Yerseke, Kapelle, Hoedekenskerke

Does the world-famous Dutch spirit of trade originate from Zeeland? Trade is in Zeeland's blood. Thanks to the presence of water, trading has been done here for centuries. On this Cycle route, you will discover how enterprising and innovative the Zeelanders on Zuid-Beveland still are, with a visit to a mussel auction and a restaurant with a helicopter pad.

Traditionally, Zeeland has been a region of much trade and activity. As early as the Iron Age, salt mining took place here to preserve foodstuffs for longer. With the arrival of the Romans, salt production increased further. Salt, as well as fish sauce and canned shellfish, were traded overseas with Britain and distributed along the rivers and trade routes to Gaul and the Germanic regions.

In the Middle Ages, Flemish abbeys hold the reins firmly in Zeeland. Using their knowledge, they professionalise salt extraction and try to gain land by reclamation. Meanwhile, a number of ports grow into international trading ports. Trade was brisk in Middelburg, Zierikzee, Veere, Sluis, Hulst and Kortgene. Wine, wood and all kinds of products from Scotland such as wool, linen, salmon and leather were imported and transited. In 1585, the fall of Antwerp ushered in a Golden Age for Zeeland. Many merchants and craftsmen migrated from the South to Zeeland and Holland, giving a strong boost to trade and shipping. Middelburg grows into an important port city and, alongside Amsterdam, becomes a centre of the VOC and the WIC. In the 17th century, Zeeland benefits fully from the Republic's international trade routes. Around 1800, several ports lose their trading links due to increasing competition from Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the economic decline of the Republic and the effects of the Napoleonic Wars. Maritime activities decline, and Zeeland focuses more on inland waterways, agriculture and land reclamation.

In the countryside, food supplies for the cities have been fanatically provided for ages. In Zuid-Beveland, the focus turns to mussel farming and oyster culture. From 1870, rich oyster barons come to Yerseke to cultivate oysters. There is briefly a kind of gold rush: fortune seekers flock to Yerseke to make money in the oyster trade. When the first setbacks follow, only a few traders remain. For every problem, they find a solution. Yerseke has since grown into a major player in the fish industry and boasts the only mussel auction in the world.

On land, Zeeland's clay and climate prove perfect for orchards. Pears, apples, cherries, blackcurrants and plums are doing particularly well in Zuid-Beveland. A tasting station was established in Wilhelminadorp to which the still-popular Elstar and Jonagold owe their quality. Today, Zeeland has more than 4,000 hectares of orchards. This gives it the most orchards per surface area in the whole of the Netherlands.

When it comes to tourism, Zeeland is also growing into a powerhouse. Year on year, tourism records are broken. In recent years, some 2.8 million tourists stayed overnight on the Bevelanden. Local entrepreneurs understand well how to combine their business activities with tourism. For example, a visit to the historic oyster pits in Yerseke is a popular destination. The fruit trees that adorn the landscape when in bloom also manage to attract tourists. In 2012, the Eastern Scheldt was declared a National Park. By organising all kinds of fun activities such as boat trips and diving courses, Zeeland's entrepreneurs are once again responding skilfully to demand.

This premium itinerary was compiled by our editor: Elwin Croeze.