Walcheren Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Walcheren with this comprehensive guide highlighting the best attractions, activities, accommodations, and local culture.


Introduction to Walcheren

Nestled in the heart of Zeeland in Southern Netherlands, Walcheren is a picturesque peninsula that boasts a unique combination of culture, nature, and history. With its stunning coasts, charming towns, dynamic cultural scene, and a range of outdoor activities, Walcheren promises visitors a memorable vacation experience.

List of Places to Visit in Walcheren

Here are some of the must-visit places in Walcheren:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • MuZEEum: This museum showcases the maritime history of Zeeland, including the region’s rich seafaring traditions and stories of the battles fought against the sea.
  • Zeeuws Museum: This museum highlights the art, culture and history of Zeeland, with an extensive collection of fine arts, historical costumes, and artifacts.
  • Fort Rammekens: One of the oldest sea forts in the Netherlands, Fort Rammekens dates back to 1547. It offers a glimpse into the military history of Walcheren.
  • Nehalennia Temple: Located in the charming town of Domburg, this temple is one of the largest and most well-preserved Roman temples in the Netherlands.

Natural Attractions of Walcheren: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Domburg Beach: This famous beach is known for its soft sand, crystal-clear water, and serene surroundings. It’s an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
  • Oranjezon Nature Reserve: This nature reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including deer, roe deer, and foxes. It also has several walking and cycling trails, where visitors can enjoy the scenic views.
  • Westkapelle Lighthouse: This iconic lighthouse offers stunning panoramic views of the Walcheren landscape. It’s also a great spot for photography and bird-watching.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Walcheren

There are several walking and cycling routes available in Walcheren. Some of the popular options include:

  • The coastal route from Vlissingen to Dishoek: This picturesque route runs along the Walcheren coast and takes visitors through several charming towns and villages.
  • The Flushing city walk: This walk takes visitors through the historic city center of Vlissingen, where they can explore the city’s rich maritime history and admire some of its beautiful buildings and monuments.
  • The Domburg castles route: This cycling route takes visitors through the beautiful countryside around Domburg, passing by several historic castles, farms, and windmills.

Best Things to Do in Walcheren: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do while in Walcheren:

  • Take a sailing trip: Sail around the coast and explore the beautiful waters of Zeeland.
  • Visit a local brewery: Sample some of the finest beers brewed in Walcheren or take a tour to learn about the brewing process.
  • Discover the local history: Visit the historical sites and museums in Walcheren to learn about the region’s rich heritage and culture.
  • Explore the countryside: Take a hiking or cycling tour around Walcheren’s picturesque countryside, enjoy the scenic views, and discover the charming villages and towns.

Week-Long Itinerary for Walcheren

Here’s a week-long itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Walcheren:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival and check-in, visit the MuZEEum
Day 2 Explore Vlissingen, take a sailing trip
Day 3 Visit the Zeeuws Museum in Middelburg
Day 4 Take a walking tour of Domburg, visit the Nehalennia Temple
Day 5 Visit Fort Rammekens, go bird-watching at the Westkapelle Lighthouse
Day 6 Explore the Oranjezon Nature Reserve, take a cycling tour around Domburg
Day 7 Relax on the Domburg Beach, sample some local beers

Food and Drink Scene of Walcheren

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stoofvlees: This traditional Dutch meat stew is a must-try while in Walcheren, usually served with vegetables and mashed potatoes.
  • Zeeuwse Bolus: This sweet pastry is made with cinnamon and caramel and is a popular snack in Walcheren.
  • Oosterschelde lobster: This local specialty is a must-try for seafood lovers.

Local Beverages

  • Zeeland beer: The region is known for brewing some of the finest beers in the Netherlands, and you can sample many of them in the local breweries.
  • Koudekerkse Blackberry juice: This refreshing juice is made with blackberries grown in the region.

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

There are several quality accommodations options in Walcheren, ranging from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses. Some of the popular options include:

  • Fletcher Zuiderduin Beachhotel: This luxurious beachfront hotel in Westkapelle offers stunning views of the sea and an array of amenities.
  • Van der Valk Hotel Middelburg: This modern hotel is located in the heart of Middelburg and offers excellent service and premium amenities.
  • Hotel de Kamperduinen: This family-friendly hotel in Kamperland is ideal for families, with a wide range of facilities and activities for children.

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

There are several unique souvenirs and local products that you can bring back home from Walcheren, including:

  • Delftware ceramics: This beautifully crafted blue and white pottery is a classic souvenir from the Netherlands, and you can find several shops selling it in Walcheren.
  • Zeeuwse Knop jewelry: This distinctive jewelry is inspired by the traditional buttons worn by the people of Zeeland and is available in many stores.
  • Oosterschelde lobster: This local specialty can be purchased and brought back home for a special treat.

Local Culture and Customs of Walcheren

The people of Walcheren are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming attitude towards visitors. They are proud of their rich cultural heritage and love to share it with others.

Best Time to Visit Walcheren

The best time to visit Walcheren is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and sunny, and all the attractions and activities are open. However, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are also excellent times to visit when the crowds are smaller, and the landscape is breathtaking with colorful foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Walcheren

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Follow the rules and regulations in the natural areas and reserves.

Don’t:

  • Disturb the wildlife or damage the natural flora and fauna.
  • Litter or leave trash behind.
  • Ignore the local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Walcheren

Walcheren is a safe and welcoming destination with low crime rates. However, visitors are advised to take standard safety precautions such as avoiding unlit or deserted areas at night and being aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas.

Health in Walcheren

Walcheren has a good healthcare system with several hospitals and clinics located throughout the region. Visitors from EU/EEA countries are eligible for emergency medical treatment under the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Getting to Walcheren: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Walcheren

The closest airport to Walcheren is Rotterdam The Hague Airport, located about 70 km away. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, which is a bit farther, about 140 km from Walcheren.

Bus Stations Near Walcheren

Public transportation in Walcheren is well-developed, and there are several bus stations located throughout the region. Some of the popular ones include Vlissingen, Middelburg, and Goes.

Other Options

Visitors can also take the train to Middelburg or Goes, and then switch to a local bus or taxi to reach Walcheren.

How to Get Around in Walcheren

The best way to explore Walcheren is by car or bicycle. Visitors can rent cars and bicycles from several rental agencies located in the towns and villages.

Where to Go Next from Walcheren: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Walcheren is located in the heart of Zeeland, and there are several nearby destinations and excursions that visitors can explore. Some of the popular options include:

  • Delta Works: A complex of dams and barriers across the Dutch coast, designed to protect the country from flooding.
  • Kinderdijk: A UNESCO-listed site with a network of historic windmills.
  • Zeelandbrug: A famous bridge that spans across the Oosterschelde.

Conclusion

Walcheren promises visitors a memorable vacation experience, with its unique blend of culture, nature, and history. With this comprehensive guide, you can plan your perfect trip to Walcheren and make the most of your time in this stunning region of the Netherlands.

Beach near Domburg Beach near Domburg