Zeeland — Beaches & Delta Works★★
Zeeland is the southwesternmost province of the Netherlands — a patchwork of islands, peninsulas, and dams between the North Sea and the river mouths of the Rhine, Maas, and Scheldt. Zeeland has the most sunshine hours in the Netherlands, the widest beaches, and a fascinating history of battling the water.
Highlights
- Delta Works — The largest flood protection system in the world, built in response to the devastating flood disaster of 1953 (1,836 deaths). The Oosterscheldekering (3.5 km long, 65 pillars) is one of the modern wonders of engineering. At Deltapark Neeltje Jans, you can visit the facility and experience the history interactively (€21).
- Domburg — The oldest seaside resort in the Netherlands (since 1834), where Mondrian painted his famous seascapes. Wide beach, dunes, charming town center with boutiques and restaurants.
- Vlissingen — Port city on the Westerschelde with a magnificent beach promenade (Boulevard). You can see the huge container ships passing by — the port of Antwerp is just around the corner.
- Middelburg — Zeeland's capital with a splendid town hall (UNESCO candidate), Gothic abbey, and lively Thursday market. Small but fine.
- Veere — A tiny, perfectly preserved town with a harbor that was one of the richest places in the Netherlands in the 16th century (wool trade with Scotland). Today a sailing paradise.
Zeeland is accessible by train from Rotterdam in about 1 hour (train to Vlissingen via Middelburg). By car: via the A58. Ideal for a 2–3-day beach holiday or as a stopover on the way to Belgium.
