In the east of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, Westdorpe extends along and beside the Graaf-Jansdijk. Two areas of interest can help you plan your trip: nature and cultural heritage. Canisvliet represents a landscape of creeks, woods and wet meadows; the memorial stone, lock and museum offer different historical themes. You can choose the focus of your stay depending on whether you would rather spend time outdoors or learn more about local history and buildings.

Canisvliet and the walking loop through Westdorpe

The Canisvliet nature area near Westdorpe covers 42 hectares. It includes remnants of creeks, woods and wet meadows. The creek remnants give the landscape a waterside character, while the meadows and woods add open and wooded areas. Canisvliet therefore cannot be reduced to a single type of landscape.

The “Ommetje Westdorpe lang” walking route is 9.31 kilometres long and starts and ends in Westdorpe. It leaves Canisvliet, follows the dike along the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal towards the bridge, and then passes through the village centre. The route thus links the nature area, the canal dike and the village centre. As the route may change, check the current course before planning your walk.

Remembrance and water management

The Westdorpe war memorial is a black marble memorial stone set into a damaged red-brick wall. It was unveiled on 19 September 1994 and commemorates seven local residents who lost their lives in acts of war during the occupation years. The date marks the unveiling of the memorial; it honours the people who died during the occupation years.

The Zwartenhoekse Zeesluis, also known as Grote Petrus, dates from 1788/89. It is a three-chamber drainage lock that could also be used as a flooding lock when needed. Both water drainage and its potential use for flooding are therefore part of its history. The lock was one of the last to be part of the Staats-Spaanse linies. It can be visited nearby at the hamlet of “Batterij”, on the way from Axelse Sassing towards Westdorpe.

Museum and De Baeckermat

The Oud Westdorpe Museum is housed in a former church building that was converted into the MFC “de Kirke”. It was founded in 1964, after extensive archaeological finds were made in the polders around the village. De Kirke also retains the marble altar at the front of the church. The museum’s history and a feature of the church’s interior offer different ways to explore local history.

The De Baeckermat visitor centre in Westdorpe shows how nature, the environment and agriculture are connected. Its theme adds another perspective on the relationship between the natural landscape and agriculture to the specific landscape features of Canisvliet. The Landwinkel shop at De Baeckermat offers locally produced regional and seasonal products. The selection may change; if you are looking for specific products, check the current range.

Discover more destinations: Sas Van Gent, Terneuzen, Biervliet, Koewacht, Sluiskil, Axel, Philippine, Hoek

Return to the main travel overview: Terneuzen.