Breskens between the beach, lighthouse and maritime history

With its beach, lighthouse, art and ferry connection across the Western Scheldt, Breskens offers several starting points for planning a trip. When comparing hotels in Breskens, you can first consider whether the coast and its views, maritime history or an August visit to the Visserijfeesten should shape your stay. The places and events are quite different: from an unbroken stretch of beach to a landmark with clearly documented architectural details and a recurring festival.

Beach, views and art

’t Zandertje is located near Breskens on the Western Scheldt. Together with ’t Fort and het Halve Maantje, it forms an unbroken stretch of beach. The panorama path outside the dike is a separate point of reference for taking in the landscape: from there, you can see the Nieuwe Sluis lighthouse and the beaches. The “Beelden in Beeld” walking route offers a different focus, passing various works of art in Breskens. When planning your trip, you can therefore distinguish between the beach, the views and a walking route featuring art, rather than reducing all the experiences to a single theme.

Lighthouse and Red Penguins

The Nieuwe Sluis lighthouse dates from 1868 and is the oldest surviving cast-iron lighthouse in the Netherlands. It stands 28.4 metres tall and has five floors. Its age, material and preserved design give it a historical character. The Red Penguins are on a very different scale: the structure is 14 metres tall and consists of twelve enormous red penguins above the Breskens marina. The two attractions are clearly distinct—one is a 19th-century cast-iron lighthouse, the other a striking structure made up of twelve red figures. If you are looking for specific sights to help plan your trip, the details about their construction date, height and design each offer a different point of reference.

Visserijfeesten and maritime history

The Visserijfeesten Breskens has taken place every August since 1953. The festival features performances by artists and street performers, a large fairground, a flea market and a food truck festival. The specific programme may vary from one year to the next. If a festival date is important for your stay, check the dates and programme for the relevant edition before planning your trip around it. This helps you distinguish the annual August event from its individual programme items.

The Visserijmuseum Breskens displays unique fossils and has an aquarium with marine life. It also tells stories about fishermen and the rich maritime history of Breskens. As of 28 August 2026, the museum’s website stated that it was currently closed; the Visserijmuseum hoped to welcome visitors to its new museum from mid-September 2026. If the museum is important to your trip, check current access arrangements before visiting.

Across the Western Scheldt by ferry

The Westerschelde Ferry connects Vlissingen and Breskens for pedestrians and travellers with a bicycle or moped. During the crossing, you can enjoy views across the water and of passing container ships. The ferry connection is therefore another practical travel detail to consider when planning. Timetables are subject to change, so check the latest departures if you plan to take the ferry as part of your journey.

Discover more destinations: Retranchement, Sint Kruis, Hoofdplaat, Nieuwvliet, Cadzand, Zuidzande, Sluis, Waterlandkerkje

Go to the main travel overview: Sluis.