Tiengemeten. An (almost) uninhabited island

An (almost) uninhabited island

As soon as you step onto the ferry to the island of Tiengemeten in the Haringvliet you’ll be leaving the humdrum of the civilised world behind. This nature reserve is an oasis of peace and tranquillity and provides a habitat to thousands of water birds, beavers and sea eagles. This is where the nature of the delta has free rein and all this within spitting distance of the Rotterdam conurbation. Tiengemeten is an important stepping stone between the Biesbosch and the outer delta, the shallow part of the North Sea at the mouth of the Haringvliet. The creeks on the island are an important habitat for water-based insects and spawning and developing fish. In turn, this attracts countless birds in search of food.

There are a number of walking trails that criss-cross the island. It is a nostalgic landscape with flower-rich meadows, uncultivated grassland and marshy reed beds full of water fowl. Experience for yourself the diverse nature of the delta with its wide vistas across the Haringvliet. You’ll be sure to encounter Highland cattle and if you look skywards, you may chance upon a white-tailed eagle. Ramble to your heart’s content in a wilderness of mud flats, where water holds sway. For kids there is the Speelnatuur: a 4.5-hectare adventure playground full of trees, brooks, blubber, flowers and animals.

There’s so much to see on Tiengemeten, one day is simply not enough. Perhaps the most exciting experience on the island is an overnight stay. Once the last ferry has left, the silence descends. Enjoy the birds looking for a place to roost, watch the setting sun, and savour the freedom of the island life.

A visit to Tiengemeten can be easily combined with a ramble in the Korendijkse Slikken.

Information

Plan your visit to Tiengemeten here