Camping in Groede

The village of Groede in the municipality of Sluis boasts a top location and unique landscape. It is located directly on the North Sea in the Dutch province of Zeeland. If you want to spend relaxing days with your family at a beach campsite, this is the place for you. Close to the coast is the Groese Polders with several tranquil nature reserves, which is particularly appealing to campers with dogs. The charming town centre of Groede attracts visitors with its narrow streets, historic houses and churches.

Special features of camping in Groede

Some of the campsites in Groede are located close to the sea. The clean and wide sandy beach has often been awarded the Blue Flag, which stands for good water quality, among other things. Holidaymakers will find dunes and inviting restaurants here. For nudists, there is a separate section in the area between posts 20 and 23. In addition to bathing fans, sports enthusiasts are sure to get their money's worth, for example with activities on the water such as canoeing and fishing. The Cadzand-Bad short golf course and the Oostburg golf club in the neighbourhood are attractive for golfers among the camping guests. The peaceful nature of this holiday destination in Holland also appeals to many horse riders and dog owners.

How to get there

For campers from the west of Germany, Groede is just a stone's throw away, as it is 220 kilometres from the Dutch border. This makes the village ideal not only for longer journeys, but also for weekend trips. Hamburgers, on the other hand, have to reckon with a journey of around 650 kilometres. The quickest route is via the A1, A30 and E30 towards Amersfoort, while from Dresden it is around 830 km, with holidaymakers travelling best via Dortmund, Eindhoven and Antwerp. In Germany, the route is dominated by the A38 and A44 motorways, while campers in the Netherlands take the A67 and in Belgium the A21. Several stopovers are recommended on this journey, for example in the village of Postel, which belongs to the Belgian municipality of Mol. It consists mainly of a peaceful natural landscape where campers can stretch their legs.

Around 860 km separate visitors from Munich from the holiday destination. The shortest route is via the A8 motorway towards Stuttgart. Travellers then follow the A61 and the E313. On this route, the Hoge Kempen National Park north of Maastricht is a good place to take a break.

Top 5 sights

• Great Church: The Grote Kerk is a hall church and forms the centre of the village. Parts of it date back to the 14th century.
• Lutherse Kerk: This 18th century church is a national monument where church services, exhibitions and concerts are held.
• Kasteelberg Groede: This artificial hill is also a national monument. There are several of its kind in Zeeland - the so-called Vliedberge.
• Sint Bavokerk: This former Roman Catholic church, which has been converted into a bed and breakfast, is an extraordinary sight.
• Cletemspolder: The Cletemspolder dune area boasts hiking trails, a suspension bridge, a draw raft and stepping stones over a stream.

Top 2 insider tips

• Local tips and guidance: The municipality is home to the VVV-Inspiratiepunt Sluis tourist office, which offers discounted tickets for sights and route descriptions for hiking and cycling tours, among other things. Holidaymakers also appreciate the interesting guided tours and culinary walks through the region.
• Great vantage point on the North Sea: there is a platform on a hill in the dunes right on the coast, from which a marvellous sea panorama opens up. Visitors will find some seating, sun protection and a poem by Jacob Cats in the beams of the wooden floor. Breathtaking sunsets can be observed from this vantage point.

Activities and excursions

The village of Groede and its surroundings are bursting with exciting excursions, for example to the Groede Podium play and information park. Animal lovers can go horse riding along the North Sea and those interested in culture can visit the local history museum Het Vlaemsche Erfgoed, where they can view ancient workshops.

A playground in the former bunker village of Groede Podium

In the varied Groese Polders nature reserve, hiking trails invite you to take a walk and the Groede Podium Park in the heart of the landscape invites you to linger. The latter attracts visitors with an information centre where they can learn fascinating facts about the past of the former bunker village from the Second World War. The area is still home to shelters with an original camouflage coat of paint. There is also a play area with climbing towers, a labyrinth and a water playground.

Horse riding along the surf

The Hippo d'Or riding centre in Nieuwvliet-Bad offers lessons for groups and individuals as well as pony tours for the youngest. The highlight for many holidaymakers, however, is an accompanied beach ride. This is possible after a one-off trial lesson, during which the club checks the necessary riding skills of the participants.

Events

Many travellers like to combine camping in Groede with one or other of the local events, such as the Groede Festival. During a holiday in April, music fans can enjoy a blues night in Terneuzen, while families can visit the Kermis Groede Pasen fairground.

April

• Bluesroute Terneuzen: Different blues bands perform in nine different cafés in Terneuzen in one evening. Tickets can be purchased in advance at one of the participating cafés or tourist information centres and at the box office, whereby one ticket is valid for all cafés.
• Kermis Groede Pasen: For many years, this fairground on the market square in Groede has attracted numerous visitors. Exciting fun attractions and culinary specialities await guests.

May - June

• Groede Classic Car Weekend: A wide variety of classic cars appear at this annual event in Groede. These range from military vehicles and tractors to cars, motorbikes and bicycles.

September

• Groede Festival: The Groede Festival is a weekend of music, dance and theatre performances throughout the village. The diverse art market is a traditional part of the festival.

Gastronomy

Zeeland's cuisine is characterised by regional products, such as mussels, oysters and crabs. When camping in Groede, holidaymakers can also try the traditional kibbeling. This Dutch fish dish usually consists of cod that is cut into cubes, coated in batter and then deep-fried. It is usually served with a garlic dip and French fries. Asparagus menus enrich the menu from April to June. In general, the Dutch like to use fresh fruit and vegetables in their cooking. They conjure up delicious compotes from local pears, pies from apples and blackcurrant juice or wine to drink. Those with a sweet tooth won't want to miss the soft Bolus yeast buns and Boterbabbelaars caramel sweets.

Best time to visit

In the warmest months of July and August, campers in Groede can expect temperatures of up to 21 degrees Celsius. The water in the North Sea reaches the same temperature during this time. These conditions are particularly appealing to families with children. The weather is also pleasantly mild in June and September, with a high of 19 degrees Celsius. The coolest period in the region is from December to March, with the thermometer fluctuating between 1 and 8 degrees Celsius. The coldest month, January, records an average of 3 degrees Celsius. Thanks to these mild winters, holidaymakers are also drawn to camping in Groede at this time of year. Those seeking peace and quiet in particular enjoy the tranquil nature in the hinterland and the deserted beaches by the sea.