Captain can I sail over...?

Cycling through Zeeland you are always close to water. When you see a strip of land on the horizon, you begin to itch, you don’t want to detour, and you just want to get to the other side. You can. In the summer months ferries crisscross the province. You can sign on for an easy an especially fun trip.

Once there were more than 100 different ferries in Zeeland. For the Zeeuwse the ferry service was often the only link from their own island and the rest of the world. Most of the ferry services have now gone. They are redundant thanks to the collection of dams, bridges and tunnels that connect the islands. Yet there are a handful of ferries still operating, especially for cyclists and pedestrians.

Not because it’s absolutely necessary but to give you that holiday feeling. By the way it would take much longer to go over land. Leave the long winding roads behind.

Picturesque little harbour

Crisscrossing through the province are about 13 ferry boats. The bridges over the Oosterschelde and the Westerschelde, the Veerse Meer and the Volkerak. A number of the ferry boats date from the beginning of the 20th century. They were used as ferries or cargo boats or both. The Captain was not averse to carrying next to the potatoes, sugar beet and grains a few passengers.

There used to be a lot of small harbours all along the coast line. Many of the harbours are in disrepair or consigned to oblivion. An example of a lovely little harbour is Burg-Sluis. There lie several yachts and eel boats moored. They form a picturesque scene. Waiting here for a ferry is no punishment.

On the water

The combination of cycling and sailing, care for a delightful exchange. On board you can relax and enjoy the views over the water. The steeples in the distance slowly come closer while we take a breather. At first an embankment then waits, off a new discovery tour. Towns and villages that seem unreachable, lie within easy cycling distance. The Zeeuwse islands all have their own charms, discover the differences and expectations.

Cycle routes

Between the departure points of the ferries, you can plan the nicest routes your self, with the help of the cycle sign post network map. You can plan a trip for one day or more: There are hotels on the routes, where you can stay overnight, and start afresh the next day. Essential for your plans is a copy of `De Almanac van de Zeeuwse pontjes’ (the almanac of the Zeeuwse ferries). This paperback is full of useful information, such as sailing times, prices and telephone numbers of the ferry companies.

If in doubt call the captain.

Practical information:

The Almanac and maps for the cycle sign post routes (FIKS) are available from the Zeeuwse VVV (tourist office) or via Zeeland E-Shop.  Take a look at the web site www.rondjepontje.nl

One FIKS(cycle signpost) map costs €5 . A set of 5 cycle maps for the whole of Zeeland costs €20, 95

This set is gift wrapped

Check the wind strength before you go, Is the water choppy? Then maybe it’s a good idea to call the captain. Some ferries do not sail if it’s too windy. Check the wind direction too, if you have a dam or bridge to cross, it a good idea to have the wind in your back.