Sun Train Zeeland

The Sun Train Zeeland is a solar-powered sightseeing train that runs through the coastal town of Vlissingen, on the southwest edge of the Netherlands at the mouth of the Westerschelde. It is designed to link the main places a visitor wants to see, including the harbour, the marina, the beach promenade and the car parks and public transport hubs, and it does so in a quiet, emission-free way. For people who dislike walking the full length of a long seafront, or travelling with children and bags, it is a relaxed alternative.

The train belongs to the type of road trains used in many resorts, with a small engine or tractor unit pulling open or covered carriages with wide windows. What distinguishes this one is the source of its power, which is solar energy, in keeping with Zeeland's reputation for green innovation. The route and timetable are usually seasonal, with the busiest service in the summer holidays and at weekends, so check the schedule and ticket prices before you go.

Vlissingen is a town with a strong maritime identity. It is the birthplace of Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, the seventeenth-century naval hero whose statue stands on the boulevard overlooking the water, and the harbour has long been an entry point for ships to the Scheldt. Large vessels pass close to the shore, and watching them from the boulevard is one of the town's pleasures. The beach is broad and sandy, with cafes and pavilions in the summer.

Other sights fit well with a ride on the train. The Maritiem Muzeeum Zeeland tells the story of the province's relationship with the sea, the Iguana Reptile Zoo offers a quirky family outing, and the Windorgel, a musical installation powered by the wind, is a curiosity. The old centre has some historic streets and a bustling market. Ferries to Breskens on the south shore of the estuary leave from the harbour.

The train suits families, older visitors and people who want an easy introduction to the town. Sit on the seaward side for views, bring a jacket in case of wind and allow around an hour for the full circuit. It is not a thrill ride but a gentle, sustainable way to get oriented.