Zeeland came into existence out of the counterplay of tides, strong currents and sandy bogs, but it was man who tamed the land with the building of the dikes and polders. But by the tracks in the landscape you can see it was not an easy task.
Today the high dikes and heavy dams make sure that Zeeland is completely secure. The creeks and weirs that appear in the countryside from time to time are a living reminder of old breaks in the defences.
In Zeeland you find, because of the battle against the water, a very changeable landscape. The straight lines of the polders on Schouwen show you different Zeeland to the winding dikes in the old polders in the Zak van Zuid-Beveland. This charming area is part of the National Landschap Zuidwest Nederland. Walcheren and the western part of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen also come into this category.
As you see there is so much to enjoy in Zeeland. By bike, on horse back, horse and cart, on foot or by boat there is so much to discover. You can wander over the flower dikes of Zuid-Beveland or go on a mountain bike rally through the forest Westenschouwen.
A good pair of wellington boots is needed for the trek though the mud in the Drowened Land of Saeftinghe (Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe). Be prepared it will not only be your boots that will get muddy.
Even the dunes hide a unique landscape behind the wide beaches. Dynamic, high powdery dunes change to impassable wet valleys, where families of deer roam freely. There are so many different routes to choose.
Have you ever seen a sea eagle? You probably will near the Grevelingen. To the Vogelboulevard in De Prunje come bird lovers from all over Europe. That also applies to Het Zwin on the border with Belgium. Between both of these nature areas lie countless beautiful walk and cycle routes and if you are a skater you can also have fun.
With so much beauty Zeeland is perfect in any season and worth a visit.
