Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is a beautiful region in the south-west of the Netherlands, located between the Western Scheldt and the Belgian border. With its vast beaches, picturesque villages, historic towns and breathtaking nature, this region is a must-visit for any traveller.
Beaches
One of the main attractions of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is its beaches. The area has kilometres of beautiful sandy beaches stretching from Cadzand via Nieuwvliet to Breskens. The beaches are wide and clean and offer plenty of space for recreation. The beaches of Cadzand and Nieuwvliet have been awarded a Blue Flag and are a popular place for families to swim and sunbathe.
Nature
If you love nature, Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is the perfect destination. The region has a varied landscape with vast polders, forests and dunes.
Het Zwin
Het Zwin is a tidal area of mudflats and salt marsh on the border between Knokke-Heist and Cadzand. In 1952 it became Flanders' first nature reserve and covers some 575 hectares in total. What ...
The Verdronken Zwarte Polder near Nieuwvliet is a unique nature reserve where nature, culture and history come together. What can you expect at the Verdronken Zwarte Polder? - Varied Landscape: ...
The Drowned Land of Saeftinghe, at some 3,500 hectares, is the largest brackish salt marsh in Western Europe. It lies on the Westerschelde in the east of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, close to the port of ...
Zeeuws-Vlaanderen has a number of interesting museums highlighting the region's history, culture and nature.
1Het Vlaemsche Erfgoed
Het Vlaemsche Erfgoed in Groede is a museum street that brings a Zeeuws-Vlaanderen village of around 1920 back to life. You stroll past old shops and workshops in the village's medieval street layout. What can you expect at Het Vlaemsche Erfgoed? - The street: Around twelve shops and workshops show old trades: a ...
The Visserijmuseum in Breskens tells the story of fishing and fishermen's lives, and of the nature of the coast and the Westerschelde. Since 13 October 2026 it has been housed in the new De Zaete building on the Keerdam. What can you expect at the Visserijmuseum? - New museum: The museum used to be above the fish auction. ...
An impressive museum dedicated to fortifications and the history of the Eighty Years' War. What can you expect at Het Bolwerk in IJzendijke? - Historical Fortifications: Explore the well-preserved fortifications of IJzendijke, an important location in the Eighty Years' War and the Battle against the Waters. - ...
The Industrieel Museum Zeeland in Sas van Gent tells the story of industry in Zeeland, past, present and future. It is housed in a former sugar warehouse and is highly interactive. What can you expect at the Industrieel Museum Zeeland? - History: In 1899 the first cooperative beet sugar factory in the Netherlands was ...
Het Warenhuis, the Land van Axel museum, tells the story of the landscape, settlement and traditions of central Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. It stands on the Markt in Axel and is best known for the Axel regional costume. What can you expect at Het Warenhuis? - History: Since 2015 the historical collection has been shown in the ...
Many of these museums are child-friendly and offer educational and interactive exhibitions and activities for young visitors. In addition, many museums also offer guided tours and workshops, which is a great way to learn more about the region's history and culture.
Historic towns
Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is a region full of history and heritage, with plenty of charming towns and villages to explore. Here are the eight best historical places to visit during your stay in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen:
1Sluis
Sluis is a small fortified town in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, right by the Belgian border. It is known as a cosy shopping town full of boutiques, restaurants and terraces, and has the only belfry in the ...
Bruges is a medieval trading city laced with canals, with an almost completely preserved historic centre. The old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 and is just a quarter of ...
Ghent is a lively university and port city where the Leie and Scheldt meet. Its medieval skyline with three towers, a large car-free centre and a strong reputation for food and veggie dishes ...
Hulst is another historic town with a well-preserved fortress and many historical monuments. It is home to the Sint-Willibrordus Basilica, the oldest church in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, and the Landshuis, a beautiful example of Flemish Renaissance architecture. Hulst also has a lively cultural life, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year.
Philippine is a small village on the Westerschelde estuary and is known for its culinary traditions and seafood. It is home to the only mussel auction in the Netherlands and has many restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood and fish dishes. Philippine is also rich in history and has many historical monuments, such as the St Willibrordus Church and the Town Hall.
Antwerp is a vibrant city with a rich history and an impressive heritage. You can visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, the Rubens House and the Grote Markt. Antwerp is also known for its fashion, diamonds and delicious chocolate.
Aardenburg is a small but charming town with a rich history dating back to Roman times. It has many historical monuments, such as the Sint-Baafskerk, the Town Hall and the old city wall. Aardenburg is also known for its archaeological sites, some of which date back to the 1st century AD.
Groede is a picturesque village with a rich history and a charming atmosphere. It has many historical monuments, such as St Catherine's Church and the Town Hall. Groede is also a great place to enjoy local delicacies, such as the famous Groese porridge cake.
Culinary delights
Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is also known for its culinary delights. The region has a rich culinary tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Fish dishes are an important part of the local cuisine and there are numerous restaurants serving fresh seafood and fish dishes. It is also home to the Zeeland mussel, known for its flavour and quality. The region also has a number of vineyards where you can taste and buy local wines.
Conclusion
Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is a wonderful destination for travellers looking for a combination of nature, history, culture and gastronomy. Whether you want to relax on the beach, hike in nature or explore historic towns, this region has something for everyone.
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