Braakman

The Braakman was a large tidal inlet in the middle of the Dutch region of Zeelandic Flanders, on the south bank of the Westerschelde west of Terneuzen.

For a long time the Braakman was a natural barrier between east and west Zeelandic Flanders, and also access to the ports of Boekhoute, Philippine, Axel and Sas van Gent.

Over the centuries it steadily spread, drowning at least 15 villages between 1200 and 1601.

Successive empolderings shrank the Braakman to a remnant, which was finally closed off from the sea in 1952.

The remaining body of water is used for recreation, and part of its seaward end was made into the Braakmanhaven port area.