Some of our favorite cycling routes in Zeeland
Zeeland is a true paradise for cycling enthusiasts. Scattered throughout the province, you’ll find countless beautiful bike paths that take you through serene polder landscapes, along winding dikes, lakes, and through charming villages and historic towns. Some routes run along the coast, offering stunning views of the sea and the impressive Oosterschelde.
The province is divided into various regions, each with its own unique charm: Noord-Beveland, Zuid-Beveland, Walcheren, Schouwen-Duiveland, Tholen, and even part of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. In this article, we’ll take you on a wonderful cycling route through each region, allowing you to experience the best of Zeeland.
Biking in Noord-Beveland
Noord-Beveland is a perfect destination for a delightful bike ride across the island. With its beautiful polder landscapes, views over the Oosterschelde, and historical villages, there’s much to discover. A recommended route is the Noord-Beveland bike route, which is about 55 kilometers long. This route takes you past special places like the cozy Kamperland, the picturesque Wissenkerke, and the impressive Oosterscheldekering.
Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to stop for a snack or drink. For example, enjoy a Zeeland bolus at the bakery or taste fresh fish at the harbor. The route is ideal for both recreational cyclists and sporty riders who want to enjoy the peace and space of Zeeland.
You can view the full route and download the bike map via the Waterschap Scheldestromen website: Noord-Beveland Fietsroute.
Biking in Zuid-Beveland
Discover the charm of Zuid-Beveland with a beautiful bike route along the salty waters of the Oosterschelde and Westerschelde. The 52-kilometer route takes you past authentic Zeeland villages such as Krabbendijke, the famous Yerseke, and the atmospheric Wemeldinge. Along the way, you cycle past mussel and oyster banks, and in Yerseke, you can enjoy fresh Zeeland specialties like oysters and mussels.
There are plenty of places to take a break and enjoy Zeeland cuisine or a refreshing drink with a view of the water. For avid cyclists, it's possible to start this trip from Kats, which will also take you past Wilhelminadorp and Goes.
You can view the full route and download the bike map via the Zeeland.com website: Zuid-Beveland Fietsroute
Biking in Schouwen-Duiveland
The Watersnoodroute in Schouwen-Duiveland is an impressive bike ride of 61 kilometers that takes you past memorials of the 1953 Flood Disaster. The route passes the Watersnoodmuseum in Ouwerkerk, which is housed in the caissons used to seal the last gap in the dike. Here, you can learn more about the disaster and life with water in the Netherlands.
During the ride, you'll cycle through picturesque villages such as Dreischor and along nature-rich areas like the Krekengebied, which emerged after the disaster. This makes the route not only historically interesting but also a beautiful natural experience. There are several opportunities to stop along the way, such as at Wijnhoeve de Kleine Schorre.
You can view the full route and download the bike map via the Op Schouwen Duiveland website: Schouwen-Duiveland Fietsroute
Biking in Walcheren
Walcheren offers everything for an unforgettable bike ride. This 42.5-kilometer route takes you through beautiful polder landscapes, charming villages, and unique nature areas. You’ll cycle through the old seaside resort of Domburg, the serene nature area of De Manteling, and alongside the picturesque Veerse Meer. Along the way, you can take a break in Middelburg, the historic capital of Zeeland, where you can enjoy a well-deserved snack or drink at a cozy terrace.
The charming Domburg is one of the highlights of this route. When cycling between Domburg and Oostkapelle, you pass through the nature area of De Manteling, a stunning landscape. You will ride through charming villages like Vrouwenpolder, known for the 17th-century Pelgrimskerk, and Gapinge. This route offers a wonderful combination of nature, culture, and relaxation in the heart of Zeeland, with numerous opportunities for a short break or a long, enjoyable stop.
You can view the full route and download the bike map via the Routiq website: Walcheren Fietsroute
Biking in Tholen
For those staying in the area a bit longer, the bike tour around the Kop van Tholen offers a beautiful change of scenery. This 36-kilometer route provides a stunning combination of polder landscapes and coastal stretches, with plenty of natural beauty and cultural history along the way. Cycle along winding dikes of the old land and straight roads of the new land while witnessing the changing landscape. The route takes you past the original course of the Oude Pluimpot, a historical remnant that serves as a reminder of the centuries-long battle against the water.
In addition to enjoying the beautiful views and paths along the dikes, you can stop in the picturesque villages of Sint-Annaland and Stavenisse, where you can catch your breath and experience the local atmosphere. This route is a bit further from the B&B, but it is highly recommended for those staying in the region longer and wanting to explore more of Zeeland. This route is perfect for lovers of both nature and history, offering a varied landscape that never gets boring.
You can view the full route and download the bike map via the Waterschap Scheldestromen website:Tholen Fietsroute
Biking in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen
The Zeeuws-Vlaanderen bike route, which is 53 kilometers long, takes you along the beautiful coastline and through the expansive clay landscape. Starting from Sluis, you’ll cycle along the water, with the Kanaalweg as the first highlight. This road winds towards the sea while following the border with Belgium without crossing it. Before entering the cozy Cadzand, you’ll pass the impressive nature area Het Zwin. This unique area, a beach plain behind the dunes, is in open connection with the sea and offers a fascinating mix of salt, fresh water, clay, and sand, resulting in a rich variety of plant life.
Further along the route, you’ll cycle behind the dunes to Nieuwvliet-Bad, after which you enter the dunes and discover the Verdronken Zwarte Polder, a unique slufter where the sea has shaped the landscape. Along the coast, you’ll continue to the historic lighthouse of Breskens. In summer, the lighthouse is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Breskens itself is also worth a visit and very charming.
The route then takes you through the polder landscape via the picturesque nature areas Bierkreek and Het Groote Gat to Oostburg, where you can admire the imposing water tower adorned with murals. The final kilometers lead you back to Sluis, through the open sea clay landscape. Don’t forget to take a look in the lovely shops of Sluis! This varied route offers beautiful views and plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the Zeeland nature and culture.
You can view the full route and download the bike map via the Fietsroutenetwerk website: Zeeuws-Vlaanderen Fietsroute