Discover Flushing: A bike route full of stories!
Discover Flushing: A bike route full of stories!
Vlissingen is a city full of contrasts, where the past is tangibly present and the sea is always nearby. For visitors who want to discover the city in an active way, this bicycle route offers a perfect mix of history, nature and culture. During this approximately 25-kilometer tour, you will experience Vlissingen's versatility, from bustling boulevards and green forests to iconic landmarks.
Start your route on the lively Bellamy Park, surrounded by cozy terraces. From the heart of the city you bike toward the boulevard, where you can see the historic Casemates encounter, a remnant of Vlissingen's old fortifications. These impressive corridors and walls, built to protect the city, immediately give you a sense of the long history of this place. A little further on you will find the statue of Michiel de Ruyter, one of Holland's most famous naval heroes overlooking the Westerschelde, ready to protect his city.
From the statue continue the route toward the unique Wind Organ. This artwork plays on the wind, filling the air with soft, changing tones depending on the strength and direction of the wind. You then continue cycling over the dunes, along the beach, with the sea breeze hopefully at your back and with a view of the vast coastline.
After the dunes you come to the quiet Nollebos, a forest and recreation area loved by locals and visitors alike. Here you can choose: cycle right through the forest for a surrounding of greenery and birdsong, or take the path under the dunes back toward town.
When you see the Nollebos leaving, you cycle back into town and pass the characteristic Water tower. This architectural highlight leads you to the imposing City Hall of Vlissingen, a building that has served the city for centuries. Next, cycle through the Scheldestraat toward the Scheldekwartier. Here the city feels modern and in transformation, with new developments and historic shipyard buildings alternating.
The Jan Weug Quay takes you past the imposing Scheldt crane and the large, characterful Machine Factory. These industrial monuments recall the heyday of shipbuilding in Vlissingen and the time when the Royal Schelde Company was located here.
After a brisk ride, it's time for a coffee break in the Carpentry. This old factory building has been converted into a hip hospitality venue where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and freshly baked treats in a cool, industrial setting - a great place to take a breather.
After the break, continue cycling and cross the Sloe Bridge about direction East Souburg, a village full of history. Here is located the Carolingian Burg, a ring fortress from the 9th century and one of the few remaining defensive fortifications of this type in the Netherlands. This site offers a unique glimpse into the region's early past.
You cycle on to Ritthem and the beautiful Ritthem Forest, where you can leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy peace and nature. From the forest you come to Fort Rammekens, the oldest sea fort in Europe. With its location on the Westerschelde and its strategic past, this is an impressive place full of history.
From Fort Rammekens Follow the dike along the water back toward Flushing Station, where you have a view of the Westerschelde. After crossing the locks, cycle along Green Boulevard - a quiet route along the shoreline that gives you panoramic views of the water and the city.
At the historical Orange Mill en Uncle Beach you come to a place that played an important role during World War II. This is where the Allies landed during the Battle of the Scheldt. Continue the route towards the Arsenal Tower, an iconic landmark that evokes memories of Vlissingen's maritime past.
In conclusion, you cycle to the St. James' Church, an impressive Gothic church in the old city center. End your tour on the Old Market, where you can reminisce on one of the terraces and look back on a day of discoveries through Flushing.
