Tholen: History, Nature and Routes

Historic Traces in Tholen

The defensive system of ramparts, bastions and moats replaced the medieval fortifications during the Eighty Years’ War. On the walking tour, you can therefore appreciate not only the layout itself, but also trace its historical development. A cruciform place of worship in Tholen reveals another aspect of the town’s architectural history: it is built predominantly with stone vaults. The tower dates from the 14th century and was raised to 49 metres in the 15th century; the transept and some extensions were built in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The carillon also offers several specific points of interest for history enthusiasts. It plays every quarter of an hour and has a total of 37 bells. These include the oldest carillon bell in the Netherlands, dating from 1458, and nine bells from 1627. At Vlasmarkt stands the surviving body of De Verwachting, a grain mill built in 1848. In Stavenisse, a grain mill has stood by the harbour since 1801. These varied reminders offer insights into religious architecture, the history of sound and work in earlier times, without promising the same kind of visitor experience.

Westkerkseberg is the only surviving terp, or refuge mound, of the twelve hills that once stood on Tholen. As a feature of the landscape, it complements the buildings and monuments with evidence of an older history of settlement and protection.

Nature, Tides and Birdlife

The De Pluimpot nature reserve is accessible via paths along the dikes, and birds can be observed there throughout the year. It serves as a high-tide roost and is an important breeding area for coastal birds, including oystercatchers, terns and avocets. At the same time, the Pluimpot preserves a distinctive geographical reminder: it is the last surviving remnant of the tidal creek that divided Tholen Island into two parts until 1556. Those looking to combine wildlife watching with landscape history can find both in one place.

Salt water and the tides shape the landscape at Rammegors. Twice a day, salt water flows in and out through a controllable sluice in the Krabbenkreekdam. Here, 145 hectares of mudflats and salt marshes were returned to the Oosterschelde after the decision was made in 2010 to restore the tidal range. The nature reserve is also home to grazing horses and cattle, meadow birds and, in winter, many geese. These details describe a different type of landscape from the dike paths of the Pluimpot: when planning your outings, you can choose between coastal birdwatching and a tidal area with grazing land.

The mudflats of the Krabbenkreek near Sint-Annaland are important feeding grounds for waders such as bar-tailed godwits, oystercatchers, turnstones and various sandpipers. The harbour of the Sint-Annaland Water Sports Association is on the Krabbenkreek, an inlet of the Oosterschelde. The water there is clean, saline and tidal; at low tide, mudflats and salt marshes are exposed. Visiting boats are welcome. Harbour facilities and access arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before travelling.

Near Tholen, on the Philipsdam in the Volkerak, lie the Slikken van de Heen. This extensive nature reserve encompasses creeks, marshes and woodland, providing a habitat for many bird species, including white-tailed eagles and ospreys, as well as red deer and Konik horses. The location is important: the Slikken lie near Tholen, while the other nature reserves described are in their own specifically named locations.

Choose Routes to Suit Your Time and Interests

The approximately three-kilometre walking tour of the town and the 77.4-kilometre cycling route “Een moment voor Tholen” represent very different types of route. The cycling route passes historic farms on Tholen and Sint Philipsland, with an information board at each farm. You can start at any junction and also ride the route in two sections. As routes and information boards may change, check the details before setting out. Tholen also has nine short circular walks around village centres. The Parel routes are short, interactive trails with tasks and questions, at the end of which you receive a pearl.

For a walk that includes regional treats, try the “Proef en ontdek Sint-Annaland” walking route. It combines discovering the region with tasting Zeeland and Tholen regional products. Participating providers and route details may change, so check them before your visit. Regional products include high-quality early potatoes with a rich flavour, Tholen Dikbil beef and Oosterschelde lobster. You can plan your stay around different interests, for example with a walk around town, a longer cycling tour or a themed stroll.

Museums and Remembrance

The De Meestoof regional museum in Sint-Annaland offers insights into the former life and culture of Tholen and Sint-Philipsland. Its collections include madder cultivation, jewellery from Tholen and traditional costumes. Each year, the museum presents a changing exhibition on a selected topic. The Watersnoodhuis Stavenisse is in the former town hall and serves as an information centre about the 1953 North Sea flood disaster. During the flood on 1 February 1953, hundreds of people took refuge there. Another memorial is Het Zeemonster, on the Provincialeweg between Sint-Maartensdijk and Stavenisse, which commemorates a storm surge.

If you are looking for a hotel in Tholen, you can base your choice on the themes you want to shape your stay: local history, museums, wildlife watching or routes. The different route lengths and landscapes offer practical points to help you plan.

Discover more destinations: Scherpenisse, Stavenisse, Sint Philipsland, Tholen, Sint Maartensdijk, Sint-Annaland, Poortvliet, Vlissingen.

See the main travel overview: Zeeland.