Hi folks,
Planning a couple days in Zeeland during a trip to Holland. Based in Middelburg, we're interested in renting bicycles and going on a tour around to view the dykes, windmills etc. Does anyone have any suggestions on a route through the area?
Found one site with free routes but the entire thing is either in Dutch or Flemish with no English option, any help on this would be appreciated.
the entire thing is either in Dutch or Flemish
'Flemish' is the adjective for Flanders. Did Zeeland get annexed while i was out? And even in Flanders, websites are in Dutch.
After this brief language lesson (it's always nice to know the basics of the country you intend to visit) I can't help you but Google translate if usually quite helpful. Give it a shot: http://translate.google.com/#
Could you a bit more specific. Do you plan a trip around the island of Walcheren, where Middelburg is situated or around other islands as well. Do you plan to make such a trip in one day or spread over a number of days. If you go to other islands as well, and plan to do this over a number of days, do you plan to spend the night in an other place than Middelburg? I suggest you have a look in ViaMichelin and select "Bike".
It is a good idea to base yourself in the area and travel around from there. It is a good area to cycle because it is so flat, and after the1953 flood disaster a lot of money was spent on the infastructure in the area, especially adding height and strengthening the Dykes and the roads in the area. If i were you i would get in touch with the local tourist authority for help, perhaps they can recomend some sort of a map of the area that you can use, and perhaps put you in contact with local biking clubs, and recomend 'out and back' day trips you can do? It sounds like a great way to explore a place, cheers and do enjoy yourselfs!
Sorry about the lack of detail, was only planning on being there for 2 days maximum. It would most likely be a day long biking trip. Is there good spots on the island where Middelburg is to see both windmills and dykes or would it be suggested to check out another spot as well.
Thanks for the replies everyone.
I think Walcheren is a good spot to do some cycling and there are windmills and of course dikes. It might be interesting to go across the Dam in the Veerse Gat, the first dam, if I remember correctly, build as part of the so-called Delta Plan. This plan was set up after the inundations of the SWern part of the country in 1953. If you have enough energy left you could go on to the Dam in the Oosterschelde and visit the exposition at Neeltje Jans.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1984470
Some more info about Walcheren-Zeeland in this previous thread, though another query.
I should indeed (see #5) take the Oosterscheldedam, unique phenomenon in the world labeled as storm surge barrier (SBB) .
You'll come on the Schouwen - Duiveland island.
You can ride the LF1 (part of the North Sea Cycle Route) from Middelburg (LF1 = long distance cycle route), direction Veere and continue to the SSB.
In Burgh-Haamstede you leave the well designated LF1, and go right to Zierikzee.
Then continue on the 7 km long Zeeland bridge, a gorgeous part (when there's no front wind...) to island Noord-Beveland.
Then direction Goes, riding back to M. or in Goes: return by train.
First it's good to know if your skills will make this possible. Because you should involve a short stay/break in Veere and Zierikzee.
Windmills in Middelburg, Veere, and some ten more.
For an 'oldfashined' dyke, turn to the right immediately after arriving on Schouwen-Duiveland from the storm surge barrier.along the coast to Serooskerke (and then to Zierikzee
When?
NB. Indeed go to the VVV, for a map and more info (Tourist Board): [http://www.vvv|zeeland.nl/en/]
Read lots of info about scenic cycling routes in the Netherlands and how they work, in this thread.
Some pictures of my biking holiday in Zeeland and Flanders here. It can be very windy in Zeeland and the countryside is not very varied. But it has some cute old towns like Zierikzee and Goes.
Have fun!
Not biking-related, but in case you'd like to see pics from Zeeland see here (scroll down the 1st 12 ones are from elsewhere) and the following pages of the blog.
Domburg, Middelburg's market, Zierikzee and Veere ... aaaghh! sweet memories.
Hello sgg_canada
What kind of cyclist are you? Do you like to cover large distances for going to the places of interest or is cycling more a way of relaxed sightseeing? The route to Zierikzee described by Arizona is about 90km long, so the ride itself will take most of the time. The flat area with dikes can be nice in the beginning, but there is a risk that it can become boring after a wile. Meaning the ride itself must be part of the fun. So can you be more specific about the way you want to enjoy it.
Wilco3