Brouwershaven
Brouwershaven haven · Brouwerdam · Goeree-Overflakkee
51°44.7'N 03°55.0'E
Depth
2–3.5m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
55m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m
55m on Grevelingenmeer mud and sand in 2–3.5m. No tidal swing. Well-sheltered harbour in all conditions. The western entrance to the lake (Grevelingendam narrows) may require careful navigation at high wind speeds.
About This Anchorage
Brouwershaven is a small, charming historic port on the north shore of Grevelingenmeer — one of the most authentically Dutch towns in Zeeland, bypassed by mass tourism. The town dates from the 13th century as a major herring fishing port and was briefly the most important port in Zeeland before Amsterdam's rise. The Grote Kerk (Church of St Nicholas, 1424) dominates the market square — one of the finest Gothic churches in the region. The Dutch poet Jacob Cats (1577–1660) was born here — a statue stands in the market square. The harbour is the principal service port for the western Grevelingenmeer — fuel, water, and provisions available. The Brouwerdam (1971, Delta Works) to the north closed the Grevelingen estuary from the North Sea.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Marina fee approx €16–20/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Marina berthing only (no open anchorage in harbour); speed limit 9km/h in the western approach channel; commercial fishing vessels use the inner harbour — leave fishing berths clear; Grevelingenmeer anchoring rules apply in the lake itself.
Hazards
- !Approach channel from east — check ANWB waterkaart for buoyage; some shallow sections near the western narrows
- !Fishing harbour traffic — commercial vessels have priority; keep clear of fishing berths
- !Wind acceleration at Grevelingendam narrows in strong SW winds — the dam creates a funnel effect
- !Limited berths in marina — call ahead in July–August peak season
Skipper's Tips
- →Brouwershaven market square (Markt) is one of the most unspoiled in Zeeland — no chain shops, local businesses only; the Grote Kerk (1424) is worth visiting
- →Fuel and provisions here before heading to open Grevelingenmeer anchorages — no facilities on the lake
- →The poet Jacob Cats was born in Brouwershaven — the statue on the Markt is a point of Dutch literary pilgrimage
- →The Brouwerdam to the north is visitable by bicycle — the Delta Works exhibition centre at Neeltje Jans (20km east) is outstanding
- →Brouwershaven is the least touristy Zeeland Delta port — a genuine working Dutch fishing town; the contrast with the busy lake anchorages is welcome
Facilities
Brouwershaven has restaurants and cafés on the market square. Small supermarket in the town. Fresh fish from the fishing harbour. Best provisioning before heading to open lake anchorages.
Nearest provisions: Brouwershaven town centre (0.1nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–September. Brouwershaven is quieter than the lake anchorages — a good base for provisioning and rest before or after Grevelingenmeer exploration. The Grote Kerk is open for visits June–September.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 55m
In the Zeeland Delta tidal channels, anchor drag can carry you into shipping lanes. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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