The 4 Most Beautiful Natural and Cultural Sites in the Municipality of Hulst

First, I took a walk through the ramparts in Hulst. Hulst is a fortified town with nine bastions. During this walk, you’ll come across all of these bastions: the Molenbolwerk, Brederodebolwerk, Nassaubolwerk, Oranjebolwerk, Princebolwerk, Solmsbolwerk, Oude Molenbolwerk, Doelenbolwerk, and Galgebolwerk. There are Pagadders hidden along the ramparts and in the city center. These are little Spanish soldiers, and you can go on a scavenger hunt for them with the whole family! You’ll walk along a large stretch of water called the Vest. You can enjoy the beautiful view and afterwards have a cold beer or a bite to eat at one of the charming cafés or restaurants on the Grote Markt. It takes about an hour to walk through the Wallen. Definitely worth it!

After that, I went wading through the channels of the Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe. Not really wading, though, because it can be quite dangerous when the water rises. You can take an unguided walking route through the Land of Saeftinghe: the Plankierenroute. But aren’t you afraid of getting dirty and would you prefer an extensive guided walk with explanations? That’s possible! Take a look here and plan an adventurous day trip. Saeftinghe used to be inhabited, but it ended up underwater due to various storm surges. It’s the largest salt marsh area in Europe! This beautiful piece of nature always reminds me of the past, because we used to go here often with our elementary school. Pure nostalgia!

Next, I went to take a look at the quarry. Its actual name is the “Meester van der Heijden Quarry.”It is a geological monument where you can find fossils dating back as far as 3 million years. The characteristic red sand layers were formed by rusted iron particles. You can visit the Groeve daily until 5:00 PM. Here, too, you can take a guided tour; to do so, you’ll need to contact Staatsbosbeheer. The Groeve has been renovated with a raised wooden walkway, so you can see all sides clearly. Nieuw-Namen is a small village, but it still has a cultural vibe, and I’m proud of that!

Finally, my boyfriend and I drove to Groot Eiland in the Mini. We’ve been here a few times before to hike and have picnics. On Groot Eiland, you’ll find a walking trail and a birdwatching hut. From there, you have a breathtaking view of the creeks, meadows, and forests! I always feel completely at peace when I walk here. It feels like you’re on vacation. Of course, there are plenty of other beautiful places to hike in the municipality of Hulst, but these are the most beautiful spots I know, and they never get old. Enjoy your hike!

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