Discover Kapelle: Orchards, History and the Oosterschelde

Kapelle can be explored through a range of themes: fruit growing, village history, polder landscapes and the Oosterschelde near Wemeldinge. If you are planning a hotel stay, you can build these highlights into your itinerary—from museum visits and historic memorial sites to walks or dives.

Fruit growing and regional routes

The ZeeuwsFruitMuseum tells the story of fruit and fruit growing. Its garden is home to 170 different fruit trees, each with its own name; the plantings may change over time. A working auction clock and a digital auctioneer explain how an auction works. The museum thus showcases fruit varieties and fruit growing alongside an insight into the trade. The museum shop sells regional products; its selection may change.

The Fruitroute also highlights the fruit-growing landscape. This 17-kilometre route passes through the “Blossom of Zeeland” and by the Fruitteeltmuseum in Kapelle. Stalls along the Fruitroute sell freshly picked apples, homemade jam and other treats. The stalls’ offerings may vary by season.

Church, remembrance and personal stories

The interior of the Hervormde Kerk van Kapelle survived the Iconoclasm. The French Military Cemetery in Kapelle is the only French Second World War cemetery in the Netherlands; 229 French soldiers are buried there. The two sites reveal different aspects of history: a preserved interior and a place of remembrance.

The Museum Memorial 40-45 Kapelle uses its collection to tell the personal stories of French soldiers in the Netherlands and the people of Kapelle who knew them. Each year in May, the museum joins forces with the Municipality of Kapelle to hold the Toujours Kapelle event week. Dates and programme may change.

Village history and polder landscapes

The village centres of Kapelle, Biezelinge, Eversdijk and Schore are surrounded by green landscapes and orchards. Kapelse Moer is one of the last remaining stretches of authentic Zeeland polder landscape. These varied landscapes give your trip a distinct focus alongside the museums and historic sites.

In Wemeldinge, the Vliedberg (Kasteelberg), together with the adjoining church grounds, forms part of the oldest village centre; it is believed to date from around the 11th century. Narrow alleys, also known as “slopjes”, lead to the streets behind Dorpsstraat. Signs indicate who used to live in the alleys. Molen Aeolus can be visited by appointment; arrange your visit in advance.

Wemeldinge on the Oosterschelde

Wemeldinge lies on the Oosterschelde. Its promenade invites you to enjoy a walk with views over the water; walking routes pass through the historic village centre and orchards, and along the Oosterschelde. For divers, the underwater sites are another highlight: on the southern side of the Oosterschelde is the Netherlands’ first 5-star diving hotspot, and the dive sites between Wemeldinge and Kattendijke are known for their lush and diverse underwater life.

The “de Hoek” dive site is located near Wemeldinge on the Oosterschelde. The “Galjoen zonder poen” wreck is about a five-minute swim from shore and lies at a depth of approximately 25 metres. Check diving conditions and facilities before your trip. Access to the wreck also depends on conditions, the tides and safety advice.

Jachthaven Wemeldinge is situated in an old lock complex. The side piers have electricity and water connections; other facilities include luxurious sanitary facilities, bicycle and kick-scooter hire, and a technical service. Facilities and operator arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check before your trip.

Travelling by train

You can travel by train and get off at Kapelle-Biezelinge station in the Municipality of Kapelle. Check the timetable for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Wemeldinge, Kapelle, Goes, Hulst, Noord-Beveland, Middelburg, Reimerswaal, Borsele.

Back to the main travel overview: Zeeland.