Oostflakkee

Oostflakkee is a municipality and island in the province of South Holland in the Netherlands. Located in the western part of the province, it is part of the larger region known as the Hollandse Kust (Dutch Coast). The island is situated between the islands of Tiengemeten and Noord-Beveland, separated by the Oosterschelde estuary.

Historically, Oostflakkee was formed through land reclamation projects in the 19th and 20th centuries. The area was originally part of the vast Zuiderzee (now known as the IJsselmeer), but dikes and polders were constructed to create habitable land. The name "Oostflakkee" translates roughly to "eastern Flakkee," referencing its geographical position relative to the island of Flakkee.

The municipality of Oostflakkee was officially established in 2019 through the merger of the former municipalities of Brielle, Hekelingen, and Numansdorp. The seat of the municipality is in Brielle, a historic town known for its medieval fortifications and maritime heritage. The island is primarily rural, with a focus on agriculture, particularly dairy farming, and tourism. It also features scenic landscapes, including sand dunes, wetlands, and coastal areas, which attract visitors for hiking, cycling, and birdwatching.

Infrastructure on Oostflakkee includes a network of roads and cycling paths, as well as connections to the mainland via bridges and ferries. The island is served by the Brielle railway station, providing rail links to nearby cities like Rotterdam and The Hague. Residents and visitors benefit from access to cultural amenities, such as museums, local festivals, and historical sites, contributing to the island’s vibrant community life.