Oosterscheldekering | Neeltje Jans - Vrouwenpolder

The Oosterscheldekering is a storm surge barrier that is part of the Delta Works. These Delta Works should protect Zeeland, South Holland and North Brabant from high water.

In 1953, after a huge storm surge on 1 February that year, after centuries of floods resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, plans were made to protect the delta region from the sea. The idea of the Delta Works was born and construction actually started in 1955. In the Oosterschelde, the sandbar Neeltje Jans was raised to create a working island.

The Oosterscheldekering is the largest and most famous Delta work. It is nine kilometres long and has sixty-five colossal pillars. Closing the barrier takes seventy-five minutes and happens when the water threatens to rise above three metres above sea level. A connecting road runs across the Oosterschelde barrier, connecting Schouwen-Duiveland and Noord-Beveland. So you can easily cycle over it.

The working island was sold to Natuurmonumenten and Het Zeeuwse Landschap after completion of the Delta Works in 1986 and is now part of Oosterschelde National Park. A Delta park has also been built on the island of Neeltje Jans. There are several attractions but there is also a Delta Expo where you can learn and experience a lot regarding Zeeland's history with water.