Westdorpe

Westdorpe brings together cultural history, nature and walking. The war memorial, the Oud Westdorpe Museum and the Zwartenhoekse Zeesluis represent different aspects of history; Canisvliet and the “Ommetje Westdorpe lang” walking route focus on the landscape. The village extends eastwards in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, on and along the Graaf-Jansdijk. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Westdorpe, you can first decide whether your stay will focus mainly on history or the landscape.

Cultural history and remembrance

The Westdorpe war memorial was unveiled on 19 September 1994. A black marble memorial stone is set into a damaged red-brick wall. It commemorates seven fellow townspeople who lost their lives in acts of war during the occupation. The materials, placement and dedication make the memorial a tangible place of remembrance.

The Oud Westdorpe Museum was founded in 1964, following extensive archaeological finds in the polders around the village. It is housed in a former church building that was converted into the MFC “de Kirke.” The marble altar has been preserved at the front of the church in the MFC “de Kirke.” The museum’s founding story, the archaeological finds and the preserved architectural feature offer different perspectives on the museum and the building.

The Zwartenhoekse Zeesluis

The Zwartenhoekse Zeesluis, also known as Grote Petrus, dates from 1788/89. It is a three-chamber drainage lock that could also be used as a flood-control lock when necessary. It was also one of the last locks to form part of the Staats-Spaanse linies. This structure therefore brings water management and a potential military function together. Close to Westdorpe, you can visit the lock near the hamlet of “Batterij,” on the route from Axelse Sassing towards Westdorpe.

Canisvliet and the walking route

The Canisvliet nature area near Westdorpe covers 42 hectares. It consists of remnants of tidal creeks, woodland and wet meadows. This landscape offers a different focus from the historic sites: here, the various features of the nature area take centre stage.

The “Ommetje Westdorpe lang” walking route leaves Canisvliet, follows the dike along the Terneuzen–Ghent canal towards the bridge, and then passes through the centre of Westdorpe. The 9.31-kilometre route starts and ends in Westdorpe. It therefore leads from the landscape of the nature area, along the canal dike and into the village. The route may be revised, so check the current route before setting out.

Visitor centre and regional products

The De Baeckermat visitor centre in Westdorpe shows how nature, the environment and agriculture are interconnected. The farm shop at De Baeckermat offers locally produced regional and seasonal products. The products currently available may change.

There are several themes to choose from when planning your trip: you can explore remembrance at the war memorial, the museum’s history and the lock, or focus on Canisvliet and the walking route. The visitor centre offers another distinct perspective by bringing nature, the environment and agriculture together.

Discover more destinations: Hoek, Zaamslag, Sluiskil, Terneuzen, Koewacht, Axel, Sas Van Gent, Biervliet

Go to the broader travel overview: Terneuzen.