Vlissingen: Coast, Nature and Maritime History

Coast and finding your way by the water

Vlissingen’s boulevards are ideal for walking and cycling along the coast. They are accessible at all times to pedestrians, cyclists, mopeds with blue registration plates and mobility scooters. As the municipal access rules may change, check the city’s latest information when making specific plans.

The Western Scheldt ferry carries pedestrians and cyclists. From the ferry terminal, it takes about 20 minutes to walk along the Western Scheldt to the centre of Vlissingen; walking time may vary depending on the route. As timetables may change, it is worth checking departure times before travelling.

Fort Rammekens and nature near Ritthem

Fort Rammekens near Ritthem dates from 1547, is the oldest sea fort in Western Europe and played an important role in Zeeland’s maritime history. The Fort Rammekenshoek walking route starts at the fort. The historic site is therefore also the starting point for a named walking route.

Near the fort, outside the dikes, lies the only remaining salt marsh on Walcheren. A salt marsh is an area formed by deposits from the sea. Its defining features include creeks and mudflats, salt-tolerant plants and coastal breeding birds such as redshanks, oystercatchers and avocets.

Ritthemse Bos, officially known as the Rammekenshoek nature reserve, covers about 70 hectares and lies near the village of Ritthem. There are quiet walking paths and picnic areas. In the 1950s, a deciduous forest was planted around the creeks formed by wartime activities; it consists mainly of oak, ash and poplar trees. The landscape can also be understood through its origins: waterways, forest and distinctive coastal vegetation are different aspects of this natural area.

History in Oost-Souburg and beyond

The Carolingian Ringburg in Oost-Souburg dates from the last quarter of the 9th century and is the best-preserved ring-wall castle in Zeeland. Molen De Pere is a grain mill built in 1725 on Kanaalstraat in Oost-Souburg. It is once again fully operational for milling; a professional miller runs it almost daily. Various types of flour are sold there, although the selection may change.

The restored Dok van Perry is also an important testament to industrial history: it is the oldest dry dock in the Netherlands. The Wind Organ at the end of Nolledijk is a monument unique in the Netherlands; there are only three in Europe. Its bamboo pipes produce changing sounds when the wind blows through them.

Culture and planning your stay

The Maritim MuZEEum Zeeland in Vlissingen offers a range of guided tours. Topics include Michiel de Ruyter, the Lampsinshuis, trade in the 17th century, strong women on land, Zeeland’s history and Zeeland’s history of slavery. As tour topics may change, check which options are currently available before making plans.

The Film by the Sea film festival brings filmmakers, actors, writers and audiences from across the country together by the sea every year. Dates and programme vary each year, so plan a visit around the event dates for that year. The festival can shape your stay if its themes and your travel dates align.

When looking for a hotel in Vlissingen, you can start by deciding what matters most to you: the coast and paths by the water, nature and walks, or culture and history. This helps you choose where to stay based on your travel plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Oost-Souburg, Ritthem and Vlissingen. More destinations: Noord-Beveland, Hulst, Goes, Schouwen-Duiveland and Veere.

Back to the main travel overview: Zeeland.