October 4, 2024
Hiking & Cycling Routes in Zeeland
Located in the southwest of the Netherlands, Zeeland is a picturesque province made up of islands and peninsulas. Known for its beaches and dunes, Zeeland was also the site of important battles during the Second World War. We have created three special historical routes that will allow you to discover the history of this region. The hiking routes are a part of our Liberation Route Europe project. This Council of Europe certified itinerary links the main regions in Europe along the advance of the Allied Forces in 1943-1945. Here are three trails to explore, each offering a different perspective on the events related to the liberation of Zeeland.
Battle of the Scheldt Hiking Route
This route follows the history of one of the most significant battles of WWII, the Battle of the Scheldt. This series of military operations that took place in the autumn of 1944 forever changed the course of history of Zeeland and in West-Brabant.
You’ll walk through the hills that separate Zeeland from Brabant, experiencing the landscape where the Allies fought to secure access to the Westerschelde river (the gateway to Antwerp’s port). Along the route, you’ll encounter reminders of the war, such as former Dutch Spanish forts used by Polish soldiers in September 1944 or commemorative monuments like 'The dying Pole' or 'the Fallen Warrior'.
The Zeeland part of the Canadian Trail
You can explore the history of the Battle of the Scheldt and other significant WWII battles in the region by walking the Zeeland section of the "Hiking in the Footsteps of the Canadian Liberators" trail. This extensive route highlights the crucial role played by Canadian soldiers in the liberation of the Netherlands.
Along the way, you will visit the key city of Flushing (Vlissingen), which was liberated by the Scots of the 5th Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers, during the Battle of the Scheldt. You will also learn about the Allied use of smoke screens to disorient German forces.
Beyond the famous Battle of the Scheldt, the trail explores the broader wartime history of Zeeland. At the Memorial 40-45 in Kapelle, you will discover the story of the lesser-known French battle that took place in Zeeland in May 1940. In the village of Gravenpolder, you'll learn about the heavy price paid by its residents during the liberation.
Polish soldiers played an essential but often forgotten role in liberating Zeeland. The Polish Cycling Route Zeeland sheds the light on their contributions. It is a part of the National Polish Cycling Route in the Netherlands which aims at raising awareness about the efforts of Polish soldiers during WWII in the Netherlands.
The route starts at the Gdynia War Museum and takes you through the towns and countryside where Polish troops fought. One key location is Hulst, with its towering Saint Willibrordus Basilica, a lookout point used during the war.
You’ll also encounter cemeteries, museums, and battlefields, including the Polish Cross in Zaamslag and the site of the fierce battle at Bontekoe. The route highlights stories like that of Polish fighter pilot Tadeusz Jan Legowski, who was captured near Hulst after his Spitfire was shot down. The audiospots present along the route will provide you with the opportunity to further enrich your knowledge on this topic.
Zeeland’s hiking and cycling routes offer a unique opportunity to combine outdoor adventure with historical insight. Grab your shoes and backpack and experience these historical landscapes for yourself. Visit our LRE website and download our hiking app so you can plan your trip!