Do you love hiking, beautiful nature and culinary enjoyment combined with a fine overnight stay? Then go to Zeeland! A lot of beautiful hiking trails await you. Along the coast, through the dunes, past picturesque villages and through polders.
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This guide packed with tips is a must for all hiking fans in Zeeland! On one side of the guide you will find an illustrated map of Walcheren with hiking nodes that lead you through the cozy village of Domburg and surrounding area (route of 11.6 km). On the other side of the guide, you’ll read more fun stuff. For example, about the best picnic spots during your route and fine accommodations in Zeeland that you can book through the website.
In this article, we will explore some popular hiking trails in Zeeland, ranging from short family-friendly paths to more challenging long-distance trails. Hit the trails with these tips to discover the most beautiful hikes. Buy a bolus for the road (available at almost every bakery), go out for a delicious evening meal and spend the night in a comfortable vacation home: this is intense enjoyment in Zeeland!
Walcheren Region
For those who enjoy hiking, the island of Walcheren is an excellent destination. With its mix of coastal, historic towns and natural hotspots, there is always a new hiking trail to discover.
Tip 1: Pearl route in Domburg
The Pearl Route in Domburg is a beautiful, interactive walking trail in beautiful Domburg, located in Zeeland. The trail is about 6 kilometers long and suitable for the whole family. Along the route you will encounter several attractions, such as Domburg’s beautiful beach, Uitkijkpunt Hoge Hill, the Marie Tak museum and the lively village center. What makes the Pearl Route Domburg unique are the interactive elements. Along the route are signs with letters. Hikers can collect these letters and form a word at the end of the trail. This makes this hike even more fun and challenging for the kids!
More hiking in Zeeland? The interactive pearl routes can be found throughout Zeeland such as in Westkapelle, Veere, Hulst and Zierikzee.
Het Kaslokaal
Tip 2: De Manteling nature reserve
The Manteling is a beautiful nature reserve located between Domburg and Oostkapelle with special nature! This area is best known for its vast forests, dunes, and historic country estates. One of the special locations within The Manteling is Kasteel Westhove, a medieval castle that now serves as a Stayokay Hostel. There are also beautiful old avenues, water features and a diversity of plant species. For nature lovers, there are numerous hiking trails to enjoy the area. On these trails, visitors can enjoy the lush greenery and the many species of animals that live here, including deer, rabbits and several species of birds.
Distance: The blue route is 3.8 km, but you can also map out your own route using Walcheren’s walking node network.
The Zeeuws-Vlaanderen hiking network offers hikers the opportunity to enjoy beautiful routes through Zeeland’s nature. Highlights of the network include the vast polders, the coastline with its beautiful dunes and beaches and atmospheric villages. Beautiful bases for hiking include the Waterdunen and Het Zwin in West Zeeland Flanders and fortified town of Hulst in East Zeeland Flanders.
Tip 3: Waterdunen nature reserve in Breskens
Opened in 2022, Waterdunen consists of dunes, mudflats, salt marshes and pools and is an important nesting and foraging site for birds. The nature reserve is still very much under development but it is already home to (rare) plants such as glasswort and zulte, as well as bird species such as spoonbills, shelducks and great terns. Attractions in the area include the bird-watching huts and viewing screens where you have a beautiful view of the natural environment and the slufter where salt water enters the area. Cattle also graze in the area to keep the vegetation short. Chances are a cow is blocking the walking path.
Distance: Several hiking trails offer the opportunity to explore this beautiful area, such as the bird trail (5.5 km), the golf route (9 km) and the glasswort route (4.5 km).
Restaurant Tip: Have lunch, drinks or dinner at Beach House 25
Tip 4: Nature reserve Het Zwin Cadzand
Het Zwin is a beautiful nature reserve in Cadzand, located on the Zeeland-Flemish coast in Zeeland to the border of Belgium with Knokke. The area is known for its unique tidal areas, where the influence of ebb and flow is clearly visible. From the dikes you have beautiful views of the sea and can enjoy the peace and nature around you. You will find many meadow birds, but the tree frog also feels at home. Along the coast you will find cozy beach bars where you can relax and enjoy the sea and sand.
Hulst is a beautiful town located in East Zeeland Flanders and is surrounded by well-preserved fortifications dating back to the 17th century. One of the city’s highlights is the imposing St. Willibrordus Basilica, a Gothic church dating back to the 16th century. Another important aspect of Holly is the story of the Fox Reynaert, a medieval animal epic set in and around the town. The story is still remembered and told in various forms around the city. This easy walk runs along the fortifications and you will encounter several cozy eateries. Hulst is a great destination for lovers of history and culture.
Distance: 3 km (or extend yourself using nodes)
Parking: Outside the ramparts free, inside for a low rate
The walking junction system in Zeeland is a network of numbered junctions connected by footpaths. Hikers can use these nodes to create their own route by simply connecting the desired nodes. In this way, each hiker can create a unique route that suits his or her interests and physical condition. Some popular walks in Zeeland where the walking junction system applies include the dunes and beaches of Walcheren, the wooded area of the Kop van Schouwen and the nature reserves around Lake Veere. These regions offer varied scenery and are ideal for hikers of all levels.
