Oosterscheldekering

The Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier is the showpiece of the Delta Works, the Netherlands' response to the North Sea flood of 1953. It runs about 9 kilometers, and roughly 3 kilometers of it are 62 sluice gates that normally stand open so the tide keeps flowing. Planners changed course from a solid dam after warnings that the estuary would turn stagnant, and that compromise between safety and nature is the most instructive part of the story. Queen Beatrix opened it on October 4, 1986. Deltapark Neeltje Jans, on the work island built for the construction, explains the flood and the works and lets you look inside one of the barrier's concrete pillars. It doubles as a family attraction, so expect crowds on summer days.