Westkapelle, a tranquil and sunny dike village

Westkapelle is situated on the most western point of the former island of Walcheren, and is characterized by its two unique lighthouses. A picturesque coastal village in the province of Zeeland that is not overrun by tourists. Westkapelle stands for sun, sea, beach and spaciousness. The perfect place for a relaxing vacation in the Netherlands. The dike village is a popular destination those who want to spend a quiet vacation.

Westkapelle is located directly by the sea and is surrounded by nature, dikes, dunes and beaches. Many anglers choose the seawall as their favorite spot, and the area is rich in kilometers of cycling and walking routes. The region within the dunes and beaches of Walcheren is home to a beautiful nature area with quaint villages, farms, fields, meadows and little polder roads.

Beach

Westkapelle has beautiful large sandy beaches facing south, with clean and clear sea water. Both on the north side as well on the south side of the village are large beaches with their quintessential groynes. Even in the high season you will see plenty of openness and tranquility on the beaches (total length of 5 kilometers). From the centrally situated Markt you only have to go through one street to climb the dunes and see the beaches behind it.

On the south side of the dike village near the boathouse of the rescue brigade lie the first dunes along the Westerschelde. The nearly 12 kilometer long sandy beach runs through Zoutelande and Dishoek and goes all the way to Flushing. The pathway that goes along the top of these dunes offer an amazing view of Westerschelde, with Zeeland-Flanders on one side and the vast peninsula of Walcheren on the other. An extra long walk is highly recommended. Along the way you will find various beach pavilions. The ships that are heading for the ports of Flushing and Antwerp navigate closely along the coast. Enjoy the view while enjoying a drink in your hand and try the many delicious fresh fish dishes.

Village

Westkapelle has a cozy town center. On the Zuidstraat and the Markt you can find many shops, restaurants and terraces. Around these main streets you can see dozens of quintessential straight streets that are surprisingly quiet even in high season. Most of the houses here feature the typical red roof tiles for Westkapelle, low gutters and 'glinten' (front yard fences).

Dike

On the north side begins the seawall, which extends all the way to Domburg. Westkapelle is known for its centuries long battle against the sea, and the seawall stands symbolic for more than five hundred years. It protects the lower lying village from the sea and is absolutely worth a visit. From the dike you can look over the North Sea, and see the coastal village covered with red roof tiles. Moreover, in 2009 a panorama road was built. A beautiful route where walkers, cyclists and motorists alike can enjoy the view. The bicycle pathway runs directly alongside the sea, and a trip to Domburg is certainly recommended, exciting with stormy weather, and romantic when the sun sets.

Sightseeing

The best known landmarks of Westkapelle are the two lighthouses. Together the two lighthouses of Westkapelle form a light line to Oostgat. You can also find Het Polderhuis in the village, a museum about the war and dyke history of Westkapelle.

Aside from that you can visit a weekly market in the summer months which is held every Wednesday, and there are various events every year such as old timer day, a fair, concerts, flea markets and a tilt at the ring competition.

Area

The area is gorgeous and offers many walking and cycling opportunities. Westkapelle stands out particularly due to its location, which is absolutely perfect for day trips. In Walcheren there are many back roads that are very suitable cycling routes. On the way back you can always keep an eye on the light house, then you can easily find your way back to the village. Within a radius of 20 km you find the Delta Works, the storm surge barrier in the Oosterschelde, or the old historic town centers of Veere and Middelburg, or Flushing with MuZEEum and the reptile zoo.

Noordervroon

To the north of the village lies nature reserve Noordervroon. Especially in the spring and fall season many different bird species settle here. The area has an abundance of food and is sheltered. Dozens of birds breed here in the spring on the little bare dune islands. Also there are many deer present in the remaining forest areas. The nature reserve itself is not accessible, but it can easily be seen from the surrounding areas. On top of the seawall is a bird observatory. From there, many various bird species can be observed. It is a popular spot among birdwatchers. Furthermore you can see the area really well from the bicycle pathway which lies just alongside the road of Westkapelle and Domburg. Also from the Vosweg you have a magnificent view.

Creek

To the south of the village lies a creek area that borders the Westkapelle forest. These water channels were formed as a direct result of the Second World War. Due to allied bombings of the dikes in 1944 large amounts of water flowed through the hole in the dike for days. This created a deep ditch, which nowadays forms four creeks.

The creek water is still salty to this day, so saltwater fish such as flounder and eel are still present. In addition, trout occurs as well. You can also find many birds species on the water and in the reeds. A populair hiking trail was laid out around the western part of the creek.

Tips

• Bezoek de gemoedelijke badplaatsen Domburg, Zoutelande of het historische dorp Veere met veel bezienswaardigheden.
• Ontdek Walcheren via een van de vele mooie fiets-, wandel-, ruiter- en skeelertochten.
• Lekker uitwaaien tijdens een lange strandwandeling is dé manier om helemaal tot rust te komen.
• België ligt op een steenworp afstand.