Coast, promenade and nature

Vlissingen can be explored through two distinct sides: its city beach and the city’s maritime history. You can reach the beach directly from the city via the promenade. At Badstrand, the two-kilometre-long promenade invites you to stroll, take a deep breath and enjoy the sea view. You can make the city beach your destination or make a walk by the water the focus of your visit.

Nollebos offers a different landscape: this 26-hectare area is a diverse natural and recreational area on the edge of the beach, dunes and promenade. In Vlissingen, the coastal landscape and natural area therefore offer distinct themes to explore.

Maritime history in its many facets

At the MuZEEum, interactive exhibitions explore Zeeland’s maritime past and future. Dok van Perry offers another historic connection to seafaring: it is the oldest dry dock in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in Western Europe. The museum ship Mercuur, meanwhile, was first an ocean-going minesweeper and later served as a torpedo workshop ship for the Royal Netherlands Navy. Together, these places show different aspects of maritime history—from exhibitions and a dry dock to the changing roles of a ship.

Film by the Sea adds a cultural dimension: adaptations of books are at the heart of the festival programme. If you want to combine different interests when planning your trip, this offers a connection to film and literature alongside maritime history.

Townscape, towers and mills

The old town centre is designated as a protected townscape and contains around 300 listed monuments. Among its notable historic buildings is the Gevangentoren, the seaward tower of Vlissingen’s former West Gate. The gate was built around 1401; in 1610, the Gevangentoren was given a new role as the city prison.

The Oranjemolen, dating from 1699, is a grain mill and former hulling mill on the Oranjedijk. It is the only one of Vlissingen’s 23 city mills to have survived. The Kazematten are another trace of the past: they are remnants of the old fortifications. Sint Jacobskerk stands on Oude Markt. The Wind Organ adds a different kind of artwork: this wind-powered installation produces changing tones depending on the wind speed and direction.

Wartime history and routes through Vlissingen

Uncle Beach tells the story of the occupation, liberation and civilian population of Vlissingen during the Second World War. At the Bunkermuseum Vlissingen, you can visit a Type 143 artillery observation bunker that has been almost completely restored to its original condition. The bunker has a 20-tonne armoured cupola with a periscope, from which the Western Scheldt was monitored. Tours can generally be booked throughout the year. Arrange your preferred date in advance.

There are two different ways to find your way along the routes: you can start the Bevrijdingspad Vlissingen at any point. The route “Wandeling langs de hoogtepunten van Vlissingen”, by contrast, is described as a 4.5-kilometre city walk with sea views. Check the latest route details before setting off.

Another perspective on the city

The Scheldekwartier is an area in Vlissingen surrounded by water, with a maritime past and future. It is centrally located and close to the city’s amenities. This area adds its own maritime perspective to the coastal and historical themes. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on the beach and promenade, nature, local history or maritime development.

Discover more destinations: Ritthem, Oost-Souburg.

Return to the main travel overview: Vlissingen.