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Salty sea air, the wind through your hair and endless views of the horizon. A road trip along Zeeland's coast is an experience you won't soon forget. From charming fishing villages to impressive lighthouses, this route takes you along the most photogenic spots of Zeeland (and a little bit of South Holland). Get in the car, turn on your favorite road trip playlist and discover one of the most beautiful routes along the Dutch coast!
Starting point of the road trip: from Rotterdam to the coast
The route starts in Rotterdam, because that's where we're from. But you can join this route from any destination. The closer we get to the Dutch Coast, the more the vacation feeling takes over. The first stop? That's Hellevoetsluis, the first destination on our route where we take a look at the lighthouse.
Hellevoetsluis: a piece of maritime history
On the Haringvliet shines the white and red Hellevoetsluis Lighthouse, one of the oldest and still working round lighthouses in the Netherlands. Since 1822, this tower has been showing sailors the way. Take a short walk along the fortress here and enjoy the view across the water.
Tip: Visit the lighthouse between April and September to climb to the top and admire the panoramic view. Opening hours during these months are from noon to 4:0o pm.
Ouddorp: the iconic West Head
Drive on and cross the Haringvliet dam to the seaside resort of Ouddorp. In the distance, you soon see a silhouette looming over the dunes: Westhoofd Lighthouse. This square brick tower, built between 1947 and 1950, is perhaps the most beautiful lighthouse on the route. Did you already know that there was a cast-iron lighthouse here in 1862? This was replaced by a reinforced concrete tower in 1911. On May 5, 1945, it was destroyed by the Germans after which the current lighthouse was built. The iconic West Head of Ouddorp!
While you're here, be sure to take some time to stroll along Ouddorp's beach. The vast sandy beach and pristine dunes are the perfect place for a picnic overlooking the sea.
Burgh-Haamstede: Westerlicht lighthouse
Set sail for Burgh-Haamstede, where the impressive Westerlicht Lighthouse awaits you. Are you still familiar with guilders? Then you may recognize this lighthouse from the old 250 bill. The red and white spiral stripes give the lighthouse a modern look. Although you cannot visit the lighthouse, the surrounding area is the perfect place for a walk. Especially during a walk through and over the dunes, you can enjoy a unique view of this imposing structure.
Then we also have a fun fact to share with you. Westerlicht Lighthouse, at 58m above sea level, is one of the largest lighthouses in the Netherlands.
Westkapelle: Noorderhoofd lighthouse and 't Hoge Licht (Westkapelle)
Our next destination is Westkapelle, where you can experience something unique: driving along the car beach. This is a special piece of coast where you literally drive your car along the sea. By the way, here you do not drive on the sand, but just on the asphalt. In Westkapelle there are two lighthouses: lighthouse Noorderhoofd and lighthouse 't Hoge Licht.
North Head Lighthouse is very photogenic. The red and white cast iron tower can be found on the car beach. The area does not necessarily lend itself to a "nice" walk, but you can enjoy the fresh and salty sea air. A little further on you will find Lighthouse 't Hoge Licht, a lighthouse with a history dating back to the year 1432. You can climb the top of the lighthouse for a beautiful and panoramic view of Walcheren. The red-colored top of the lighthouse was only installed in 1817, effectively making it a lighthouse. It is a whopping 53 meters high and has six floors.
The lighthouses in Westkapelle together form a light line, this is for the boaters at sea. This light line allows them to set their course so they can sail to and through the Oostgat without obstacles.
Tip: On the road from Burgh-Haamstede to Westkapelle you pass the seaside resort of Domburg, an archetypal Dutch village. Definitely worth a visit.
Dishoek: the lighthouses of Kaapduinen
The last iconic stop on this road trip through Zeeland is Dishoek. You will find the lighthouses of Kaapduinen, formed by Kaapduinen Hoog and Kaapduinen Laag. Both lighthouses are an important light line for shipping. The dunes surrounding the lighthouses are a wonderful place for a walk, or when the weather is nice the ideal place for a beach day in Zeeland.
On our road trip through Zeeland, it is where we enjoy the slowly setting sun. We then quickly drive on to Vlissingen. Here awaits us a unique overnight stay in The Prison Tower Suite on Boulevard de Ruyter.
End of the road trip: the coastal city of Vlissingen
The coastal city of Flushing, where the promenade beckons with cozy terraces and views of passing ships. With a glass of wine in hand and the sun sinking into the sea, we look back on a day full of adventure, nature and maritime history. What a great route along the coastline and lighthouse of Zeeland.
Practical tips for this road trip:
Best travel time: The route is beautiful year-round, but for the best sunsets choose summer or early fall.
Transportation: The route is easiest to do by car, but part of it can also be done by bike for an active version.
Photo spots: Don't forget your camera! The lighthouses are photogenic at any time of day, but especially during sunrise and sunset.
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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