Experience Veere’s heritage and nature

Veere reveals its distinctive character through the stories of its places and a landscape you can explore on foot, by bike and on the water. The municipality of Veere brings together dunes, polders, forests, country estates, coastal waters and beaches. Activities include walking and cycling, as well as swimming and sunbathing. Four Tourist Information Points in the municipality offer practical information, activity suggestions and local tips. This makes it easy to include nature, water sports and culture in your travel plans.

Landscapes and trails

De Manteling van Walcheren lies between Domburg and the Veerse Gatdam. This varied natural area is a classic country-estate landscape: forests and stretches of dunes alternate with perfectly straight avenues and winding paths. Historic country estates and ornamental gardens are also part of its landscape. De Manteling is protected under Natura 2000 legislation.

Oranjezon, between Oostkapelle and Vrouwenpolder, features dunes, forests, dune valleys and open grassy areas. There are four walking trails and excursions led by nature guides. If you want to take a closer look at the landscape during your visit, you’ll find both marked trails and guided nature experiences here.

The Veerse Meer offers a different perspective on the region. It has 17 islands: five are set aside specifically for birds, while the other twelve are open to visitors. The lake is 22 kilometres in circumference and is also well suited to longer bike rides. As a water sports destination for Walcheren and the wider area, it offers opportunities for sailing, surfing, diving, water skiing, canoeing and swimming.

One specific walking route is the marked Boswachterspad Veerse Bos. This 5.7-kilometre trail starts at Het Veerse Gat campsite in Veere and follows the water, passing tidal creeks and reed beds before continuing through the old Veerse Bos. The route combines waterside views and wetlands with a stretch through the forest.

Wildlife also lends character to certain places. Het Noordervroon is a wetland behind the sea dike at Westkapelle that attracts a variety of bird species. Several walking and birdwatching excursions take place there each year; check the current dates before your visit. There are also kitesurfing spots between Westkapelle and Domburg. Conditions and suitability depend on the weather and your skill level.

History, museums and special places

The town of Veere offers a concentrated look at the municipality’s architectural heritage. Most of the approximately 351 listed monuments in the municipality of Veere are within Veere’s protected townscape. The town of Veere dates back to the 12th or 13th century. The Schotse Huizen recall Veere’s historic trading links with Scotland. The Orangeroute-Veere trail also explores the past, passing places visited by the House of Orange.

At Grote Kerk Veere, you can take an audio tour about the church’s history, enjoy the view from the tower and stroll through the town garden. A guided tour of Veere’s Stadhuis takes you to the drum chamber, where the carillon’s playing drum is kept. As tour availability may change, it’s a good idea to check the programme before your visit.

The Campveerse Toren is a 15th-century building that once formed part of Veere’s defences. Today, it is used as a hotel and restaurant and is one of the oldest inns in the Netherlands. Westkapelle’s lighthouse also tells a story spanning several periods: it was originally the tower of Sint-Willibrorduskerk and stands on the inland side of the village, not by the sea. The tower inspired Piet Mondriaan to paint it. Visitors can climb to the roof; weather-related closures are possible, so check access in advance.

Polderhuis Westkapelle explores the history and cultural heritage of the dike village, with a particular focus on the Second World War. The exhibition covers the bombing on 3 October 1944 and the Allied invasion of Westkapelle on 1 November 1944, Operation Infatuate II. Stenen Beer, meanwhile, is a fortification dating from the Napoleonic era, which visitors can walk around.

Museums also bring culture and landscape together. Terra Maris is housed in the former orangery of Kasteel Westhove in the De Manteling van Walcheren nature area between Oostkapelle and Domburg. The museum presents changing, educational exhibitions about Zeeland, the history of the Zeeuwse landscape and the diversity of Zeeuwse nature. Terra Maris also hosts activities, guided tours and walks on nature, sustainability and biodiversity in its grounds. The Marie Tak van Poortvliet Museum focuses on classical modern art, European artists’ colonies and contemporary artists; changing exhibitions and a sculpture garden round out the programme.

Discover more destinations: Vrouwenpolder, Koudekerke, Dishoek, Aagtekerke, Gapinge, Grijpskerke, Meliskerke, Serooskerke, Biggekerke, Domburg, Oostkapelle, Veere, Zoutelande, Westkapelle.

For the overview of the wider region: Zeeland.