Veere is a small and beautiful town full of history. Until recently I had never heard of this city in Zeeland. However, sometimes you find travel inspiration in the strangest places, because I ended up here thanks to my dentist. When we told him we were going to Zeeland, he urged us that we really shouldn't miss Veere, because it was such a beautiful town. After my visit to Veere I have no choice but to agree with him. In my opinion, Veere is certainly one of the most beautiful and cutest places in the whole of the Netherlands. See what you can do in Veere!
#1 Admire the Veere Town Hall
Veere's town hall is one of the city's most iconic buildings. You can see the accompanying tower from almost anywhere in the city. This large town hall was built in the 15th century on the Markt van Veere. Veere used to be one of the richest places in the Netherlands, because it was directly connected to the sea. As a result, the city played an important role in trade, which led to much prosperity and therefore also to a beautiful and large city hall. The town hall has been renovated several times, but it still retains its original appearance. Since March 2015, the town hall has been open to the public again and you can also view this special building from the inside. Even just viewing the facade and the tower is worth it.
#2 Visit the museum in the Scottish Houses
In its trading history, Veere also had a close relationship with Scotland. In 1541, Veere even became the official warehouse for Scottish wool, causing the city to flourish. That is why you still see Scottish influences in Veere today, such as the facades of the characteristic Scottish Houses around the corner from the town hall. These two stately buildings on the Kaai van Veere, together with the town hall, now form Museum Veere, where you can learn more about the history of the city.
#3 Walk along the cozy marina
Veere's marina is one of the nicest places in the city. The harbor is located on the Kaai, an attractive quay full of historic buildings with characteristic facades. On the Kaai you will find several terraces that overlook the harbor. Cross the bridge from the center and take a walk on the other side of the harbor. This way you have the best view of the beautiful facades of the buildings on the Kaai and it is also a lot quieter here.
#4 Take a boat trip on the Veerse Meer
From the marina of Veere you can easily sail onto the Veerse Meer. This brackish water lake is 22 kilometers long and is located between the Walcheren peninsula and the island of Noord-Beveland. You can enjoy sailing, surfing or SUP here. There is also a cable ski slope for water skiing on the lake and there is a canoe rental company. Do you like diving? Then visit one of the special diving spots and discover the Veerse Meer underwater. Various boat trips on the Veerse Meer are also organized from Veere. From May 1 to September 30, a tour boat departs every hour between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM that shows you the most beautiful places of the Veerse Meer in one hour. For more information, visit rondvaartveere.nl.
#5 Walk past the Grote Kerk and the Cistern
Around the same time that Veere's town hall was built, a huge church was also built in the town. This church is rightly called the Grote Kerk. Compared to this gigantic structure, all the surrounding buildings almost seem like a miniature version. The Grote Kerk is clearly visible from all over the city, even if you walk a long way outside the center on the other side of the marina. Next to the church you will find the associated Cistern. This graceful building with the characteristic pointed roof served as a well for a long time. It was built in 1551 so that Scottish merchants could wash their wool here. However, the Cistern provided Veere with water until 1938. Only then was the city connected to the water supply.
#6 Take a walk on the old city walls
You will still find centuries-old city walls around the center of Veere. Nowadays there is a beautiful walking path across it from which you have a panoramic view of the city and the green surroundings. Along the way there are several information boards with fragments from Veere's history, making the past come even more alive here. There are also several benches next to the path where you can rest and enjoy the beautiful view.
#7 Visit the Stone Bear and the Cow
The walking paths across the city walls also take you past the Stone Bear and the Cow. Contrary to what the names might suggest, these are two mills. The Stone Bear is a connecting road between the sea wall and the strongholds. Today you can still walk through this long covered passageway. The other well-known mill in Veere is De Koe. This photogenic mill is located on the edge of the city center. You can get all the way to the foot of the mill via a path adjacent to the walk over the city walls. You have to walk straight through a meadow full of sheep to do this, but fortunately the sheep are very tame.
#8 Relax on the beach of Veere
Veere also has a small city beach, the Bastion Beach, which is located just behind the old city wall. Here you can enjoy an afternoon at the beach at the Veerse Meer. Is it a bit too busy on this small city beach? From Veere you drive fifteen minutes to the beach at Vrouwenpolder, one of the widest and most beautiful beaches in Walcheren.
#9 Taste the real Zeeland bolus
When you are in Zeeland, you must of course taste a real Zeeland bolus. The best place to taste this Zeeland bolus in Veere is at the Zeeuwse Bakker on the Rijkendijk. This bakery is only open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Are you in Veere on another day and would you still like to taste this typical Zeeland delicacy? In my opinion, the authentic Zeeland Bakery Koppejan in Meliskerke, Koudekerke and Westkapelle sells the most delicious Zeeland boluses.
#10 Spend the night in the Campveerse Toren
In addition to the town hall and the Grote Kerk, the Campveerse Toren is one of the most iconic buildings from the fifteenth century. It was built at the time as a defense tower. Later two wings were also added. Nowadays, this national monument has been converted into an inn, so you can spend the night in the original fortress tower. From the Campveerse Toren you also have a beautiful and panoramic view over the Veerse Meer. Are you only in Veere for one day? Then you can also have a delicious lunch or dinner in the tower.