Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe - Nature

The Drowned Land of Saeftinghe, at some 3,500 hectares, is the largest brackish salt marsh in Western Europe. It lies on the Westerschelde in the east of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, close to the port of Antwerp.

What can you expect at Saeftinghe?

• History: In the Middle Ages this was fertile polder land with villages and a castle. The area flooded in 1570, and in 1584 the last dike was breached during the Eighty Years' War. Villages such as Namen and Saeftinghe vanished beneath the waves.
• Birds: You can see bluethroats, bearded tits, marsh harriers and, in winter, large flocks of greylag geese. It is at its best from the dike at high tide.
• Excursions: The interior of Saeftinghe can only be visited with a guide, because of the tide and the deep creeks. From the dike you have views from three bird hides.

Practical information

• Visitor centre: The visitor centre in Emmadorp is the starting point for excursions and two short walks of 1 and 2 kilometres. The area is managed by Het Zeeuwse Landschap.
• Tip: Book an excursion in good time, as they often fill up quickly. Spring and winter are the best seasons for birds.

Saeftinghe is one of the most impressive and unspoilt nature areas in the Netherlands.

For information