Axel: Water Tower, City Mill and Nature

Axel brings together technical monuments, regional history, natural spaces and leisure activities. When planning your trip, you can first consider which of these aspects you would like to focus on: buildings, walking landscapes, museums or outdoor activities.

Culture and technical monuments

The De Erpelkapper sculpture recalls the traditional nickname of Axel’s residents. The name is associated with collecting potatoes after the harvest.

The Axelse Watertoren is an industrial monument dating from 1936 and has been opened to the public. From the ground floor, you can climb to a height of 50 metres. Check the latest access information before your visit. The site also includes a Heemtuin with a distinctive natural character.

The Stadsmolen dates from 1750 and is still capable of milling. Together, the two buildings illustrate different aspects of technical history: the Watertoren is notable as a monument and for its climb, while the mill remains capable of milling.

Regional history

The Oorlogsmuseum Gdynia opened in 2004 in a historic farm barn at Tweede Verkorting 3 in Axel. The 60-kilometre Polish Liberation Route Oost-Zeeuws-Vlaanderen starts and ends at the museum. If you include the route in your plans, take its total length into account and check the route details in advance.

Museum Het Warenhuis offers another way to explore the region’s history, presenting it in a distinctive and interactive way. Its collection of regional costumes is considered a highlight.

Landscapes and routes

The wooded Smitsschorre area is ideal for walking. When walking on its northern or western side, you can enjoy views of the Axelse Kreek and Zwartenhoek. The Axelse Kreek is one of the largest creeks in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. Narrow reed beds line it, and several low-lying, wet pastures lie along its southern side.

At the foot of the Watertoren on Kinderdijk, signposts point to walking and cycling routes across the Vlakte and through the Axelse Polder. So, in addition to the Smitsschorre walking area, you’ll find signed routes specifically described for walking and cycling.

Leisure activities and events

The RES motocross track in Axel is about 1,750 metres long. Its features include sand, several jumps and banked turns. There is also a separate youth track with sand, banked turns and smaller jumps. The tracks therefore differ in features including the jumps.

The ’t Plaatje outdoor swimming pool has a children’s pool. At Natuurspeelbos Axel, the play equipment is made from natural materials. Guided city tours are also available in Axel; if you’re interested, ask about dates.

The weekly market in Axel takes place every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Check the market hours before travelling if you plan to visit.

Discover more destinations: Westdorpe, Philippine, Hoek, Terneuzen, Sluiskil, Zaamslag, Biervliet, Koewacht.

Go to the overview of the wider area: Terneuzen.