Short circular walks and multi-day hikes are part of the same walking trail network in Zeeland. At the same time, on 23 June 2025, the international cycling union UCI officially recognised the province as a UCI Bike Region. This presents two different perspectives on the landscape: you can put together your own route on foot or explore Zeeland through the theme of cycling.

Discover trails and nature

The walking trail network ranges from short circular walks to multi-day hikes. It is signposted at junctions, where you can put together your own routes. A short contrast is the Plankierpad in Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe: this freely accessible walking trail is 1 km long. Tide and safety restrictions apply, which you should take into account before your visit.

Saeftinghe is the largest brackish mudflat area in Western Europe. The Saeftinghe Visitor Centre offers a free exhibition introducing visitors to this landscape. By contrast, the focus at Nationaal Park Oosterschelde is on birdlife: hundreds of thousands of birds come to the park every year. You can watch them from the dykes, on birdwatching excursions or during a boat trip.

When cycling by the water, it is also important to keep nature in mind. In many places, you can cycle along the water in Nationaal Park Oosterschelde; in some areas, this is not permitted to protect the birds. Follow the signs there. The trails, the short Plankierpad and the opportunities to observe wildlife in the national park offer different ways to experience the landscape, without forming one fixed route.

Water, engineering and landscape

The Delta Works protect Zeeland from flooding, have improved access to the province and have helped create new nature reserves. The Oosterscheldekering is the largest storm surge barrier in the Netherlands. The Watersnoodmuseum in the caissons at Ouwerkerk offers another way to explore the history of water. It shares knowledge about the 1953 flood disaster and the Netherlands’ ongoing relationship with water—in the past, present and future.

Neeltje Jans was a construction island for the Delta Works and is now a nature reserve. Its features include vast beaches, views of the Oosterscheldekering and dune terrain where many birds nest. Here, the history of the construction work meets a contemporary perspective on the landscape and birdlife.

The Grevelingen lies on the border between Zeeland and Zuid-Holland and is Europe’s largest saltwater lake. Guided nature excursions led by a Staatsbosbeheer guide are offered there, including trips to Kabbelaarsbank, De Punt and Slikken van Flakkee. The Veerse Meer, meanwhile, has 17 islands: five are reserved for birds, while the others are open to visitors. You can explore the lake by motorboat or sloop; boats can also be rented for a day. Activities on the Veerse Meer include water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, diving and snorkelling. Surfing is available at the Brouwersdam.

Towns, traditions and regional cuisine

Zeeland’s towns also tell different stories about the region’s history. In the fortified town of Hulst, three of its former four town gates remain; you can stroll along the town ramparts. Sluis has the only belfry in the Netherlands. Zeeland also keeps traditions alive, including ring riding, making Babbelaars and wearing traditional dress.

In Vlissingen, the Maritiem MuZEEum Zeeland offers tours on a range of subjects, including Michiel de Ruyter, the Lampsinshuis, 17th-century trade, strong women on land, and the history of Zeeland and slavery in Zeeland. The Zeeuws Museum offers a tour of its world-famous tapestries depicting 16th-century naval battles. If you plan to take this tour, check the latest dates and booking conditions in advance.

Oyster farming has a long history in Yerseke, and the oyster beds can be visited. Mussels, oysters and Oosterschelde lobster are among Zeeland’s culinary specialities. A trip through the province therefore takes in not only nature and cultural heritage, but also a regional food culture closely connected to the water.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Veere, Tholen, Borsele, Sluis, Terneuzen, Goes, Hulst, Kapelle, Middelburg, Noord-Beveland, Reimerswaal, Schouwen-Duiveland, Vlissingen.

For the overview of the wider region: Netherlands.