
Network of footpaths 'Heart of Zeeland'
At he heart of Zeeland, on the cusp of land and sea, is the hub of walks around Goes and Kapelle. The waters of Oosterschelde and Westerschelde are ever nearby, with their stunning views. Behind the dikes: polders old and new, and the hale-and-hearty town of Goes, happily unfolding its streets as a welcoming carpet for you to explore on foot. Walking aficionados are spoilt for choice here – it’s all in the map of ‘Heart of Zeeland’ walks.
Goes
Trade treated Goes well and the town rapidly accumulated wealth and aplomb in equal measure. That history is still plentiful, in the stately buildings – monuments, on the Markt square – and quayside warehouses. Your town walk is sure to take in the very old town hall and the Great Mary or Magdalene Church. Chunks of the town ramparts are there for you to walk upon on – let’s go!

Kapelle
You can hardly see the orchards for all the trees around Kapelle. When in bloom, come May, they’re so, so worth a visit. Not for nothing is the town fondly called ‘the blossom of Zeeland’. The Fruit Route through Kapelle orchards is a must. The booklet hosts a harvest of info on fruit cultivation.
In Medieval times, castles and settlements – their ruins can still be viewed – surrounded the town. Suss ‘em all out in the ‘Castle Path’ booklet.
Near Kapelle, Hansweert and Wemeldinge, fierce battles were fought in the Second World War. The French fought hard, in vain hopes of liberating the Netherlands from the Germans’ grip. You can trace the path marched by the 271st Régiment d’Infanterie on 14th and 16th May 1940.

Schenge leftovers, plus panoramic polderamas

Oosterschelde National Park

Westerschelde Waters

Kloetinge

Access to private land
It is prohibited to access private land with dogs, horses, bicycles, scooters and motorbikes. Dogs might infect the livestock with disease, so some parts of the route are closed to dogs. The route map will clearly mark this – a red dot with an arrow – and will show the alternate path for you to take, over the regular road.
Personal safety
For your own personal safety, it is essential to keep a sensible distance from cattle. Do not feed them, ever. Horses in particular are bound to become very intimidating if you feed them. The footpath may be closed temporarily for maintenance or hunting. The land owner will have marked this on the route signposts, so that you can choose an alternative.
If we comply with these rules, we shall all be able keep using these private grounds in the future.
