Westkapelle Creek and Forest - Nature

The Westkapelle Forest and Westkapelle Creek form a beautiful nature area on the Zeeland coast, just south of Westkapelle.

Why visit Westkapelle Forest and Creek?

Here, nature, history and tranquillity come together. It’s a wonderful place to walk, cycle, go birdwatching or simply relax in peace.

Historical origins from WWII: The creeks were formed after the bombings of 1944, when the dike broke and seawater flooded the land. The deep channels that appeared then now form the creeks.
Rich flora & fauna: The area is a diverse mix of open water, reed beds, forest, grasslands and dune edges – a striking contrast to the rugged coastline and the imposing sea dike.
Valuable nature: Due to the brackish water, special plants and bird species thrive here. The creek is important for wading and water birds, while the forest provides habitat for songbirds and woodpeckers.
Bird paradise: In the older forest you’ll see blackbirds, great spotted woodpeckers, chaffinches and song thrushes – and with luck, even a long-eared owl! In younger woodland, species like the whitethroat, lesser whitethroat and willow warbler nest. In summer you may spot goldfinches and linnets, while in autumn redwings and fieldfares migrate through.
Ideal for walkers and cyclists: There are walking, cycling and even bridle paths. The quiet trails are perfect for both short walks and longer tours.

Westkapelle Creek Loop (± 9.4 km): This varied walking route starts at Het Polderhuis and follows the Westkapelle Creek towards Bos Boudewijnskerke. A small ferry pull lets you cross the water and continue along open farmland, with wide views typical of Walcheren. The return route leads over the dunes, where you can enjoy the sea, beach and sweeping panoramas. Along the way, you’ll pass notable sights such as the iconic lighthouse of Westkapelle and the Sherman tank on the dike.
Short Coast and Creek Route (± 6.4 km): This [url=https://routiq.com/nl/route/3124618/rondje-westkapelle:-noordervroon-en-kreek]shorter route also starts at Het Polderhuis. You walk along the sea dike with views of the North Sea, continue through nature reserve Noordervroon, and pass the lighthouse of Westkapelle. Via the Creek, you return towards the village.

Access: The nature area is freely accessible.
Best time to visit: Beautiful all year round – in spring full of birds and flowering plants, in autumn colourful and rich with migratory birds.
Parking: From the car parks at Erika and Joossesweg, you can easily walk into the nature area and towards the creek.

Enjoy the mix of nature, peace, history and wide-open views at the Westkapelle Forest and Westkapelle Creek – a natural gem on the Zeeland coast!

Furthermore Westkapelle Creek and Forest is near the following sights: Forest Boudewijnskerke (±750 m), Lighthouse 't Hoge Licht - Westkapelle (±1,0 km), Playground Zeedijk (±1,1 km), Polderhuis (±1,3 km) & Lighthouse Noorderhoofd - Westkapelle (±2,4 km).

Grindweg, Westkapelle