Schenkeldijk

Schenkeldijk is a rural settlement in Hoeksche Waard with about 200 houses spread along roads, situated southeast of Mookhoek and east of Strijen. The buildings blend into the polder landscape and are surrounded by agricultural land.

The North Sea flood of 1953 caused severe damage to the settlement, requiring major reconstruction efforts. Sweden supported the rebuilding by providing building materials and prefabricated houses that became essential for the community.

The Swedish contribution to rebuilding is visible in Zweedsestraat, where wooden houses originally from Sweden still serve as homes for residents today.

The settlement is characterized by flat terrain and open fields, making it easy to walk or cycle around. Visitors should note that infrastructure is typical for a rural area and services are limited compared to larger towns.

The Swedish houses date from the immediate postwar period and remain as living witnesses to international solidarity in times of crisis. Their wooden architecture stands out distinctly from typical Dutch building styles and serves as a visible reminder of that support.