Zoutelande – hiking off-the-beaten track in the Netherlands

Zoutelande, also known as the Zeeland Riviera, has much more to offer than the song of the same name suggests. This cozy village offers cozy terraces, panoramic views of the ever-changing sea and many traces of a turbulent past. Eat a fish stew, enjoy the sea views and visit old bunkers from the occupation period: this walk offers it all.

This 10 kilometer Tour is suitable for intermediate and advanced hikers. The walk starts at bus stop Langendam. This bus stop is also accessible from Middelburg station.

After two and a half kilometers you will come across the first Highlight: a statue of a 'Zeeland runner', including information about the annual Kustmarathon Zeeland, also known as the toughest marathon in the Netherlands.

Close to this statue you can see the Catharina Church of Zoutelande. The church is named after Saint Catherine, a martyr from the 4th century. This is one of the oldest churches in the region. The church dates from the 13th century. The building is built in the Gothic style and is one of the most important sights of Zoutelande.

The interior of the church is striking, with a richly decorated ambulatory and ancient frescoes. There are also several statues of saints, including Saint Catherine and Saint Willibrord. The church is regularly open to visitors and offers a beautiful view of the surroundings of Zoutelande.

You will find Eetcafé Royal near the church. Ideal to have a drink on the terrace or to sit down for a lunch dish. The cozy eatery with traditional and affordable dishes, such as pizzas, flammkuchen and fish pans, is open every day between 11:00 and 22:00 h.

The rest of the walk takes you along the coastal landscape around Zoutelande, between dunes and forest. This route is dedicated to memories of the Second World War. You come across a large amount of bunkers and even dragon teeth, which were intended to stop tanks. These war remnants are all part of the Atlantic Wall.

The Germans built the Atlantic Wall in the Netherlands during World War II to protect their western coast from a possible invasion by the Allies. The Atlantic Wall was a line of defense that ran from Norway to Spain and consisted of bunkers, batteries and other defenses.

After this varied route along natural views, religion and war history, you will return to the Langendam bus stop. You can take the bus back home or linger in Zoutelande to enjoy all the fun this Zeeland village has to offer.