Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is a beautiful region in the south-west of the Netherlands, located between the Western Scheldt and the Belgian border. With its vast beaches, picturesque villages, historic towns and breathtaking nature, this region is a must-visit for any traveller.
Beaches
One of the main attractions of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is its beaches. The area has kilometres of beautiful sandy beaches stretching from Cadzand via Nieuwvliet to Breskens. The beaches are wide and clean and offer plenty of space for recreation. The beaches of Cadzand and Nieuwvliet have been awarded a Blue Flag and are a popular place for families to swim and sunbathe.
Nature
If you love nature, Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is the perfect destination. The region has a varied landscape with vast polders, forests and dunes.
Het Zwin
A protected nature reserve between Cadzand and Knokke-Heist. It is enclosed between dunes and ...
Located near Antwerp, on the eastern side of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, is one of the largest brackish water areas in Europe. Created by the force of the sea, this ...
Zeeuws-Vlaanderen has a number of interesting museums highlighting the region's history, culture and nature.
The Fisheries Museum in Breskens a popular choice because of the region's rich fishing tradition. The museum has an impressive collection of old fishing boats and tools, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the history of fishing.
The Museum Het Bolwerk in IJzendijke tells the story of the Eighty Years' War and the role IJzendijke played in the defence of the Netherlands against the Spaniards.
The Industrial Museum Zeeland in Sas van Gent deals with the industrial development of the region and has an extensive collection of old machines, tools and equipment.
The Warenhuis Museum in Axel is housed in a former department store and displays an extensive collection of objects from everyday life in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen in the past century.
Bizarium in Sluis is a surprising cabinet of curiosities full of bizarre inventions. A 'wonder chamber' of brilliant inventors and their boundless imagination, technical ingenuity and, above all, immeasurable passion.
Many of these museums are child-friendly and offer educational and interactive exhibitions and activities for young visitors. In addition, many museums also offer guided tours and workshops, which is a great way to learn more about the region's history and culture.
Historic towns
Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is a region full of history and heritage, with plenty of charming towns and villages to explore. Here are the eight best historical places to visit during your stay in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen:
1Sluis
A beautiful fortified town with a rich history and medieval character. The town is surrounded by an old city wall and has many historical monuments, such as the Sint-Janskerk and the Windmill of ...
Bruges is known as one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium and is a popular tourist destination. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bruges' historic centre is filled with medieval ...
Ghent is a charming city with a beautiful historic centre. The Castle of the Counts, a medieval castle, is a must-see, as are St Bavo's Cathedral, the Belfry and the Korenmarkt. ...
Hulst is another historic town with a well-preserved fortress and many historical monuments. It is home to the Sint-Willibrordus Basilica, the oldest church in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, and the Landshuis, a beautiful example of Flemish Renaissance architecture. Hulst also has a lively cultural life, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year.
Philippine is a small village on the Westerschelde estuary and is known for its culinary traditions and seafood. It is home to the only mussel auction in the Netherlands and has many restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood and fish dishes. Philippine is also rich in history and has many historical monuments, such as the St Willibrordus Church and the Town Hall.
Antwerp is a vibrant city with a rich history and an impressive heritage. You can visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, the Rubens House and the Grote Markt. Antwerp is also known for its fashion, diamonds and delicious chocolate.
Aardenburg is a small but charming town with a rich history dating back to Roman times. It has many historical monuments, such as the Sint-Baafskerk, the Town Hall and the old city wall. Aardenburg is also known for its archaeological sites, some of which date back to the 1st century AD.
Groede is a picturesque village with a rich history and a charming atmosphere. It has many historical monuments, such as St Catherine's Church and the Town Hall. Groede is also a great place to enjoy local delicacies, such as the famous Groese porridge cake.
Culinary delights
Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is also known for its culinary delights. The region has a rich culinary tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Fish dishes are an important part of the local cuisine and there are numerous restaurants serving fresh seafood and fish dishes. It is also home to the Zeeland mussel, known for its flavour and quality. The region also has a number of vineyards where you can taste and buy local wines.
Conclusion
Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is a wonderful destination for travellers looking for a combination of nature, history, culture and gastronomy. Whether you want to relax on the beach, hike in nature or explore historic towns, this region has something for everyone.
