Zeeland Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Zeeland, Netherlands. Plan your perfect trip with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Zeeland

Nestled in the southern part of Netherlands, Zeeland is a charming coastal province that beckons travelers with its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and unique culture. With a rich maritime heritage, fascinating museums, white sand beaches, and charming towns, Zeeland is the perfect destination to explore natural beauty and Dutch culture.

List of Places to Visit in Zeeland

Here are some of the top places to visit in Zeeland:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Visit these museums and historical places to get a sense of Zeeland’s fascinating past:

  • Delta Works: One of the most impressive engineering feats in the world, Delta Works is a network of dams, locks, and barriers designed to keep Zeeland from being flooded.
  • Zeeuws Museum: Located in Middelburg, this museum showcases the cultural heritage of Zeeland with an extensive collection of art, textiles, and historical artifacts.
  • Neeltje Jans: This attraction is also known as the Delta Park. You can see the Oosterscheldekering barrier up close and learn more about the history of the area.

Natural Attractions of Zeeland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Zeeland’s natural landscape with these outdoor adventures and scenic views:

  • Domburg Beach: This lovely beach is family-friendly and perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
  • Veere: A picturesque town with historic architecture, Veere is well known for its charm and quaint atmosphere.
  • Schouwen-Duiveland: This vast, natural reserve is filled with hiking trails, cycling paths, and has beautiful beaches to soak up the natural beauty.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Zeeland

Zeeland has a vast network of biking and hiking trails that weave through stunning landscapes. Here are some of the best runs to try:

  • Sluis to Breskens Hike: A scenic walkway that goes along the Westerschelde River. It’s perfect for breath-taking views.
  • The Oosterschelde Trail: This trail takes you along the coast and across the water dams and is perfect for bird-watching.
  • The Duinen van Schouwen Trail: This hiking trail takes you through the dunes and along the shores of the North Sea.

Best Things to Do in Zeeland: Activities and Tours

From sightseeing tours to water sports, there’s something for everyone in Zeeland. Here are some activities you shouldn’t miss:

  • Water Sports: Zeeland is an ideal location for water sports with it’s amazing coastline. Try surfing or bodyboarding at Domburg or windsurfing at Ouddorp.
  • Boat tours: Take a tour and discover the beauty of Zeeland from the water. You can visit the seals on the sandbanks or go for dolphin-watching from Neeltje Jans
  • Street Markets: Enjoy a tour of traditional street markets that sell fresh foods, local produce, and handmade crafts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Zeeland

If you’re wondering how to plan your trip, here’s a week-long itinerary for exploring the best of Zeeland:

Day Activity
1 Visit Middelburg and explore its historical monuments and museums.
2 Discover Veere town and its rich cultural heritage
3 Go for a hiking trail at The Oosterschelde Trail
4 Visit Ouddorp beach to relish water sports activities
5 Explore Goes town, its bustling street markets, and its amazing architecture
6 Go to Neeltje Jans and take a boat tour
7 Spend a relaxed day on Domburg Beach soaking up the sun and sea.

Food and Drink Scene of Zeeland

Zeeland has a variety of dishes and local beverages that you should indulge in.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mussels: Zeeland is famous for its fresh mussels, cooked in white wine and served with fries.
  • Oysters: Enjoy oysters paired with local beer or wine. Check out the tasting menus in Oosterschelde National Park.
  • Kibbeling: Sample the region’s famous fish bites, served with a tartar sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer: There are plenty of fantastic breweries across Zeeland that serve classic Belgian-style beers with a local twist.
  • Wine: Zeeland has a range of vineyards that produce everything from white to red and rose varieties.
  • Jenever: A traditional gin-based alcohol, Jenever is the perfect after-meal drink with friends and family.

Where to Stay in Zeeland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Zeeland is full of beautiful places to stay, from luxury beach resorts to affordable guesthouses.

  • Amadore Hotel Restaurant Arneville: Located in Middelburg, this hotel is a great choice for travelers who want to be central to the city’s lively nightlife and cultural sites.
  • Grand Hotel Ter Duin: This hotel is located in the charming seaside town of Burgh Haamstede and offers excellent views of the dunes, sea, and beach.
  • YHA Zeeland: Enjoy affordability without sacrificing convenience. This hostel is centrally located to all of the best attractions Zeeland has to offer.

What to Buy in Zeeland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Make sure to bring home some local products to remember your memorable Zeeland adventure.

  • Cheese: From aged gouda to goat cheese, Zeeland has a variety of cheeses from local farms.
  • Delft Blue Pottery: This traditional blue and white pottery is popular in Zeeland, and there are plenty of shops to choose from.
  • Sea salt: This is a popular souvenir from Zeeland. It is extracted from the salt flats of the region and is sold in a range of flavors.

Local Culture and Customs of Zeeland

The people of Zeeland are proud of their culture, and there are a few customs you should keep in mind while visiting:

  • Cycling is king: Cycling is the primary mode of transportation for many locals. Be prepared to see many bikes on the roads and cycle paths.
  • Quiet time: Zeeland observes a quiet time where residents are expected to avoid making loud noises from 10 pm to 7 am.
  • Dress code: Dress code is casual in Zeeland, and people usually dress according to the weather conditions and the activity they are participating in.

Best Time to Visit Zeeland

The best time to visit Zeeland is between April and October when the weather is at its peak. The beaches and outdoor activities are best enjoyed during this period, and the sightseeing is easier since most attractions are open.

Do’s and Don’ts of Zeeland

Do:

  • Rent a bike: Explore the beauty of Zeeland on two wheels. Bike paths are widely available, and rentals are affordable.
  • Try the local cuisine: Zeeland has a unique food culture, which you must try. There are plenty of local restaurants and street markets to try.
  • Visit local markets: Shop for local handicrafts, cheeses, and other products at local street markets.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Littering is discouraged in Zeeland, and there are hefty fines in place for anyone caught disrespecting the environment.
  • Ignore parking restrictions: Parking can be a challenge in Zeeland, and there are designated, paid parking zones. Make sure to park in the designated areas only.
  • Make noise during quiet hours: Zeeland observes quiet hours, and people are expected to follow this by keeping the noise levels down during these times.

Safety and Health

Safety in Zeeland

Overall, Zeeland is a safe destination. Petty crime can happen in popular tourist areas, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables safe.

Health in Zeeland

Zeeland has a good healthcare system. There are plenty of hospitals and medical centers available across the province.

Getting to Zeeland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Zeeland

  • Rotterdam Airport: The nearest airport to Zeeland, roughly an hour’s drive away.
  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: Slightly further away, Amsterdam Airport is a major international hub and offers plenty of flight options.

Bus Stations Near Zeeland

  • Middelburg Bus Station: This bus station has regular buses that run to and from major cities across the Netherlands.
  • Goes Bus Station: This bus station is located in the heart of Goes town and offers bus services to and from major destinations.

Other Options

  • Train: The train is an inexpensive, convenient way to get around Zeeland and the Netherlands’ western side.
  • Car Rental: Renting a car is a good option for travelers who want the freedom and flexibility to explore Zeeland on their own.

How to Get Around in Zeeland

Getting around in Zeeland is easy, thanks to a variety of transportation options such as buses, trains, and bicycles. The area is also well-suited to road trips, with many scenic roads and excellent views.

Where to Go Next from Zeeland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Zeeland’s central location and excellent transport links make it easy to explore neighboring towns and cities. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Rotterdam: A major port city that’s just an hour’s drive from Zeeland, Rotterdam is known for its lively nightlife and stunning architecture.
  • Antwerp: Belgium’s second-largest city, Antwerp is known for its diamond trade, fashion, and art scene.
  • Ghent: A historic yet vibrant city of Ghent, famous for its beautiful architecture, canal views, and charming sidewalk cafes.

Conclusion

Zeeland is a must-visit destination for every traveler searching for beautiful scenery, history, culture, and adventure. With pristine beaches, stunning nature reserves, fascinating museums, and charming towns, Zeeland is sure to make your vacation unforgettable. Plan your trip well, and you’ll have a wonderful time exploring this hidden gem of the Netherlands.

A muraltmuur on the former island of Wolfersdijk, now part of Zuid-Beveland. A muraltmuur is a wall that is used to raise the height of a dike. A muraltmuur on the former island of Wolfersdijk, now part of Zuid-Beveland. A muraltmuur is a wall that is used to raise the height of a dike. Beach near Zoutelande. Beach near Zoutelande. Sunrise near Cadzand. Sunrise near Cadzand.


    Goes
    Hulst
    Middelburg
    Saeftinghe
    Tholen
    Walcheren