The Delta Works are a series of constructions that protect a large area of the Netherlands from flooding. The American Society of Civil Engineers has declared the works to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier
The Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier (or Oosterscheldekering in Dutch)  in the Zeeland province is the largest of the dams with a length of nine kilometers. Huge sluice-gate-type doors have been installed in the dam and can be closed when the water level gets too high. In this way the saltwater marine life behind the dam is preserved and fishing can continue, while the land behind the dam is safe from the water.

Neeltje Jans
Next to the dam you can visit the artificial island Neeltje Jans which was created for the construction of the dam. Today there’s a water park located at the island called Deltapark Neeltje Jans. In the water park you can enjoy several attractions like a seal show, a hurricane simulator, a 3-D movie, a swinging ship, a water playground and a quick water slide.

During your visit to the Neeltje Jans water park you can visit the dam inside and outside and see the huge doors from nearby. Or you can take a boat tour to see the natural world of the Eastern Scheldt. Usually you can spot seals or porpoises during your trip! In the Delta Expo exhibition center you can watch a film about the history and construction of the unique storm surge barrier. And you can view the biggest salt water aquarium of Zeeland with colourful sea anemones, shrimps, lobsters, rays and other fish, which live in the Eastern Scheldt.

North Sea Flood
In the exposition centre you can see an exposition about the North Sea Flood of 1953 where almost 200,000 hectares were flooded with sea water. There are expositions about the construction of the storm surge barrier, whales, mussels and a prehistoric mammoth as well. A visit to the Delta Works is a unique experience and lets you understand how the Dutch can survive in their struggle against the water.