Vlissingen: City Beach, Coast and Maritime History

City Beach, Promenade and Nature

The two-kilometre promenade along Badstrand invites you to stroll, take a deep breath and enjoy the sea views. On the edge of the beach, dunes and promenade lies Nollebos, a diverse 26-hectare nature and recreation area. This gives you different options for planning your trip: a stay by the city beach with sea views, or a coastal nature and recreation area.

Maritime History and War Heritage

The MuZEEum features interactive exhibitions on Zeeland’s maritime history and future. The specific exhibition topics may change. Dok van Perry also tells the story of the maritime past: it is the oldest dry dock in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in Western Europe. The museum ship Mercuur was an ocean-going minesweeper and later served as a torpedo workshop ship for the Royal Netherlands Navy.

Uncle Beach tells the story of the occupation, liberation and civilian population of Vlissingen during the Second World War. At the Bunkermuseum Vlissingen, you can visit a Type 143 artillery observation bunker that has been almost entirely restored to its original condition. Its 20-tonne armoured cupola has a periscope that was used to monitor the Western Scheldt. Tours can generally be booked throughout the year; check availability for your chosen date in advance.

Architecture and City History

The Gevangentoren is the seaward tower of Vlissingen’s former West Gate, built around 1401. In 1610, it was given a new function as the city prison. The old city centre is designated a protected townscape and includes around 300 monuments. Sint Jacobskerk stands on Oude Markt; the Kazematten are remains of Vlissingen’s old fortifications.

The Oranjemolen also reflects the city’s history: the mill, dating from 1699, is the only surviving one of Vlissingen’s 23 city mills. It is a grain mill and formerly served as a hulling mill at Oranjedijk. The Windorgel is a wind-played artwork. It produces different sounds depending on wind speed and direction.

Routes and Getting Around

The “Wandeling langs de hoogtepunten van Vlissingen” route is a 4.5-kilometre city walk with sea views. Route details may change, so check the current route before setting out. You can start the Bevrijdingspad Vlissingen at any point. At 4.5 kilometres, the city walk is 2.5 kilometres longer than the two-kilometre promenade.

Scheldekwartier is surrounded by water and centrally located near the city’s amenities. Its maritime history and future shape the character of the neighbourhood.

Discover more destinations: Oost-Souburg, Ritthem.

Go to the main travel overview: Vlissingen.