Zeeland

 

 

 

Zeeland (Sea land in English) is very special. Maybe it's the most Dutch province. Read on if you like to know why.

Where is it?

Zeeland is in the south wet part of the country. On the south you will find the Belgian border.On the North side it's separated by water from  South-Holland. (It's not drawn properly on this map).

Landscape

In Zeeland you really will feel the struggle of the Dutch with the water. It consists of a number of islands, in the delta of the rivers Rhine, Maas and Scheldt. In 1953 a heavy tempest combined with a spring tide, caused a large number of broken dikes. Effectively most of the province was flooded then.  1836 people died because of this national catastrophe.The Dutch government decided then for strong measures. The Delta project, which lasted till 1997 closed several sea arms, increased the height of dikes and built several large bridges to make the province more accessible.

On the North Sea coast you may find nice sand beaches and dunes. The land behind it is flat with well developed agriculture, due to the fertile clay soil. The clay comes from the sea and previous inundation.

Towns and villages

Zeeland has a rich history, but because it is outside the Randstand area, you may find a number of historically interesting towns and villages. Vlissingen is one of them,wll know by its industry and harbour it has an old center. Beautiful towns are Veere (very small), Goes and Zierikzee. Middelburg has a large shopping area, but it was destroyed during the second world war, which makes the town much less interesting. Also Vlissingen is a larger town, which may be interesting if you like harbours the open water of the Wester Schelde with a lot of ships passing by. Most of them find their origins in the years 1000-1200 when people found ways to protect themselves from the water. In the 80 year war the harbours in Zeeland played an important role. We are still proud of our admiral Michiel de Ruyter for his Raid on the Medway. In 1667 the Dutch were at war with the Brtish and in a very brave action De Ruyter caused significant damage to the British fleet, lying on the river Thames.In Vlissingen you still can find a statue for admiral De Ruyter.

More information

Trees near Goes

Zeeland

Veerse wateren

Starts in Middelburg and ends in Arnemuiden (two days walk)

Length 13 and 9 km

Route description first day

Route description second day

Route map

The first day ends in Veere. You can go back to Middelburg by bus once an hour, bus 54, the last bus leaves at 17:27. On Sunday there is no bus, but you can reserve a taxibus at phone nr 0118-46 60 06.  You can stay in Veere as well, the route description recommends Campveersetoren (phone 0118 50 12 91).

Middelburg is a 16th century trade town. It was a very important town in that time. Veere was an important town as well. You will like the 16th/17th century atmosphere. Arnemuiden has a railway station.