Zeeland: The best hiking trails for your holidays!
The province of Zeeland in the southwest of the Netherlands comprises several islands and peninsulas. Look forward to kilometers of beaches that invite you to take long beach walks in any season. But the inland with its small villages and rural surroundings also offers attractive opportunities for an active holiday.
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Zeeland - 8 special hiking trails
Circular hike Forest Ranger Path Meeuwenduinen
The region of Westerschouwen on Schouwen-Duiveland is a hiking paradise for active travelers and families. Various circular routes start, for example, at the Groene Duin parking lot. One of the most beautiful trails is the Boswachterspad Meeuwenduinen, which shows you all facets of the western island coast. You hike over fine sandy beaches, hilly dunes, and through shady pine forests. The special feature of the coastal hiking tour is the fascinating wildlife and plant life. In the idyllic forest areas, you can observe deer, hear owls calling, and listen to woodpeckers hammering. The open dune areas are colorful with blooming wildflowers and heaths. On natural meadows and green dikes, cows, ponies, and sheep graze.
Hike through the dunes of Renesse
Wind, water, and sand have shaped the landscape around Renesse. You start in the center of the popular holiday resort. As early as the beginning of the 20th century, guests spent a beach holiday here. You pass the Verklikker dunes, named after the lighthouse that once stood here. They provide a habitat for rare plants. As you approach the interior, the dunes become flatter. They were once used as farmland. Wooden fences from that time can still be seen today. Further along the tour, you reach the beach. Take your time to gaze into the distance. You might spot seals on the horizon.
Beach walk from Westenschouwen
Westenschouwen is recommended for a trip all year round. In the height of summer, the North Sea invites you to swim. The dune-like beaches promise complete peace and relaxation, while you let your soul dangle in the sun. In the transitional seasons and in winter, circular hikes are very popular. Hikers need a good one and a half hours for the 7.2 km long route. They not only cross the dunes, the Domaniale Bossen, and the beach, but also the dense forests in the center of the island, where deer live. The route passes picnic spots, a restaurant, and bird-watching locations.
Beach walk Renesse
You can plan your hike on the beach of Renesse just as you like: The fine sandy coastal section is 17 kilometers long. You can take a break and relax at any time. A tip: If you walk on the beach at low tide, you will discover seals. They are often seen at Jan van Renesseweg. The further you move away from the center of the resort, the quieter it becomes during your hike. There are numerous beach accesses with parking lots. The beach is equipped with sanitary facilities and many bars and restaurants where you can take a break in between. From October to the end of April, dogs are allowed to run freely.
Hike through the Zeepeduinen
The short, eventful hiking trail through the Zeepeduinen begins at the parking lot of Adrian van de Weijdeweg in Burgh-Haamstede. You follow the white posts. The child-friendly tour leads along an open pasture, where deer and ponies are often seen. Finally, you reach the enchanting dune landscape with soft sand. On the route through the Zeepeduinen, benches invite you to take a break. The path, which is about 3.5 kilometers long in total, leads gently uphill. At the highest point, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Haamstede lighthouse. Between the sand dunes, dune lakes can be seen. Birds, pond newts, and water frogs live here.
The Manteling – Castle Westhove Circular Route
The beautiful circular hike through De Manteling van Walcheren and past the impressive castle complex of Kasteel Westhove starts in the coastal town of Domburg. From there, you turn directly into the nature reserve heading east. The path through forests and dune landscapes leads to Kasteel Westhove after about 3 kilometers. After visiting the magnificent castle complex and the castle garden, the path continues through dune forests up to the neighboring coastal town of Oostkapelle. Here, the approximately 10-kilometer-long tour loops and leads you back to the starting point in Domburg, parallel to the outward path and always varied in scenery.
Small walk through the Nollebos nature reserve
Sun, sea, and beach, along with unique nature, await you in the Southwest Walcheren nature area. On one side is the Westerschelde, on the other the sea. The Nollebos is a 26-hectare forest, partly created as a result of dike breaches during World War II. On the short walk through Nollebos, you have the opportunity to observe many birds. The popular recreational area is characterized by dense forests and picturesque waters. After the tour, you can stroll to Nollestrand and end the day on the wide, fine sandy beach. There are also parking facilities at the beach.
Suspension Bridge – Marina Veere Loop from Zanddijk
For the route from Hangbrug to the marina in Veere, you will need about two and a half hours. The well-signposted hiking trail is about 9.6 km long and very flat, so the hike is rated as easy to moderately difficult. You walk most of the time along the canal and even cross it. The suspension bridge and the reed bridge are two of many highlights on the route. Take a look at the historic lock systems and enjoy the tranquility in the fresh air. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the picturesque harbor of Veere, where many small boats are moored.