Historical by the Sea
On a city trip in Zeeland, you can explore numerous attractions of this unique province in the Netherlands. In Middelburg, visits to the Abbey of Our Lady, the old town hall, the Museum of the Province of Zeeland, or the adventure park Miniatuur Walcheren, where the highlights of the peninsula Walcheren are recreated in a 1:20 scale, are worthwhile. The theme of the sea is comprehensively covered in the city of Vlissingen at the mouth of the Westerschelde. At the Arsenaal, you can learn all about the vast sea and climb the 65-meter-high lookout tower, Kraaiennest. You can also visit the picturesque old towns of Goes and Zierikzee, which boast numerous historic and impressive buildings.
Flood Protection as the Eighth Wonder of the World
A real eye-catcher during a holiday in a holiday home or apartment is the storm surge barrier of the Delta Works, a gigantic structure nine kilometers long. Within 80 minutes, it can close off the Oosterschelde to protect against floods. Locals often refer to it as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Equally fascinating is the Zeeland Bridge, which connects Noord-Beveland with Schouwen-Duiveland. For a long time, this structure was considered the longest bridge in the Netherlands. Hulst is also impressive, where you can walk along the approximately four-kilometer-long city wall. The city gates from the 16th to 18th centuries are also well-preserved. Impressive structures can also be seen in Domburg, where you will encounter the stele of the goddess Nehalennia, discovered by fishermen in 1647. For excursions into nature, you can head to the Oosterschelde National Park. From here, for example, boat tours are available to track porpoises and seals. If you want to explore the region on hiking trails, you can use a diverse network of routes that literally lie at your feet in Zeeland. Particularly good opportunities to lace up your hiking boots are available on the northern island Schouwen-Duiveland, along the beaches and polders in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, through the quaint villages of Noord-Beveland, or over the dykes and dunes of the Walcheren peninsula.
Endless Coastline
Families will thoroughly enjoy a beach holiday on the coast of Zeeland. 650 kilometers of coastline, bizarre rocks, impressive dunes, and well-maintained beaches provide a perfect holiday feeling for both adults and children. Undoubtedly, the Zeeland beaches are among the cleanest and most beautiful in the Netherlands. Or you can hop on a bike and explore the coastlines together in an active way, getting to know the beautiful landscape along the dunes on your own. A highlight is the man-made island of Neeltje Jans, where a visitor center has now developed into an exciting amusement park.
Many Stars and Much Salt
Rent a holiday home or apartment in Zeeland and try the culinary delights of the province. The proximity to the sea once ensured that many specialties are seasoned with salt. Fresh from the sea, for example, oysters, cockles, Oosterschelde lobster, or mussels land on the plates in local restaurants. The local lamb meat is naturally well-salted, as the animals graze on corresponding salt marshes. Other typical regional products of the cuisine include brown beans, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, apples and pears, black currants, or red fruits. The locals not only enjoy salty foods but also like to combine these ingredients with sweet flavors. For breakfast, Zeeuwse bolus (similar to a sweet bread) with cinnamon is often served. A regional classic is also cinnamon porridge with raisins. Typical for the coast is the Palingbroodje (eel sandwich). Wine is becoming increasingly popular in Zeeland and is enjoying growing popularity. Moreover, there is a high density of Michelin-starred restaurants. Those who want to dine particularly finely will find numerous options in Zeeland.
Following the Trail of Masterpieces
The province of Zeeland has always been a source of inspiration for artists and cultural creators. In numerous places, you will find art galleries and museums that testify to this. Several sculptures or art objects can also be admired outdoors. There are some exciting art routes that let you follow the trail of masterful works through the unique nature of the province. Zeeland is also a land of festivals. At the transition from sea to land, the Concert at Sea at Brouwersdam attracts thousands of visitors. At Wonderstroom in Vlissingen, you will encounter live musicians, street performers, artists, and food trucks with delicious culinary highlights.
Enchanting Province with Good Connections
Visit the charming province of Zeeland in the southwestern Netherlands and make yourself comfortable in a privately rented holiday home or apartment. You can arrive via the airports in Antwerp, Ostend-Bruges, or Rotterdam. However, the best public transport connections are from Brussels-Zaventem Airport. From there, you can take the Intercity towards Amsterdam and change at Roosendaal for the IC to Zeeland. The train will finally take you to Middelburg, Arnemuiden, Goes, or Vlissingen. If you are driving, from Northern and Eastern Germany, you can use the A7/N7 towards Groningen. From there, continue on the A28 (towards Utrecht), the A27 (towards Breda), and the A59 (Roosendaal - Vlissingen). From Western and Southern Germany, you can reach Zeeland via the German A3 to Elten, the A12 (towards Utrecht), and again the A27 and A59.