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Tips for hiking in Zeeland
Walkers can take advantage of an extensive network of hiking trails in Zeeland. Because these trails are all interconnected, it’s quite easy to plan a route of your own, which means every route is different! Perhaps we can inspire you with a selection of some of the best hiking trails.
1. Sample the Oosterschelde
Zuid-Beveland
This 3.9-kilometre trail provides you with all kinds of information about mussel and oyster farming in and around Yerseke. The town, which lies on the Oosterschelde river, has a long history of shellfish farming. Visit some of the oyster beds in the town and sample oysters fresh from the sea. Check out the Proef de Oosterschelde (‘Taste the Oosterschelde’) hiking route here.
This 3.9-kilometre trail provides you with all kinds of information about mussel and oyster farming in and around Yerseke. The town, which lies on the Oosterschelde river, has a long history of shellfish farming. Visit some of the oyster beds in the town and sample oysters fresh from the sea. Check out the Proef de Oosterschelde (‘Taste the Oosterschelde’) hiking route here.
2. Zierikzee town jewels trail
The town jewels trail in Zierikzee is 5 kilometres long. This town trail reveals much of Zierikzee’s rich past. There are many signs in and around town which act as a reminder of Zierikzee’s period as economic powerhouse. The town has more than 500 listed monuments, including richly adorned merchant houses and other buildings. Check out Zierikzee’s Stadsjuwelen route (‘city discovery tour Zierikzee’) here!
3. Woodland and dune walk
Woodland and dunes: the Struinen door bos en duin route shows you the best of two worlds. In fact there are three, because the route takes in part of the artist village of Domburg. From Domburg, the trail wends its way through the De Manteling, a nature reserve with a sheltered woodland located right behind the dunes. The route will also take you past the medieval castle of Westhove. Did you know that this was recently voted one of the best five castles in the Netherlands? Also along the trail you will find Terra Maris, the museum devoted to Zeeland’s natural history.
4. Veere town discovery trail
This route introduces you to the historic town of Veere and the Veerse Meer. Hike past historic monuments which reveal Veere’s rich past, a once mighty trading centre. You will also pass the Netherlands’ oldest tavern on this trail: De Campveerse Toren. Due to its location on the Veerse Meer, the town is a popular destination for watersports enthusiasts. Check out the Stadsontdekkingstocht Veere (‘Discover versatile Veere’) here.
5. The secrets of Sluis and Sint Anna ter Muiden
Zeeuws-Vlaanderen
Another great walk is the 5-kilometre trail through the fortified town of Sluis. You can choose to extend the walk by another 5 kilometres and discover the village of Sint Anna ter Muiden. Sluis is a town for bon-viveurs and, as well as many shops, there are eateries aplenty. On the fringes of the fortified town is Sint Anna ter Muiden. The whole of the market town is a preserved monument. Check out De geheimen van Sluis en Sint Anna ter Muiden (’The secrets of Sluis and Sint Anna ter Muiden’) hiking trail here.
Another great walk is the 5-kilometre trail through the fortified town of Sluis. You can choose to extend the walk by another 5 kilometres and discover the village of Sint Anna ter Muiden. Sluis is a town for bon-viveurs and, as well as many shops, there are eateries aplenty. On the fringes of the fortified town is Sint Anna ter Muiden. The whole of the market town is a preserved monument. Check out De geheimen van Sluis en Sint Anna ter Muiden (’The secrets of Sluis and Sint Anna ter Muiden’) hiking trail here.
6. A walk through the fortified town of Hulst
Discover Hulst and its old town walls on this trail. We suggest visiting the only basilica in Zeeland too: the Saint Willibrordus basilica. Both its interior and exterior present a feast for the eyes. The history of Hulst is inextricably linked with the story of Reynard the Fox, a medieval tale, part of which plays out in the town. Check out the Wandelen door vestingstad Hulst tocht (‘A walk through the fortified town of Hulst’) here!
7. Land and water at Nieuwvliet
A saltwater wildlife haven, polders, beaches, sea, dunes and a chance to find sharks’ teeth! On this trail you will journey across the beach of Nieuwsvliet, where fossilised sharks’ teeth can regularly be found! The Land en water bij Nieuwvliet (‘Land and water at Nieuwvliet’) trail offers plenty of variety and is a great walk for birdspotters. The trail here takes you through the Verdronken Zwarte polder (information only in Dutch), a habitat for many bird and plant species.
8. Westerschouwen Forest
The Westerschouwen Forest is the largest in Zeeland and lies on the coast of Schouwen-Duiveland. It is set in an undulating landscape of sand hills, hollows and dunefields. The forest edges, where there is a rich diversity of trees and plants, are teeming with birdlife. This is one of the best places in Zeeland, with something for everyone. Check out the Boswachterij Westerschouwen (‘Westerschouwen Forest’) trail (information only in Dutch)!
9. Fruit trail
One of our best hiking tips! This hiking trail takes in the fruit orchards around Kapelle in Zuid-Beveland. The Zak van Zuid-Beveland, in particular, is well-known for its fruit growing. In fact, Kapelle is known locally as the ‘bloom of Zeeland’. Some growers sell their fruit along the roadside. And sometimes you can even pick the fruit yourself. Check out the Fruitroute (‘Fruit trail’) here!
