Things to do in Zeeland
Nature
You don't have to travel far to find beautiful nature.
The area around Burgh-Haamstede is surrounded by dunes, forests and wetlands. The Zeepeduinen and Boswachterij Westerschouwen are perfect for walking and cycling.
The Vroongronden between Haamstede and Renesse are another beautiful area to explore. The landscape is open and natural, and you may encounter wild ponies, deer, Schotse Hooglanders and other wildlife.
For bird lovers, the southern coast of Schouwen is particularly special. The area between Burgh-Haamstede and Zierikzee consists of beautiful wetland and coastal nature along the Oosterschelde. It is an excellent place for walking, cycling and birdwatching.
Beaches
Of course, one of the main reasons to visit Zeeland is the beach.
Around Burgh-Haamstede you will find long, wide sandy beaches where there is plenty of space to walk, swim, sunbathe or simply enjoy the sea. The beaches of Westenschouwen are particularly beautiful. They are wide, natural and offer wonderful views towards the Oosterscheldekering.
For a quieter walk, explore the beaches around Nieuw-Haamstede. Early morning and late afternoon are our favourite times – the light is beautiful and the beaches are often wonderfully peaceful.
Want something livelier? Visit the beaches in Renesse. Plenty of beach restaurants and terraces
Zeeland's beaches are also (especially) beautiful outside the summer season. A windy autumn or winter walk followed by a coffee or lunch is a very nice way to experience the coast.
Hiking & cycling
There are countless walking routes around Burgh-Haamstede, through the dunes and forests, along the beach and beside the Oosterschelde.
The area around the Kop van Schouwen is particularly good for walkers, (the Zeepeduinen and Boswachterij Westerschouwen)with a combination of dunes, forests, beaches and open countryside.
Zeeland is made for cycling.
Schouwen-Duiveland has an extensive network of cycling paths and quiet country roads. From Burgh-Haamstede you can cycle through the dunes and forests, along the coast, through little villages and beside the Oosterschelde.
A lovely day trip is to cycle from Burghsluis towards Zierikzee along the Oosterschelde.
Another beautiful route takes you towards the Brouwersdam and the Grevelingenmeer.
Watersports
The Kop van Schouwen is the ideal place for water sports enthusiasts.
The North Sea side is a mecca for kite surfers. Hundreds of kite surfers let off steam along the Brouwersdam and the Oosterscheldekering.
Windsurfers will find ideal conditions on the Grevelingen side of the Brouwersdam.
Sailors can enjoy themselves on both brackish and salt water. Whether there is a breeze or a strong southeasterly, it is always nice.
Canoeing and supping is done on the Grevelingen.
Blokarten
Looking for something a little more adventurous? Try blokarten, also known as land sailing or beach sailing, at the Brouwersdam.
You sit in a three-wheeled kart with a sail and race across the wide sandy beach, powered entirely by the wind.
Natural High at the Brouwersdam offers blokart clinics for individuals, couples, families and groups.
It is a great activity for a slightly different Zeeland experience – and especially fun when there is a good breeze!
Seal spotting
Zeeland is a great place to see seals in the wild.
Seals can be found in the Oosterschelde and along the North Sea coast. Sometimes you can see them from the shore, particularly when they are resting on sandbanks.
For a closer look, join a seal safari or boat trip on the Oosterschelde.
Also worth a visit is the resque center A-Seal in Stellendam.
Dutch engineering marvels
The Dutch have always waged a battle against the water. After the flood disaster of 1953, the decision was made to build the Delta Works.
The most striking part of this is the Oosterschelde barrier.
This enormous storm surge barrier protects the Netherlands against the sea.
It is also a spectacular place to experience the power of the North Sea.
The beaches of Westenschouwen offer beautiful views towards the barrier, while the area around the barrier itself is worth exploring by car, bike or on foot.
The Zeeland Bridge, which connects Schouwen-Duiveland and Noord-Beveland, is an aesthetic structure.
Neeltje Jans
Just beyond the Oosterscheldekering you will find Neeltje Jans.
This former construction island played an important role in the building of the Delta Works. Today it is home to Deltapark Neeltje Jans, where you can learn about the history of the Delta Works, the sea and Zeeland's relationship with water.
It is especially enjoyable for families, but also interesting for adults who want to understand more about one of the world's most impressive water engineering projects.
https://www.neeltjejans.nl
Plompe Toren
The Plompe Toren is one of those small, unusual places that is easy to miss – but definitely worth a stop.
The tower is the last visible reminder of the vanished village of Koudekerke, which was lost to the sea centuries ago.
You can climb the tower and enjoy a beautiful view over the surrounding landscape and the Oosterschelde.
It is also one of the places where you have a good chance of spotting seals in the distance.
A short visit, but a very special piece of Zeeland history.
Watersnood museum
Zeeland's history is inseparable from the sea.
In 1953, the North Sea Flood caused enormous devastation throughout the southwest of the Netherlands. The Watersnoodmuseum in Ouwerkerk tells the story of this disaster and its consequences.
The museum is located in four enormous concrete caissons that were used to close the final breach in the dike after the flood.
It is an impressive and moving museum and gives you a much better understanding of Zeeland's history and of why the Delta Works are so important.
Zierikzee
Zierikzee is one of our favourite places on Schouwen-Duiveland.
This beautiful historic harbour town is one of the Netherlands' most important monument towns, with more than 500 listed monuments. The best way to discover it is simply by walking through the old streets and along the harbour, where beautiful historic buildings, small shops, galleries and cosy cafés are waiting to be discovered.
Take a stroll around the old harbour and through the historic centre. Don't rush – Zierikzee is the kind of town that is best discovered at a relaxed pace.
Stop for lunch, browse the shops or simply sit on a terrace and watch the boats in the harbour.
Zierikzee is only a short drive from Burgh-Haamstede, making it an easy half-day or afternoon trip.
Middelburg
If you want to explore beyond Schouwen-Duiveland, we highly recommend a day in Middelburg.
The historic capital of Zeeland has an impressive old centre with beautiful buildings, small streets, cafés and shops.
Middelburg has more than a thousand listed monuments, so simply walking through the historic centre is an experience in itself.
Look out for the impressive Abbey and the Lange Jan tower. If you are feeling energetic, climb the tower for a wonderful view across the city. https://langejanmiddelburg.nl
The Zeeuws Museum is another interesting stop, especially if you would like to learn more about the history and culture of Zeeland. https://www.zeeuwsmuseum.nl/nl
Veere
Veere is one of the prettiest historic towns in Zeeland.
This small harbour town on the Veerse Meer has beautiful old houses, a charming harbour and plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops.
Take a walk around the harbour and historic centre, visit the Grote Kerk and enjoy lunch or a drink overlooking the water.
Veere is relatively small, so it is perfect for a relaxed half-day visit. You can easily combine it with another destination on Walcheren.
Domburg
Domburg is Zeeland's oldest seaside resort and has a slightly more sophisticated and lively atmosphere than the beaches around Burgh-Haamstede.
The wide sandy beach, dunes, shops, restaurants and terraces make it a lovely destination for a day out.
Walk up to the Hoge Hil for a beautiful view over the beach and North Sea, explore the town centre and enjoy lunch on one of the terraces.
Domburg also has a long artistic history. Artists including Piet Mondrian and Jan Toorop were inspired by the Zeeland light and landscape.
Our favourite restaurants
One of the best things about a holiday in Zeeland is enjoying good food after a day at the beach or exploring the island.
These are some of our favourite places to eat, from a relaxed breakfast or lunch to a special dinner.
Being vegans we particularly like restaurants with a cosy atmosphere, good ingredients and plenty of choices for vegetarian and vegan guests.
De Zeeuwse Hemel – Zierikzee
De Zeeuwse Hemel is one of our favourites in historic Zierikzee.
Located in a beautiful old building with a lovely green garden, it is much more than just a restaurant. You can come here for breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, drinks and delicious local products.
They work with high-quality ingredients and have plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices. Their meat is organic and their fish has a sustainable quality mark.
The atmosphere is relaxed, personal and a little bit quirky – exactly the kind of place we love.
Meneer Nilsson – Zierikzee
Right in the heart of Zierikzee, on the Havenplein, you will find Meneer Nilsson.
This cosy restaurant is housed in a beautiful monumental building and is a great place for breakfast, lunch or high tea.
Their menu is designed to cater for everyone, with a good balance between vegan, vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Most of the food is homemade and they focus on seasonal, good-quality ingredients.
A lovely place to combine with a day exploring the historic centre of Zierikzee.
(meneernilssonzierikzee.com)
T.I.C. – The Italian Cuisine, Renesse
If you are in the mood for Italian food, T.I.C. – The Italian Cuisine in Renesse is a great choice.
Located in the centre of Renesse, T.I.C. serves Italian classics in a stylish and atmospheric setting. Think fresh pasta, pizza, antipasti and delicious Italian desserts.
It is a particularly nice option for a relaxed evening after a day at the beach.
(ticrenesse.nl)
Restaurant Vert – Middelburg
For a more special evening, we highly recommend Restaurant Vert in the historic centre of Middelburg.
Vert has a strong focus on vegetables, local ingredients and seasonal cooking. The menu is designed around sharing and discovering new flavours, with vegetables taking centre stage and meat and fish playing a secondary role.
The intimate atmosphere and creative, vegetable-focused cuisine make Vert a particularly good choice for guests looking for something different.
Het Kaslokaal – Oostkapelle
For something completely different, take a trip to Het Kaslokaal in Oostkapelle.
This lovely little tea garden is located in a former horticultural greenhouse, surrounded by a beautiful garden. It is a wonderful place for coffee, homemade cake, lunch or afternoon tea.
Much of what they serve comes from the greenhouse, garden and surrounding area, and their menu follows the seasons. The atmosphere is relaxed, green and very Zeeland.
It is particularly lovely on a sunny day when you can sit outside in the garden.
If you are vegan or simply enjoy good plant-based food, Middelburg is probably the best place to go.
Het Koffiepand is a lovely relaxed café where almost all dishes can be made vegetarian or vegan. They work mainly with organic products and as much local produce as possible.
Slot Oostende – Goes
If you are planning a day trip to Goes, make sure to put Slot Oostende on your list for lunch, dinner or simply a drink.
Located in a beautiful historic building in the heart of Goes, Slot Oostende combines a relaxed atmosphere with good food, its own brewery and a beautiful enclosed courtyard garden. The garden is a particularly lovely place to sit on a sunny day, surrounded by historic details and the remains of the old castle wall. (www.slotoostende.nl)
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