In the Municipality of Veere, historic townscapes, museums and diverse landscapes lie close together. Most of the municipality’s approximately 351 national heritage sites are located within the protected townscape of Veere, a town founded in the 12th or 13th century. Dunes, forests, polders and coastal waters also shape the landscape. This means there is plenty to discover, from trade and military history to walks and water sports.
Veere’s town history and buildings
The Schotse Huizen (Scottish Houses) recall Veere’s historic trading links with Scotland. Another landmark in the town’s history is the Campveerse Toren: the 15th-century building once formed part of the town’s defences and is now used as a hotel and restaurant. It is one of the oldest inns in the Netherlands.
At Museum Veere, you can learn about Veere’s stories on a guided town tour. The Grote Kerk Veere offers an audio tour about the church’s history; visitors can also enjoy the view from the tower and stroll through the town garden. At Veere’s town hall, a tour takes visitors to the drum room, where the playing drum for the carillon is kept. As this programme may not always be available, check whether the tour is running before your visit.
Lighthouse and wartime history in Westkapelle
The Westkapelle Lighthouse was originally the tower of Sint-Willibrorduskerk. It stands on the inland side of the village, not by the sea, and inspired Piet Mondrian to paint it. Visitors can climb to the roof. Weather-related closures are possible, so check access before your visit.
Polderhuis Westkapelle is dedicated to the history and cultural heritage of the dike village, with a particular focus on the Second World War. The exhibition covers the bombing of 3 October 1944 and Operation Infatuate II, the Allied invasion of Westkapelle on 1 November 1944. These dates mark different events, which you can learn about at the museum in the context of the town’s history.
Nature trails, dunes and water
De Manteling van Walcheren is a traditional estate landscape between Domburg and the Veerse Gatdam. Its landscape features include historic estates, ornamental gardens, dunes and deciduous forests; straight avenues meet winding paths. The area is covered by Natura 2000 legislation. Terra Maris is located in this natural setting, in the former orangery of Kasteel Westhove, between Oostkapelle and Domburg. The museum presents changing, educational exhibitions about Zeeland, the history of the Zeeland landscape and the diversity of Zeeland’s nature. Activities, tours and walks about nature, sustainability and biodiversity are also held on its grounds.
The marked Boswachterspad Veerse Bos trail is 5.7 kilometres long and starts at Het Veerse Gat campsite in Veere. The route follows the water, past small inlets and reed beds, and through the old Veerse Bos forest. It links different sections of the landscape along a clearly marked walking route.
Oranjezon lies between Oostkapelle and Vrouwenpolder. Dunes, forests, dune valleys and open grassland shape the area; four walking trails and excursions led by nature guides are available for exploring it. Westkapelle offers a different natural environment at Het Noordervroon: this wetland behind the sea dike attracts various bird species. Several walking and birdwatching excursions take place there each year. Check the current dates if you would like to plan an excursion.
The Veerse Meer comprises 17 islands: five are set aside specifically for birds, while the remaining twelve are open to visitors. The lake is a water sports area for Walcheren and the surrounding region; activities include sailing, surfing, diving, water skiing, canoeing and swimming. One specific cycling route is the 53.8-kilometre Best-of-Nature cycling route from Veere. The Veerse Meer has a circumference of 22 kilometres and is ideal for long bike rides.
There are four tourist information points in the Municipality of Veere, offering practical information, activity suggestions and local tips.
Discover more destinations: Biggekerke, Domburg, Oostkapelle, Veere, Zoutelande, Westkapelle, Vrouwenpolder, Koudekerke, Dishoek, Aagtekerke, Gapinge, Grijpskerke, Meliskerke, Serooskerke.
For the regional travel overview: Zeeland.
