Fort Rammekens stands in Ritthem. Built in 1547, it is the oldest sea fort in Western Europe. It played an important role in Zeeland’s maritime history. Around Vlissingen, you’ll encounter historical discoveries like this alongside coastal paths and nature reserves: sometimes a building takes centre stage, sometimes the landscape and its distinctive habitats.

Western Scheldt and Boulevards

Vlissingen lies on the Western Scheldt. The boulevards are ideal for walking and cycling along the coast. They are accessible at all times to pedestrians, cyclists, mopeds with blue licence plates and mobility scooters. As municipal access rules can change, check the latest information before your visit.

The Western Scheldt ferry is also an option for pedestrians and cyclists. From the ferry terminal, you can reach the centre of Vlissingen on foot along the Western Scheldt in about 20 minutes; walking time may vary depending on the route. If you’re planning to take the ferry, check the timetable in advance. This helps you distinguish between the crossing over the Western Scheldt and the onward walk to the centre when planning your trip.

Fort, Salt Marsh and Forest near Ritthem

The area around Fort Rammekens brings together maritime history and a landscape shaped by the sea and military action. Near the fort, beyond the dikes, lies Walcheren’s only remaining salt marsh. This area, formed by the sea, includes tidal creeks and muddy banks. Salt-loving plants grow here, and coastal breeding birds include redshanks, oystercatchers and avocets. The salt marsh offers a different way to explore the area’s history than the fort: one foregrounds the maritime past, the other the development of a distinctive coastal landscape.

The tidal creeks of Rammekenshoek were formed by military action. In the 1950s, a deciduous forest was planted around them, consisting mainly of oak, ash and poplar trees. The Ritthemse Bos, officially called Rammekenshoek Nature Reserve, covers about 70 hectares and lies near the village of Ritthem. It has peaceful walking paths and picnic spots. The different names also appear in the name of a walking route: the Fort Rammekenshoek route starts at Fort Rammekens. This lets you choose between a historical starting point and the trails through the forest without treating the two places as one and the same.

Cultural Heritage in Oost-Souburg

In Oost-Souburg, the Carolingian ring-fort takes you back to the last quarter of the 9th century. It is considered the best-preserved ring-fort in Zeeland. Its name draws attention to the shape of the site: the ring rampart is what stands out about this historic fortification. Its status as Zeeland’s best-preserved example also gives it a distinctive place among the region’s historical discoveries.

Molen De Pere on Kanaalstraat offers a different perspective on the past. The grain mill was built in 1725 and is once again fully capable of milling. A professional miller operates it almost daily, and various types of flour are also sold there. The varieties available may change. The fort and the mill represent different kinds of cultural heritage: the Carolingian ring-fort is a 9th-century fortification, while De Pere is a mill that can grind again and is still in use.

Tours, Sounds and Film

The Maritime MuZEEum Zeeland in Vlissingen offers a range of guided tours. Topics include Michiel de Ruyter and the Lampsinshuis, 17th-century trade, strong women on land, Zeeland’s history and the history of slavery in Zeeland. The tour programme may change, so check the latest topics in advance if you’re planning to join a tour.

The Wind Organ at the end of Nolledijk is a unique monument in the Netherlands; there are only three in Europe. Its bamboo pipes produce changing sounds when the wind blows through them. Every year, Film by the Sea also brings filmmakers, actors, writers and audiences from across the country together by the sea. Dates and programme change each year. If you’re planning to attend the festival, check the latest event dates.

Discover More Destinations

Vlissingen, Oost-Souburg, Ritthem, Kapelle, Goes, Reimerswaal, Terneuzen, Veere

For the overview of the wider region: Zeeland.