of the trees and dunes on this longer 7km loop. Putting in the extra work gets you the bonus of passing the forest’s fire tower. There are beautiful panoramic views at the top.
• Walking Route Westerschouwen (green): Go deep into the forest and walk along a beautiful beachy section on Zealand's north shore on this 12km hike.

There is also a walk that starts at the Het Groene Duin parking lot. Suitable for families and especially the little kids!

Starting Point: Bosweg, A. van de Weijdeweg, Burgh-Haamstede

• Groene Duinen Rondje (orange): Walk through the forest and grazing area on this short 2.5 km. You might even see the ponies.
• Theunesses Hil-tocht (purple): Experience the Schouwen-Duiveland's varying landscape and pass by a pretty pond on this beautiful 6.5km loop.

Forest Mountain Biking

Not only is it an ideal place for an atmospheric stroll but it's a great mountain biking location. A 6km route starting at Het Groene Duin parking lot has been set out by the X-Treme mountain biking association. It definitely isn’t a beginners route, you’ll be biking up steep hills, along loose forest terrain and over sand. See the route and download the GPX file here.