Borsele: Landscapes and Excursions

Borsele combines hiking and cycling trails with historic sites and a distinctive cultural landscape. The municipality is also known as the Zak van Zuid-Beveland. When planning your stay, you can choose from self-guided routes, historic attractions and activities such as a ride on the museum railway. Each of the following places and activities offers something different.

Hiking and Cycling

Borsele Beweegt offers self-guided hiking routes through Landschapspark Borsele. You can explore at your own pace and on your own schedule. At Zwaakse Weel, a hiking route starts at the information centre. This nature reserve is one of the largest in the Zak van Zuid-Beveland, pairing a specific hiking destination with an expansive natural landscape.

Hiking routes that can be linked together also start at Hoeve Van der Meulen. The farm dates back to the 17th century and has been restored. Around the farm are traditional orchards, species-rich fields, hedgerows and uneven pastures. The area illustrates what the landscape looked like over the centuries. A museum apartment in the original farmhouse shows how its residents once lived. A walk here therefore also offers a glimpse into the history of the farm.

For a cycling trip, there is a 53-kilometre route through Landschapspark Borsele. It follows the cycle junction network and can be shortened as you wish. In summer, cycling routes pass along flower-lined dikes; at Zwaakse Weel, a wide channel, fields and old crops are in full bloom. Hiking and cycling offer different ways to experience the landscape—with flexible hiking routes on the one hand and a designated cycling route on the other.

History and Regional Culture

The Stoomtrein Goes-Borsele offers a nostalgic train ride on its own museum railway line. It connects Goes with Hoedekenskerke and runs on selected days. Check the timetable before your trip if you would like to include the train ride in your plans.

The Bevrijdingsmuseum Zeeland presents the history of Zeeland during the Second World War. ’t Wienkeltje van Wullempje offers a different historical perspective, conveying the atmosphere of the years 1930 to 1950. On display are historic box beds, including one with a baby’s cradle, old objects and dolls dressed in Zuid-Beveland costume.

Individual buildings also tell stories of earlier centuries. The De Hoop en Verwachting mill just outside the village of Borssele is a working grain mill dating from 1714. Slot Baarland dates back to the early 14th century and was one of the larger castles in Zeeland at the height of its prominence. Visits are possible on various open days; check the dates in advance. Fort Ellewoutsdijk was built between 1835 and 1839. Visitors can explore the underground rooms of Fort Ellewoutsdijk.

More Places to Visit

The Tropical Zoo includes De Spettertuin, Kids Jungle, Adventure Minigolf, De Natuurklas, Dino Expo, Fossielenmijn, Schat Zoeken, De Natuurzolder and Buitenspeelbos. Pluimweide Park has an 800-metre mini railway, remote-controlled boats and a water-spray play area. The park also features a lookout tower in a water maze. The two attractions have different focuses, so you can choose according to what you would like to do during your stay.

Regional Impressions

There are numerous stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables along the roads in the municipality of Borsele. The Zeeuwse Bolus is a local Zeeland sweet treat. These regional products add a culinary dimension to the nature and cultural attractions, without requiring a particular itinerary. When choosing a hotel, consider which of the themes described are most important to you during your stay; the various routes, museums and historic sites offer different ways to plan your visit.

Discover More Destinations

Borssele, Heinkenszand, Hoedekenskerke, Baarland, Oudelande, 'S-Gravenpolder, Ovezande, Lewedorp, 's-Heer Abtskerke, Nieuwdorp

For the main travel overview: Zeeland.