Scrumptious drives within the Netherlands: Willemstad to Middelburg, vi…

On my second day of exploration with Hertz, it was time to discover Zeeland. It’s a spot that’s virtually unimaginable to discover with public transport, which meant my automotive rental got here in helpful. Right this moment’s mission? Scoring true Zeeuwse Mussels, and strolling on the seaside of Zeeland for some true vacation vibes.

Willemstad

After staying the night time in Etten-Leur, we drove to our first cease on the sting of Noord-Brabant: Willemstad. Although it isn’t removed from the place I grew up, I can’t keep in mind ever visiting. The village lies on the border between Noord-Brabant and Zeeland, with simply the water separating the 2.

The fortified city of Willemstad was based in 1583, when the village of Ruigenhil was fortified after the Spanish had overtaken close by Steenbergen. At this second, it become a fortified metropolis. A yr later the city was named Willemstad (Willem’s metropolis) as an homage to Willem of Orange who was murdered that yr.

For those who take a look at Willemstad from above you’ll see the form of a seven sided star. The fortified metropolis partitions are nonetheless there, making for a beautiful path to stroll on with wonderful views over the city. It’s the good place to simply go for a wander, move by the Oude raadhuis, take a look at the harbor, and don’t overlook the wonderful windmill. We stopped for the Dutch custom of espresso and Dutch apple-pie with whipped cream at Het Wapen van Willemstad. I actually loved my go to to the city because it was simply probably the most lovable little city, particularly with the stunning sunny climate we had.

Yerseke

Then it was time to go on the freeway to Yerseke. My preliminary plan was to seek for mussels within the tiny city of Philippine, however I’d shared my itinerary with the Herz department workers on day 1 they usually extremely advocate I am going to Yerseke as a substitute. That’s the facility of rental vehicles: you’re free to go wherever life takes you! I arrived in Yerseke an actual working class fisherman’s city. Fishing has all the time had a central position on this city, and that makes it an important place to style all that the ocean has to supply.

Lunch took us to Café-Restaurant De Schelde, a family-owned restaurant proper behind the dyke and near the oyster beds. Household De Blieck has been working the restaurant for over sixty years, leaving it within the fingers of the third era by now. I can recognize a great pan of mussels, however to be trustworthy I’ve by no means been blown away by them. However at De Schelde I had among the best meals on this journey. pan of frivolously spiced mussels, fries with creamy mayonnaise (you’re not Dutch in the event you don’t eat mayonnaise), bread with herbs butter and a pleasant chilly drink within the restaurant gardens. Extremely advocate!

Domburg

You may’t go to Zeeland with out going to the seaside, and for me that equals the city of Domburg. Not a yr goes by that I don’t at the very least go to as soon as to go for lunch and a pleasant stroll on the seaside. Domburg is the second oldest seaside city of the Netherlands, and you’ll inform. The rich vacation spot is constructed for tourism, and there’s a good likelihood you’ll hear extra German than Dutch right here.

When visiting Domburg don’t simply go to the seaside, but additionally get an ice-cream. We lucked out with climate, so we had an important excuse to strive some. We ended up getting ice-cream at IJsvogel, an ice-cream store on the primary strip of Domburg: the Ooststraat. They promote prime quality icecream from a small Belgian manufacturing facility.

Middelburg

After an intense schedule of strolling on the seaside and tasting ice-cream, it’s lastly time for the final cease of the day: Middelburg. I resolve to get again into my trusty Opel Mokka Turbo to drive the coastal route by Westkappele.

As soon as I arrived to the capital of Zeeland, I used to be stunned. Middelburg is such a fairly metropolis. I had by no means been earlier than, so you may undoubtedly shade me stunned on the sight of the beautiful medieval heart. Town is correctly previous too, having been based within the ninth century.

Ever since that second it has been a rich metropolis, after Amsterdam an important one within the nation due to its helpful location on the water. I particularly favored the stadshuis (city corridor) in the marketplace sq.. The constructing took fifty years to finish, with the constructed beginning on the finish of the fifteenth century. Abdijtoren De Lange Jan can be price a go to, particularly when the climate is sweet. You may climb the tower and on clear days you’ll not solely see all of Middelburg, you’ll be capable of see close by islands too.

My hope was to attain a Zeeuwse Bolus (a sugary pastry in a snail form), however as I didn’t arrive to Middelburg till supper time, all bakeries had already bought out. Unhappy, however an important motive to return again!

What’s your favorite Zeeuwse speciality?

Disclosure: This publish is sponsored by Hertz.