The port town of Vlissingen has a rich history, protected cityscape and exciting festivals. It's the perfect seaside destination for young and old.
Vlissingen is the birthplace of the most skilled admiral in Dutch history and a popular destination among tourists from around the world. What better way to relax than sipping a drink on the longest promenade in the Netherlands while watching the sea? The town centre has trendy shops, historic buildings and great museums.
Vlissingen was first mentioned in 1247. Because of the town’s strategic location between a river and the sea, it changed hands several times over the centuries. The history of Vlissingen has always been connected with the sea. muZEEum in Lampsinshuis, which has a unique watchtower, is a great place to learn about the maritime past of Vlissingen and Zeeland.
The Arsenaal is a great experience for the whole family. There’s a pirate park and a sea aquarium with rays and sharks, as well as a 65 m high lighthouse with a fantastic view of the town and the Westerschelde. Visitors interested in history must go to the Gevangentoren. This 15th-century tower was the town prison for a long time. Today, it’s home to a romantic restaurant with great food.
The promenade is probably the best-known part of Vlissingen. Here you will find sidewalk cafés and restaurants, as well as a bamboo wind organ and a statute of Michiel de Ruyter, the Netherlands’ most skilled admiral. Festival-goers will also love Vlissingen: Vlissingen Maritiem is a sailing festival that takes place every other year, with bigger or similar festivals held in-between. The lively dance festival Groove to Chill takes place several times a year.
There are a lot of hotels, hostels and other types of accommodation to choose from. Whether you're travelling alone, with your partner or with the whole family, there's something to do for every budget. Vlissingen is easy to reach by car and public transport and the nearest airport is across the Belgian border in Antwerp.
What are you waiting for? Come to Vlissingen, delve into its history and let the call of the sea seduce you ...
