Summer in Zeeland
Whilst Zeeland may have its more well-known attractions, there are many other wonderful places in the province just waiting to be discovered. You can explore its lesser-known towns and villages, make acquaintance with local products during a culinary cycle ride, or discover the other side of Zeeland on an exhilarating hiking trail. Below, we have listed some great tips on not what to miss out on in Zeeland’s various regions this summer.
Summer discoveries in Schouwen-Duiveland
Unexpected towns and villages
There are many locations in Zeeland where you can find picture-frame views of villages long lost to the water. In Schouwen-Duiveland such picture frames can be found in Elkerzee and Viane, both villages which were heavily reduced in size after the Great Flood of 1953. Perhaps the most eye-catching remnants of a sunken village can be found at the Plompe Toren, a tower which is the only survivor of the lost village of Koudekerke. Discover more about undiscovered places in Zeeland.
Immerse yourself in Zeeland’s history
Schouwen is an excellent place to immerse yourself in Zeeland’s history. There are many places on the island which tell the story of its turbulent past, not least the Watersnoodmuseum. This museum is devoted to the story of the Great Flood of 1953, which is one of courage, resilience and solidarity. There is also the Stadhuismuseum in Zierikzee, or ‘town hall museum’, which explains how this ancient seaport has developed and prospered over the centuries. Then there is Gravensteen, the oldest prison in Zeeland!
Culinary cycle tour
A novel way to collect regional products from local suppliers in Zeeland is by bike, on Schouwen-Duiveland. Here, a culinary cycle trail has been set out which takes in some of the best farm shops and roadside stalls, as well as other amazing places. The route starts and finishes in Zierikzee and follows the shoreline of the Oosterschelde estuary, as well as going inland. But there’s much more to see and do! We’ve put together 6 of the best culinary routes for you below.
Still can’t get enough? Read more about Schouwen-Duiveland.
Summer discoveries in
Schouwen-Duiveland
Great tips for Zeeland-Flanders
Undiscovered Zeeland-Flanders
Zeeland-Flanders is just waiting to be discovered. Take Philippine, for example, the mussel capital of Zeeland-Flanders, even though it lacks a harbour! And what about Aardenburg, one of the oldest towns in Zeeland? The fortified settlement of Hulst will no doubt take you aback with its rich past and joie-de-vivre lifestyle. Here you can find more tips about unexpected towns and villages in Zeeland.
An industrial hotspot
Sas van Gent’s old sugar warehouses now accommodate the Industrieel Museum Zeeland, which tells the story of how Zeeland became an industrial hotspot. The museum houses working machines, interactive installations and a 3D lab for kids: a fun and educational day out for all the family. You can combine your visit with a walk along the Kanaal van Gent to Terneuzen, a wander around the old town centre of Sas, or an ice-cream at a gelateria on the seafront.
The secrets of Sluis
Sluis is a charming little border town, which comes with a dash of Flemish flair. Sluis can best be discovered on foot by following The Secrets of Sluis and Sint Anna ter Muiden Town Trail. This includes many tangible reminders of its illustrious past, such as the Belfort, the statue of lexicographer Johan Hendrik van Dale, and the town ramparts. After your walk you can retire to one of the town’s friendly outdoor cafes. You can also visit the town’s windmill or take a walk through the nearby nature reserve of Het Zwin.
Still not had enough? Read more about Zeeland-Flanders.
Summer discoveries
in Zeeland-Flanders
Great tips for Walcheren and Beveland
Zeeland’s wildlife secrets
The peace and quiet of the Zak van Zuid-Beveland are in keeping with its wide-open spaces and its colourful history. Its landscape exudes tranquility and, located between the dykes and orchards, are villages where time has seemingly stood still. One such place is Baarland, a quiet and secluded village which has an imposing castle and an ancient cattle trough. Just outside the village are the old foundations of Kasteel Hellenburg, a place bristling with tales from the past. If you cycle along the shoreline to Ellewoutsdijk, you will see Fort Ellewoutsdijk in the distance on the Westerschelde estuary. Get on your bike and discover even more of Zeeland’s natural beauty!
A walk through Veere
Come and discover Veere‘s charm for yourself. Take a stroll along its delightful byways and explore its hidden attractions by taking a 3.3 or 3.5-kilometre trail. Along the way, you will discover visible traces of its past. Walk along the enchanting Kaai and stop awhile at the Campveerse Toren. Are you curious to find out more about Veere’s Scottish links? If so, a visit to the Veere Museum is a must!
The Liberation Museum
The Liberation Museum in Nieuwdorp (with theme park) is definitely worth a visit. The museum takes you back in time to the tumultuous years of the Second World War and the Battle of the Schelde.
Still not had enough? Read more about Walcheren, Noord-Beveland and Zuid-Beveland.
