Zeeland (NL) - Teil 10 - Burgh-Haamstede, Renesse, Brouwersdam

Burgh-Haamstede actually consists of two places that have grown together over time. However, the original town centers are still recognizable and that is what makes Burgh so special. Here you can marvel at a reconstructed ring wall castle.

In the Middle Ages, the Vikings came from Scandinavia to the shores of Zeeland to settle and establish new trade relationships. That didn't always happen peacefully, there was sometimes looting! In order to defend themselves against the Vikings, the people of Zeeland built ramparts in the 9th century, to which they retreated in the event of an attack. Place names with the word "Burgh" still point to these earlier ring wall castles.

A mound of earth was piled up in a circular moat, on which wooden palisades were then erected. The ring wall castle in Burgh has a diameter of 200 meters and was never built on. The principle can also be seen in many other Zeeland towns, but then there is usually a church in the middle and residential buildings are grouped around it in a circle.

Haamstede Castle is worth seeing, but unfortunately not open to the public. It dates from the 13th century and is currently used by the nature conservation organization Natuurmonumenten.

Renesse has an idyllic town center, restaurants and shops are grouped around it and a 17 km long sandy beach stretches in front of it.

The Brouwersdam, built in 1962 as part of the Delta Works, is located between the islands of Schouwen-Duiveland and Goeree-Overflakkee (South Holland). With a length of 6 km, the dyke is not only a connecting road between the two islands and a protection against storm surges, but also a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. On the dam you can park during the day, which is widely used.