Middelburg Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, food, accommodations, and travel tips for visiting Middelburg, a charming town in Zeeland, Southern Netherlands.


Introduction to Middelburg

Nestled in the heart of Zeeland, Southern Netherlands, Middelburg is a picturesque town filled with historic buildings and quaint cobbled streets that date back to the 16th century. With its beautiful canals, lush parks, and excellent museums, Middelburg offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural delights, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a nature enthusiast, Middelburg has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Middelburg

Here are some of the top must-visit attraction spots in Middelburg.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Zeeuws Museum: This museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits chronicling the history of Zeeland.
  • Abbey of Middelburg: A gothic treasure built in the twelfth century, the abbey has stunning architecture and fascinating exhibits on display.
  • Miniature Walcheren: Experience a miniaturized version of the town and its surroundings at this attraction.
  • Stadhuis Middelburg: This town hall is a beautiful building dating back to the late 15th century.

Natural Attractions of Middelburg: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Arsenal: A former munitions arsenal turned into a cultural center showcasing maritime heritage.
  • Abdijplein: A stunning open square with lush trees and bushes all around it.
  • Sint Jorisdoelen: A large open space for outdoor activities like weddings, festivals and so on.
  • Stadstuin Middelburg: A charming garden where locals go for picnics and to relax.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Middelburg

Hiking and biking trails are some of the best ways to discover the beautiful outdoors here. Some notable routes are:

  • The ‘Round Middelburg’ route, which passes through the town’s historic center and lush parks like the Abbey Park and the Kanaalstraat Court Park.
  • The Flushing Route, which takes you through the stunning coastal towns of Flushing and Biggekerke.

Best Things to Do in Middelburg: Activities and Tours

  • Wine tasting tours: Middelburg has some excellent wineries like De Kleine Schorre, where you can taste some world-class wines.
  • Canal tours: Get a scenic view of the town via canal tours, with local guides.
  • City and monument tours: Take a guided tour of the city and its historical monuments, visiting places like Stadhuis Middelburg and the Contemporary Art Center.

Week-Long Itinerary for Middelburg

Day 1: Explore the city’s historic center and its monuments like Stadhuis Middelburg and Abbey of Middelburg.

Day 2: Discover the town’s maritime heritage by visiting the Arsenal.

Day 3: Visit the beautiful miniature of Walcheren, the Zeeuws Museum, and the Contemporary Art Center.

Day 4: Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking alongside the Flushing Route.

Day 5: Go wine tasting at the De Kleine Schorre and then end your day by taking a scenic canal tour.

Day 6: Discover the town’s verdant parks like the Abbey Park and Kanaalstraat Court Park, followed by delicious local cuisine.

Day 7: Explore the nearby coastal towns of Flushing and Biggekerke.

Food and Drink Scene of Middelburg

Must-Try Dishes

Middelburg boasts some tasty delicacies, and here are some must-try dishes:

  • Stroopwafel: A delicious caramel waffle made with two thin layers of baked dough and a caramel filling.
  • Raw Herring: A traditional Dutch dish made with raw fish served with onions and pickles.
  • Appeltaart: A Dutch apple pie made with cinnamon and raisins.

Local Beverages

  • Jenever: This is a traditional Dutch gin made with juniper berries.
  • Brewdog Elvis Juice: A Scottish craft beer available at the Providence Food Hall.

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

  • Hotel aan de Dam: A historic hotel in the heart of Middelburg that boasts beautiful architecture and comfortable rooms.
  • Hotel De Nieuwe Doelen: A cozy and comfortable hotel with a terrace overlooking the canal.
  • Stayokay Middelburg: A hostel situated inside a historic monastery and offers clean and affordable accommodations.

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

Bring back souvenirs from Middelburg that remind you of the town’s Dutch heritage, such as:

  • Wooden clogs: A major tourist attraction, popular in the Netherlands.
  • Dutch cheese: One of the most famous and delicious exports of the Netherlands.
  • Blue Delftware: Beautiful pottery decorated with blue ornaments, a typical Dutch product.

Local Culture and Customs of Middelburg

Like most Dutch cities, Middelburg is an inclusive and progressive town with a warm and friendly population.

  • Dutch people are punctual, so always be on time for appointments.
  • Always use a bicycle, which is the most popular form of transportation in Middelburg.
  • Tipping is not mandatory, but if you’ve received excellent service, it is polite to give a little extra.

Best Time to Visit Middelburg

Middelburg is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is between April and October, when the weather is mild and pleasant.

Do’s and Don’ts of Middelburg

Do:

  • Rent a bicycle to explore the town.
  • Try the local seafood delicacies.
  • Take a guided city tour to learn more about Middelburg.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the town’s historic buildings.
  • Disturb the peace of the locals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Middelburg

Middelburg is a safe town to visit, and you can comfortably explore it without worrying about safety issues. Always be vigilant and attentive in crowded areas, like train stations or busy streets.

Health in Middelburg

Middelburg has excellent healthcare facilities, and you can visit a doctor or a pharmacist if you have minor health issues. In case of emergencies, call 112.

Getting to Middelburg: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Middelburg

The closest airport to Middelburg is Rotterdam The Hague Airport. Other nearby airports include Antwerp International Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

Bus Stations Near Middelburg

Middelburg has a central bus station in the heart of the town that connects to regional and international bus services.

Other Options

Middelburg is well-connected to the rest of the Netherlands through the railway network. You can also reach Middelburg by car or bicycle.

How to Get Around in Middelburg

Bicycles are the most preferred mode of transportation in Middelburg, with an extensive network of cycle paths. You can also explore the town by foot, use the local bus services, or hire a taxi.

Where to Go Next from Middelburg: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Middelburg, head to some fantastic nearby destinations like:

  • Domburg Beach: A popular beach resort town in Zeeland with sandy beaches, seaside cafes, and excellent shopping.
  • Rotterdam: A vibrant and dynamic port city in South Holland with modern architecture and a bustling nightlife.
  • Ghent, Belgium: Discover the beautiful medieval town of Ghent, filled with canals, bars, and cozy cafes.

Conclusion

Middelburg has something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can now plan a fantastic itinerary to discover the gem of Zeeland, Netherlands. Happy travels!

Topographical map of Middelburg Topographical map of Middelburg The Kuiperspoort, once home to the city's tub makers guild, is now one of the most picturesque alleys The Kuiperspoort, once home to the city's tub makers guild, is now one of the most picturesque alleys The massive former abbey is now home to the Zeeuws Museum The massive former abbey is now home to the Zeeuws Museum Middelburg Market and Town Hall Middelburg Market and Town Hall