Best Places to Visit in Zeeland | Travel Guide (2024) | Things to Do, See & Eat
Zeeland Travel Guide
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Welcome to Zeeland, Netherlands! Located in the southwestern part of the country, Zeeland is a picturesque province known for its stunning coastline, charming towns, and rich history. With its name translating to "Sealand," it's no surprise that this region is famous for its beautiful beaches and water sports activities. From the iconic Delta Works, a series of dams and storm surge barriers, to the historic city of Middelburg with its impressive architecture, Zeeland offers a diverse range of attractions for every traveler. Whether you're interested in exploring the vibrant culture, indulging in delicious seafood, or simply relaxing on the sandy shores, Zeeland is the perfect destination for an unforgettable vacation.
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Best Places To Visit in Zeeland
1. Amsterdam: Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands and is known for its beautiful canals, historic architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can explore the famous Rijksmuseum, take a boat tour of the canals, or visit the Anne Frank House. Amsterdam is also home to many trendy cafes and restaurants, making it a great destination for foodies.
2. Rotterdam: Rotterdam is a modern city with a rich history. It is known for its impressive architecture, including the famous Cube Houses and the Erasmus Bridge. Visitors can also explore the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, which houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts.
3. Utrecht: Utrecht is a charming city with a medieval center and beautiful canals. Visitors can climb the Dom Tower for stunning views of the city, explore the Museum Catharijneconvent, or take a stroll through the picturesque streets of the city center.
4. The Hague: The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and is known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and world-class museums. Visitors can explore the famous Mauritshuis museum, which houses works by Vermeer and Rembrandt, or take a stroll through the beautiful Scheveningen beach.
5. Maastricht: Maastricht is a picturesque city located in the southern part of the Netherlands. It is known for its beautiful architecture, historic churches, and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can explore the famous Vrijthof square, which is home to many cafes and restaurants, or visit the Bonnefanten Museum, which houses an impressive collection of contemporary art.
6. Groningen: Groningen is a lively university town with a rich cultural scene. It is known for its beautiful architecture, including the famous Martinitoren tower, and its many museums and galleries. Visitors can explore the Groninger Museum, which houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, or take a stroll through the beautiful Noorderplantsoen park.
7. Leiden: Leiden is a charming city with a rich history and beautiful architecture. It is known for its many museums and galleries, including the famous Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, which houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts. Visitors can also explore the beautiful Hortus Botanicus, which is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world.
8. Haarlem: Haarlem is a picturesque city located just outside of Amsterdam. It is known for its beautiful architecture, historic churches, and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can explore the famous Frans Hals Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings, or take a stroll through the beautiful Grote Markt square.
9. Delft: Delft is a charming city with a rich history and beautiful architecture. It is known for its famous blue and white pottery, which can be found in many shops and galleries throughout the city. Visitors can explore the famous Nieuwe Kerk, which houses the tomb of William of Orange, or take a stroll through the picturesque streets of the city center.
10. Zeeland: Zeeland is a beautiful province located in the southwestern part of the Netherlands. It is known for its stunning beaches, picturesque villages, and rich maritime history. Visitors can explore the famous Delta Works, which are a series of dams and barriers designed to protect the region from flooding, or take a stroll through the beautiful Zeeuws-Vlaanderen countryside.
Hotels Map Of Zeeland
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Tours And Activities In Zeeland
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Food & Drinks To Try In Zeeland
1. Mosselen: Zeeland is famous for its fresh mussels, known as "mosselen" in Dutch. These are typically cooked in a flavorful broth with onions, garlic, and herbs, and served with a side of fries or bread.
2. Oosterschelde lobster: The Oosterschelde lobster is a local delicacy that is highly sought after. It is known for its sweet and tender meat, and is often prepared simply by boiling or grilling it to let the natural flavors shine.
3. Zeeuwse bolus: A Zeeuwse bolus is a sweet pastry that originated in Zeeland. It is made by rolling dough in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, and then coiling it into a spiral shape. The bolus is then baked until golden brown and has a sticky, caramelized exterior.
4. Kibbeling: Kibbeling is a popular Dutch street food that originated in Zeeland. It consists of bite-sized pieces of white fish, typically cod or haddock, that are battered and deep-fried until crispy. It is often served with a tangy garlic sauce or mayonnaise.
5. Zeeuwse speculaas: Zeeuwse speculaas is a type of spiced cookie that is popular in Zeeland. It is made with a blend of warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and has a crunchy texture. These cookies are often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
6. Oosterschelde oysters: The Oosterschelde estuary in Zeeland is known for its high-quality oysters. These oysters have a unique flavor profile due to the brackish water they grow in, and are often enjoyed raw with a squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce.
7. Zeeuwse bloedworst: Zeeuwse bloedworst is a traditional blood sausage that is made in Zeeland. It is typically made with a mixture of pork meat, pork fat, and blood, along with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The sausage is then cooked until firm and served sliced with mustard or apple sauce.
8. Zeelandse bolus: Similar to the Zeeuwse bolus, the Zeelandse bolus is a sweet pastry that is popular in Zeeland. It is made with a slightly different dough recipe and has a different shape, resembling a knot. The Zeelandse bolus is also coated in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking.
9. Zeelandse babbelaars: Zeelandse babbelaars are a type of hard caramel candy that originated in Zeeland. They are made by boiling sugar, butter, and cream together until it reaches a hard, chewy consistency. These candies are often enjoyed as a sweet treat or given as a souvenir.
10. Zeelandse koffie: Zeelandse koffie is a traditional coffee drink that is popular in Zeeland. It is made by adding a shot of local grain jenever, a Dutch gin, to a cup of black coffee. The drink is often topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Best Time To Visit Zeeland
The best time to visit Zeeland, Netherlands is during the summer months of June, July, and August. This is when the weather is warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Additionally, July and August are the driest months, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the beautiful beaches and coastal areas that Zeeland is known for. Spring (April and May) and early autumn (September and October) are also good times to visit, as the weather is still mild and there are fewer tourists. However, it's important to note that Zeeland can be quite windy, so it's advisable to bring appropriate clothing and accessories to protect against the wind.
Flight Calendar For Zeeland
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Transportation To Zeeland
There are several transportation options to Zeeland, Netherlands.
1. By Air: The nearest international airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), which is approximately 100 kilometers away from Zeeland. From the airport, you can take a train or a taxi to reach Zeeland.
2. By Train: Zeeland is well-connected by train. You can take a train from Amsterdam or other major cities in the Netherlands to reach Zeeland. The train journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the starting point.
3. By Car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car and take the A58 highway to reach Zeeland. The journey time will depend on your starting location, but it is approximately a 2-hour drive from Amsterdam.
4. By Bus: There are also bus services available from various cities in the Netherlands to Zeeland. You can check the local bus schedules and routes to plan your journey.
Once you arrive in Zeeland, you can use local transportation options such as buses, taxis, or bicycles to explore the region.