Heikant Between Cultural Heritage and Nature

Heikant brings together a distinctive ecclesiastical heritage and a varied landscape. The village is laid out as a long settlement along the road between Koewacht and Sint Jansteen. Its landscape changes noticeably: polders dominate the north, while woodland plots along the Belgian border form the southern edge. If you are looking for a destination where local history and nature go hand in hand, Heikant offers two specific highlights: the Sint-Theresia-van-het-Kind-Jezuskerk and the Waterwinbossen.

Waterwinbossen: Trails and Habitats

The Waterwinbossen are in eastern Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, along the Belgian border between Clinge, Sint Jansteen and Heikant, on an old cover-sand ridge. The nature area includes woodlands, flower-rich meadows, heath-like vegetation and bodies of water. Its position on an old cover-sand ridge describes the underlying terrain, while the variety of habitats gives the landscape its diversity.

You can explore the area on foot or by bicycle, including on a guided walk with a nature guide. Marked walking, cycling and horse-riding trails offer different ways to get around; there is also a special Kabouterroute (Gnome Trail) for children. Species rarely found elsewhere in Zeeland include squirrels, middle spotted woodpeckers and field crickets. The Waterwinbossen are open from sunrise to sunset. Trail conditions and access rules may change, so check the latest information before your visit.

Church Architecture and Flax-Growing Heritage

The Sint-Theresia-van-het-Kind-Jezuskerk in Heikant is a single-nave cruciform church designed by F.B. Sturm. Its style is understated Expressionist, and several blind façades are part of its appearance. Blind façades are solid wall surfaces without window or door openings. The term draws attention to the building’s composition and adds a specific design feature to its classification as a cruciform church.

The church complex includes a processional walkway dating from 1934, with seven chapels dedicated to Saint Thérèse. Heikant also has numerous surviving monuments associated with the village’s former flax-growing culture. Church architecture and the history of flax growing thus stand alongside one another as two distinct cultural themes.

Art and Open Studios

During Kunstrondje Heikant and Ambachtelijk Weekend, artists from Heikant open their studios to visitors. Event dates may vary; check the dates for the specific event before travelling. If you are interested in art, these open studios add another perspective to the architecture and nature themes: a look inside artists’ workspaces.

For planning your stay, the distinction is practical: if you are especially interested in architectural history, focus on the church, processional walkway and flax-growing heritage. For experiencing nature, the Waterwinbossen and their trails are the main attraction. When looking for a hotel in Heikant, you can first decide which theme you want to shape your stay.

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