Discover Zeeland: Water, Nature and Culture
Accommodation in Zeeland
Hundreds of thousands of birds visit Nationaal Park Oosterschelde every year. You can observe them from the dikes, on birdwatching excursions or during a boat trip. There are also walking trails, water activities, Delta Works, historic sites and regional specialties.
Waterscapes and Delta history
Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe is home to the largest brackish-water mudflat area in Western Europe. Plankierpad is a freely accessible, one-kilometre walking trail. The route is subject to the tides and safety requirements set by the responsible management authority. A free exhibition at Saeftinghe Visitor Centre introduces visitors to the landscape.
Grevelingen also offers nature experiences. This saltwater lake lies on the border between Zeeland and Zuid-Holland and is the largest in Europe. Guided nature excursions with a Staatsbosbeheer guide visit Kabbelaarsbank, De Punt and Slikken van Flakkee. If you plan to take one of these tours, check in advance when it is offered.
The Delta Works protect Zeeland from flooding, have improved access to the region and helped create new nature reserves. The Oosterscheldekering is the largest storm surge barrier in the Netherlands. Neeltje Jans was a construction island for the Delta Works and is now a nature reserve with wide beaches, views of the Oosterscheldekering and dunes where many birds nest. At Deltapark Neeltje Jans, the focus is on water and adventure.
At Veerse Meer, islands and water sports go hand in hand: there are 17 islands in total. Five are reserved for birds, while the others are open to visitors. You can explore the lake by motorboat or sloop; boats can also be rented for a day. Activities include water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, diving and snorkelling. Brouwersdam is another spot for surfing enthusiasts.
Exploring on foot and by bike
Zeeland’s walking trail network ranges from short circular routes to multi-day hikes. The trails are signposted at junctions, so you can put together your own routes. Whether you choose a short loop or a longer tour, the network offers options to suit different time frames without requiring you to follow a set route length.
On 23 June 2025, the international cycling union UCI officially recognised Zeeland as a UCI Bike Region. In many places, you can cycle along the water in Nationaal Park Oosterschelde. Cycling is not permitted in some areas to protect the birds; follow the signs there. This lets you combine nature watching with exercise, while local guidance helps determine your route.
Museums, landmarks and regional culture
The Watersnoodmuseum is housed in the caissons at Ouwerkerk. It offers insights into the 1953 flood disaster and the Netherlands’ ongoing relationship with water—in the past, present and future. Its subject therefore goes beyond a single event, exploring how people have dealt with water across different periods.
In Vlissingen, Maritiem MuZEEum Zeeland offers tours on a range of topics, including Michiel de Ruyter, Lampsinshuis, 17th-century trade, strong women on land, and the history of Zeeland and slavery in Zeeland. Zeeuws Museum offers a guided tour of its world-famous 16th-century tapestries depicting sea battles. If you plan to take this tour, check the current booking conditions.
Historic sites each have their own character, too. Sluis has the only belfry in the Netherlands. The fortified town of Hulst still has three of its former four town gates; you can stroll along the ramparts. QR codes on Zeeuwse Ankers signs let you access stories or videos about places, people and objects throughout Zeeland. So, alongside the buildings themselves, you can explore the stories connected with them.
Traditions and flavours of Zeeland
Zeeland’s long-standing traditions include ring riding, making Babbelaars and wearing traditional costumes. Oyster farming in Yerseke has a long history, and the oyster beds are open to visitors. Mussels, oysters and Oosterschelde lobster are among the region’s culinary specialties. Together, these examples reveal another side of Zeeland: alongside its waterscapes and engineering, there are also crafts, customs and regional produce.
Discover more destinations: Veere, Tholen, Borsele, Sluis, Terneuzen, Goes, Hulst, Kapelle, Middelburg, Noord-Beveland, Reimerswaal, Schouwen-Duiveland, Vlissingen.
For the broader travel overview: Netherlands.
