Easy hikes and walks in Markiezaat

The Waterschans is the oldest fortification in Bergen op Zoom The Waterschans of Bergen op Zoom, located at the old harbor mouth and part of the West Brabant waterline, was built in 1584. The Waterschans is the oldest fortification in this city, built on the initiative of Prince William of Orange. He had also been Marquis of Bergen op Zoom since 1582. The function of the Waterschans was to defend the harbor entrance, the key to the city.

Once the protector of the harbor, then an oyster farm, a lobster park, and built up with industry. Now the canals, ramparts, and inner courtyard have been restored to their former state. But so much has happened at this extensive bulwark as a vital point in the defense of the fortified city of Bergen op Zoom. William of Orange approved the design of this large fort in 1584. Many sieges followed, which the fort withstood. However, it lost its function as a defensive work, but what remains is the interesting history of the Waterschans.

De Molenplaat is a nature reserve in development. From a sandbank in the Oosterschelde via a sludge depot, it is now a beautiful nature reserve that can grow even further in terms of natural values.

The Waterschans is the oldest fortification in Bergen op Zoom and has recently been restored. The area has been reconstructed in recent years according to drawings found from around 1880. Experience the history of the extensive stronghold, surrounded by the water of the Scheldt. From the 16th century onwards, the Waterschans protected safe access to the city for several centuries. The buildings with stone buildings were like a small village for the soldiers. After its function as a military fortified city was abolished, the canals, which were clean due to the ebb and flow of the tide, were used as breeding ponds for fishing. Later still, the entire area in and around the fort was filled with factory halls. This involves often polluting industries such as an iron foundry, asphalt factory and oil tanks. The fort has now been restored to its former glory and forms a beautiful nature reserve for recreation.

The artwork ‘Windvanes’ on the Bergse Plaat was designed in 1999 by Hugo Vrijdag from Eindhoven, that year is the reason that 1999 is on one side of the poles. On the other side is 1574, in the year 1574 a naval battle took place at Bergen op Zoom. The battle was fought between the Zeeland and Holland cities that took on the Spanish. This Battle of Reimerswaal during the Eighty Years’ War was lost by the Spanish. Almost all the pillars are in the water, two of which are just on the quay. According to the artist, this is a deliberate choice. Although the windvanes are on land, that used to be the place where there was water. In this way, the artwork not only looks back to 1574, but also to the time when the Bergse Plaat was still a long way off.

Previously part of the Oosterschelde, but closed from the sea due to the Delta Works in 1984.

The oldest fortification in Bergen op Zoom.

Welcome to the city beach of Bergen op Zoom. With a real boulevard, a beach bar and water you can swim in, it really looks like the beach here!