Saeftinghe Travel Guide

Explore the beauty of Saeftinghe, situated in Southern Netherlands. With natural attractions, hiking trails, and traditional food and drinks, Saeftinghe is a must-visit destination. Learn about its culture and customs, safety measures, and transportation options in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Saeftinghe

Saeftinghe is situated in the province of Zeeland, in Southern Netherlands. It is a serene destination that attracts tourists from all over the world. The small town is known for its natural beauty, hiking and biking trails, and traditional food and drinks. The well-preserved culture and customs of the local community make Saeftinghe an ideal travel destination. The town is best known for its marshes, mudflats, and freshwater creeks where you can spot wildlife in its natural habitat.

List of Places to Visit in Saeftinghe

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The town has a rich history, and its cultural attractions are a must-see for tourists. Visit the Saeftinghe Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the town’s history and nature. The visitor center has interactive exhibits, and you can also go on guided tours of the surrounding area. Other must-visit museums and historical places in Saeftinghe include the Het Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe, the Waterdunen, and the Stoomtrein Goes.

Natural Attractions of Saeftinghe: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Saeftinghe has an abundance of natural attractions. The town is home to some of the most beautiful hiking and biking trails in the region. Take a stroll or bike ride through the salt marshes, the freshwater creeks, and the mudflats of the town. Explore the scenic views and wildlife in the area. Also, you can take a boat tour to nearby Neeltje Jans and enjoy the fantastic panoramic views of the town.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Saeftinghe

Some of the hiking and biking trails in Saeftinghe include The Groot Eiland Route, the Saeftinghe Route, and the Verdronken Land Route. The Groot Eiland route is the longest and is around 18 km, while the Saeftinghe route is the most picturesque and is about 15 km.

Best Things to Do in Saeftinghe: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking, biking, and boat tours, there are other exciting activities to enjoy in Saeftinghe. On hot days, enjoy sunbathing and swimming at the beach. You can also take a cooking class and learn to prepare local dishes from the town’s traditional cuisine. Other must-try activities include horseback riding, windsurfing, and kite surfing.

Week-Long Itinerary for Saeftinghe

Day 1: Explore the Saeftinghe Visitor center and get a glimpse of the town’s history Day 2: Take a boat tour to the nearby Neeltje Jans and enjoy panoramic views of the region. Day 3: Enjoy a hike along the Groot Eiland Route and explore the salt marshes and freshwater creeks Day 4: Try your hand at windsurfing or kite surfing at the nearby beach Day 5: Enjoy traditional dishes from Saeftinghe’s local cuisine, which you will learn how to cook in a cooking class. Day 6: Horseback riding through the natural scenery of the town Day 7: Complete your Saeftinghe adventure with a bike ride along the scenic Saeftinghe Route.

Food and Drink Scene of Saeftinghe

Must-Try Dishes

Saeftinghe’s local cuisine consists of fresh seafood, organic vegetables, and fruits. The town is famous for its seafood, and its dishes are a must-try for visitors. Some of the most popular dishes include Kibbeling (a Dutch version of fish and chips), Poffertjes (tiny, fluffy pancakes), and Stroopwafels (waffles with syrup).

Local Beverages

Beer and coffee are part of Saeftinghe’s local culture. The town has several breweries that produce artisanal beers. You can also enjoy coffee in the town’s cozy cafes and taste some of the best coffee blends.

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

Saeftinghe has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Stay at one of the centrally located hotels or guesthouses equipped with modern amenities. If you are on a tight budget, consider staying at a hostel or renting an apartment near the town center.

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

Don’t leave Saeftinghe without buying some local souvenirs. Visit the local markets to buy traditional handicrafts, ceramics, and scarfs. You can also buy locally produced cheese, jam, and honey to take home with you.

Local Culture and Customs of Saeftinghe

Saeftinghe has a well-preserved local culture and customs, which visitors respect and follow. The town’s inhabitants are warm and friendly and are always happy to share their cultural traditions. You can also visit some cultural events in the town, such as the Karnaval of Saeftinghe.

Best Time to Visit Saeftinghe

The best time to visit Saeftinghe is between April and October when the weather is warm, and the town has the most outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Saeftinghe

Do:

  1. Respect the town’s cultural traditions and customs.
  2. Be courteous and polite to the locals.
  3. Hire a guide if you want to explore the town’s natural beauty.
  4. Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  5. Dress appropriately, especially when visiting the local places like churches.

Don’t:

  1. Litter in the town’s natural sights.
  2. Take photos of or disturb the wildlife.
  3. Wear bikinis or go topless on the town beach.
  4. Smoke in restricted areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Saeftinghe

Saeftinghe is a safe town to visit, but you should take necessary precautions. Don’t leave your valuables unattended and avoid walking alone at night.

Health in Saeftinghe

The town has good health care facilities, and the tap water is safe for consumption. Visitors should take necessary precautions such as using mosquito repellent when hiking and bring necessary medication in case of illness.

Getting to Saeftinghe: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Saeftinghe

The nearest airports to Saeftinghe are Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Brussels Airport.

Bus Stations Near Saeftinghe

The Volans bus service is the most convenient way of getting to the town from neighboring areas.

Other Options

Saeftinghe is easily accessible by car, and visitors can also rent a bike to explore the town’s natural scenery.

How to Get Around in Saeftinghe

The town center is relatively small, and visitors can easily walk to most attractions. You can also rent a bike or use public transportation to visit other areas of the town.

Where to Go Next from Saeftinghe: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visit the neighboring towns like Goes, Middelburg, and Vlissingen and explore their museums, historical sites, and attractions. You can also take a day trip to Ghent and Bruges in Belgium.

Conclusion

Saeftinghe is a serene town with something for everyone. With natural beauty, cultural traditions, and rich history, Saeftinghe is a must-visit travel destination. By following the dos and don’ts, and taking necessary safety measures, you can have a fantastic time exploring the town.

Aerial photo of the Drowned Land of Saeftinghe. Aerial photo of the Drowned Land of Saeftinghe. Drowned Land of Saeftinghe with the nuclear reactor of Doel (Belgium) in the background. Drowned Land of Saeftinghe with the nuclear reactor of Doel (Belgium) in the background. Cattle in the Drowned Land of Saeftinghe. Cattle in the Drowned Land of Saeftinghe. Greylag goose Greylag goose Saeftinghe Visitors Centre. Saeftinghe Visitors Centre.