Zeeland: Make a trip over the border to the Dutch coast

Zeeland is known for its glistening coastline, excellent water sports and quaint towns with inviting terraces where you can enjoy a local beer or some of the region’s exceptional seafood. Add to that more hours of sunshine than the rest of the country, and it’s easy to see why the south-western Dutch province is such a popular holiday destination. There are plenty of reasons to cross the border for some sea air.

Middelburg

No trip to Zeeland would be complete without a stop at Middelburg. The province’s capital has a rich history that dates back to the ninth century, as well as interesting shops and impressive architecture. The late Gothic town hall dominates a large part of the market square and has a stunning interior with fine tapestries from Bruges, beautiful artwork and antique furniture. Another noteworthy building is the Abdij van Middelburg, an abbey founded by Flemish monks in the 12th century and one of the city’s most spectacular landmarks.

Delta Works

After the flood of 1953, urgent measures were taken to ensure that such a catastrophe would never happen again. Today, the region is connected by an intricate system of dams, dykes and barriers known as the Delta Works. This ingenious project not only reduced the risk offloods and improved Zeeland’s infrastructure, it also created the perfect conditions for water recreation.

Water sports

Zeeland’s unique combination of sea and shallow inland waters stretching out over 650km of coastline means there’s more than enough space to practise water sports. The Brouwersdam, part of the Delta Works, is a surfer’s paradise. While experienced surfers prefer the higher waves found outside the dyke, novices usually opt for the gentle waters of the Grevelingenmeer. Scharendijke, a port village not far from the Brouwersdam, offers scuba divers the chance to discover marine life and even three recreational shipwrecks sunk at various depths in 2011. New to diving? Visit Duikcentrum Scharendijke for lessons, guided dives and equipment rental.

Seafood

Zeeland’s seafood is plentiful and delicious. Visit Mosseldag, Yerseke’s bustling mussel festival, held on the third Saturday in August each year. For an unforgettable dining experience, book a table at Nolet’s Vistro. The menu includes plump mussels, briny oysters, prawns and lobster – all paired with fine wines and outstanding service.

Sleep

With its many hotels, bed and breakfasts and campsites, the colourful seaside village of Renesse is a perfect base for exploring the region. Visiting alone or as a couple? Zeerust offers eight simple, comfortable rooms and is within walking distance of the beach (€90/night). For families, Camping Duinhoeve has a swimming pool and recreational facilities for children of all ages.

This article first appeared in ING Expat Time