Nieuwvliet
Nieuwvliet, or Sinte Pier, is a small village on the coast of Zeeland-Flanders. It actually consists of two villages: Nieuwvliet-Bad (on the coast) and Nieuwvliet-Dorp (inland).
The village was founded around 1600. Its precursor was the village of Sinte-Pier, which lay a few kilometres west of the current Nieuwvliet. Nieuwvliet was traditionally a fiefdom; its first lord was Jan Adornis, a merchant from Bruges. When the French came in 1794, the fiefdom was abolished and the castle in Mettenijepolder torn down.
Agriculture and livestock farming were always important industries in Nieuwvliet. Nowadays, tourism has overtaken them both. Many traditional dike houses have been transformed into holiday homes, and there are many campsites and bungalow parks around Nieuwvliet.
Nieuwvliet’s windmill, on the Molenweg, is an unnamed stone mill that can be operated from the ground. It dates to 1850. Grain is still ground there by volunteer millers, and you can buy organic whole wheat flour and spelt. Corn is also ground there in an oat mill.
On the Dorpsstraat, you will find Nieuwvliet’s church. This Protestant church from 1658 is a simple aisleless church built of brick. It was seriously damaged in the Second World War and restored in 1949. However, its 17th-century whitewashed pulpit, baptismal gate and chandelier remain.
Further along the Dorpsstraat, you come across De Karrekasse, a museum about traditional Cadzand clothing. This type of clothing was one of the last traditional costumes worn in West Zeeland-Flanders. The foundation for the preservation of Cadzand clothing is trying to preserve this cultural heritage for future generations.
Nieuwvliet-Bad is especially popular with families. The beach is so wide here that low tide leaves many shallow pools that are ideal for small children to bathe in. The seaside resort’s child-friendly character is also expressed by the ‘lost’ poles. These high poles each depict a cartoon character from well-known artist Dick Bruna, such as Miff or the Horse. Children can easily use them to find their way.
The Verdronken Zwarte Polder(Drowned Black Polder) natural area is a 55-hectare nature preserve of mudflats, marshes and dunes. Almost all the saltwater plants common in the Netherlands grow here. The Verdronken Zwarte Polder is also an important resting and feeding area for many birds.
Various events are organised in Nieuwvliet and its surroundings. Check out our event calendar to learn what’s happening now.
Agriculture and livestock farming were always important industries in Nieuwvliet. Nowadays, tourism has overtaken them both. Many traditional dike houses have been transformed into holiday homes, and there are many campsites and bungalow parks around Nieuwvliet.
Nieuwvliet’s windmill, on the Molenweg, is an unnamed stone mill that can be operated from the ground. It dates to 1850. Grain is still ground there by volunteer millers, and you can buy organic whole wheat flour and spelt. Corn is also ground there in an oat mill.
On the Dorpsstraat, you will find Nieuwvliet’s church. This Protestant church from 1658 is a simple aisleless church built of brick. It was seriously damaged in the Second World War and restored in 1949. However, its 17th-century whitewashed pulpit, baptismal gate and chandelier remain.
Further along the Dorpsstraat, you come across De Karrekasse, a museum about traditional Cadzand clothing. This type of clothing was one of the last traditional costumes worn in West Zeeland-Flanders. The foundation for the preservation of Cadzand clothing is trying to preserve this cultural heritage for future generations.
Nieuwvliet-Bad is especially popular with families. The beach is so wide here that low tide leaves many shallow pools that are ideal for small children to bathe in. The seaside resort’s child-friendly character is also expressed by the ‘lost’ poles. These high poles each depict a cartoon character from well-known artist Dick Bruna, such as Miff or the Horse. Children can easily use them to find their way.
The Verdronken Zwarte Polder(Drowned Black Polder) natural area is a 55-hectare nature preserve of mudflats, marshes and dunes. Almost all the saltwater plants common in the Netherlands grow here. The Verdronken Zwarte Polder is also an important resting and feeding area for many birds.
Various events are organised in Nieuwvliet and its surroundings. Check out our event calendar to learn what’s happening now.