Breezand, Wissekerke and Veere

Explore the northern part of Central Zeeland and cycle across Noord-Beveland. The former island is connected to the mainland by three dams and a bridge. Centuries ago, there was a temple near Colijnsplaat dedicated to the Celtic-Germanic patron goddess of fishermen and sailors: Nehalennia. At the end of the third century, people left the area due to German invasions, but also because the area was constantly flooded. After a major storm surge, the first dikes were constructed in 1014. Mounds were also raised. After another storm surge in 1134, the whole of Noord-Beveland was diked, but to no avail: in 1134 stormy winds pushed the water so high that the entire island was flooded. The villages of Colijnsplaat and Kats were built in 1598 and Wissenkerke was also created in the following century. After that, the reclamation went quickly: in 1684, the whole of Noord-Beveland was reclaimed. During the Flood Disaster (1953), what is known as 'the miracle of Colijnsplaat' took place: a dike breach was narrowly prevented.

During your bike ride you will pass the De Onderneming mill in Wissenkerke. The round stone flour mill from 1860 can be seen from afar. Here the miller grinds grain organically, which is stored in a shed behind the mill. Some parts of the shelving shed have been removed to ensure that trucks can easily reach the shed.