Hiking

Domburg is the oldest seaside resort in Zeeland, a small town on the north-west coast of the island of Walcheren where the dunes, woods and beach lie within a few minutes of each other. Walking is the most natural way to experience them. The paths here are easy, mostly flat and open all year, and the scenery changes quickly from sea view to shaded woodland. That variety makes the area good for families, casual walkers and anyone who wants to see the Zeeland coast at a gentle pace.

The best-known woodland is De Manteling, a belt of old oak and other trees that stretches along the coast between Domburg and Oostkapelle. The word means mantle, and the woods do act as a green cloak between the dunes and the farmland behind. Many of the trees are gnarled and twisted by the wind, and the shade, the birdsong and the glimpses of meadows make a contrast with the open beach nearby. Marked routes run through the wood, linking up with estates such as Westhove and the villages around.

The dunes offer a different atmosphere. Paths run along their crests, with open views of the North Sea and the wide beach below, and lower paths wind through grassy valleys with wildflowers and shrubs. Spring and autumn bring migrating birds, and the whole coast is a good place for birdwatching. The light is often clear and bright, and sunsets over the sea can be spectacular.

Walkers also meet traces of history. Domburg was a fashionable bathing resort from the nineteenth century, and artists were drawn to its light, among them the painter Piet Mondrian, who spent several summers here in the early twentieth century. In Roman times there was a temple to the goddess Nehalennia on this coast, and altars to her have been found on the beach and in the surrounding waters. The Marie Tak van Poortvliet Museum in town tells part of the local story.

Practical advice is simple. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a windproof layer even in summer, and take water, as there are few shops on the dune routes. Cycling and walking can easily be combined, since the area has many cycle paths. Keep to the marked paths to protect the dunes, and note that dogs may need to be leashed. Domburg is reached by bus from Middelburg.