The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Ooster-Schenge

The Oosterschenge is now a relatively small, tranquil waterway, but that used to be different. It used to be an inlet, important for shipping. But in the 18th century, part of the channel was reclaimed. This 'residual channel,' the Oosterschenge, remained. Long ago, the Schenge, a wide channel that separated the island of Wolphaartsdijk from Zuid-Beveland, flowed here. Ships used this route to and from Goes. It was therefore an important waterway for trade and transport in the region. But as is often the case in Zeeland, the landscape slowly changed. Due to siltation, the water became increasingly shallow, making it more difficult for ships to navigate. In the eighteenth century, it was therefore decided to reclaim part of the inlet. This created new agricultural land. In 1809, the diking of the Wilhelminapolder was completed. With this, a large part of the old inlet disappeared behind the dikes. What remained was a wide residual channel: the Oosterschenge.

At this spot, you can admire a work of art by Wim Bakker. It resembles a manhole cover made of coins.

Artwork by Wim Bakker titled "The Cesspool." A round porthole with a glass lid through which a quantity of coins can be seen. The inspiration came from the discovery of a cesspool in Lange Vorststraat and the debate about the introduction of the euro, as many countries would lose their own currency. A bank was also located on the corner of Markt. Bakker wanted the money to be visible in the street, as if looking into the cellars of a bank through a porthole. Above it is the text "Pecunia non olet" (money does not stink). The name "Cesspool" therefore also refers to the fact that money can bring misery. In 1999, the cesspool was filled with coins from various European countries. The artist wasn't particularly worried about problems with "real money" in the artwork, as the coins were welded and glued in place, making them unusable due to the holes in them. Nevertheless, the cesspool has already been emptied three times. After the first time in 2013, the artist refilled it, but this time with euro coins from various countries. (Human & Animal in Stone & Bronze)

This marina is located in the heart of the city, and the quays are lined with beautiful warehouses. The facades, featuring a historic stepped gable, are striking. You can take a pleasant stroll along the harbor and admire all this beauty.

On Zusterstraat, you'll find the old man's house. In 1628, an orphanage was opened in this former convent. In addition, elderly people could live in the nursing home for a substantial fee. The elderly and orphans didn't get along well, which caused problems. Therefore, it was decided to build a separate house, called the man's house, so that the groups could remain separate. The man's house was given a decorated gate and a beautiful garden, including a chestnut tree that has been visible in photographs since 1910. During the summer months, you can enjoy intimate concerts with perfect acoustics here. This unique building, with the charming "man's house garden" at the rear, has been completely renovated and transformed into a comfortable city hotel.

The town hall has a rich history, beginning in the 14th century as a tower. Over the centuries, it has served as a prison, reception area, meeting room, and meat market. The meat market still forms the basis for the current ambiance of the lunch café. Only since 1405 has it been rightfully called "The Town Hall." Although the various rooms were repurposed, the architecture of the Town Hall has been largely preserved. The original function of the Town Hall was and remains a home of and for the entire community; everyone should feel at home there. With this in mind, you can still enjoy delicious coffee and pastries and the excellent lunch menu there today. In good weather, you can find the sunny atmosphere on the adjacent rustic garden terrace. (Lunch Café Town Hall Goes)

The St. Maartensbrug is a bridge over the city harbor in Goes. The bridge is located within the built-up area, at the end of the Oostsingel, and connects the Grote Kade with the Kleine Kade. There is no VHF radio at the St. Maartensbrug. This bridge is operated locally. Between April 15th and October 15th, you can request bridge operation from the harbor master of the Stadshaven Foundation. You can find his contact details at www.stadshavengoes.nl/contact. Between October 15th and April 15th, the municipality of Goes operates the lock. You can submit a request to the Goese Sas Locks. (Municipality of Goes)

From the Oosterschelde, you can enter the Havenkanaal (Harbor Canal) towards Goes. First, you'll pass through a lock, then the Havenkanaal, which is narrow, has shallow sides, and is 5 km long. After the Wilhelmina Bridge, you'll pass through an industrial estate before finally arriving in Goes.