A circular route of around four kilometres leads through the centre of Zeeland and takes about an hour. At 12.66 kilometres, the Trentse Bossenpad is a longer hiking option; it starts on the edge of the hamlet of ’t Oventje. Cultural trails, neo-Gothic architecture and mill history offer further points of interest to help you plan your stay.
Cultural trails and local history
The Kerkstraat Noord and Kerkstraat Midden cultural walks start at the Heemhuis. Along the way, they share interesting facts about houses, the mill, the church and the town hall. Guided tours at the Heemhuis can be requested for families or groups of friends; they must be arranged in advance. Another cultural walk, Oventje, combines local history with themes from nature and the landscape. These include the 1925 storm disaster, the mill, the field kiln and the Marian chapel, as well as information about plants and animals.
The Sint-Jacobus de Meerderekerk is also an important part of Zeeland’s cultural history. At the beginning of the 20th century, the town developed into a popular pilgrimage destination, where Saint Cornelius was venerated in the church. The Neo-Gothic church was built between 1870 and 1872 by architect Cornelis van Dijk. Its 24 figurative stained-glass windows were made by the Frans Nicolas en Zonen workshop in Roermond. The organ was built in 1895 by Franciscus Smits of Reek and has been a Rijksmonument since 1992; it can still be heard in its original condition today. Access to the church may vary, so bear this in mind when planning your visit.
In addition to the Neo-Gothic church, the Heilige Jacobus de Meerdere complex includes a rectory in the Neo-Renaissance style, a Neo-Gothic cemetery chapel or mortuary, and a Sacred Heart statue. Another historic landmark is the former Landerd municipal town hall at Kerkstraat 39. The cycling route focusing on Bossche School architecture passes by it; the building was designed by Jan de Jong in 1981.
Hikes and outdoor activities
The Trentse Bossenpad starts on the edge of the hamlet of ’t Oventje in the Brabant town of Zeeland. Its second section follows the Duits Lijntje, a former railway line that was part of the connection between London and Berlin. The trail also passes Commandobunker 221, also known as Bunker Zeeland. The bunker was built during the Cold War for the nearby Volkel military airbase. The shorter ’t Kuierpad is a circular walking route through the centre of Zeeland; it is about four kilometres long and takes around an hour. It is paved to make it suitable for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.
For a cycling trip, there is the 23-kilometre In het spoor van de storm route, which runs through Zeeland and Langenboom and can start at the church in Zeeland. Mountain bikers can try the Zeeland mountain bike route in De Maashorst. It runs through the nature core and grazing area of the De Maashorst nature reserve and is classified as a blue route of moderate difficulty. As access conditions may change, check them in advance.
The free Kabouterpad trail at Melkpad combines a gnome hunt with two playgrounds. An activity bag with tasks and a bingo card can be borrowed year-round from the library or at Melkpad 255. Heemtuin Zeeland is home to a wide variety of plants and special trees. Guided tours for groups are available on request.
Mills and places of remembrance
Molen Sint Victor was built in 1938 as an octagonal gallery Dutch windmill. A tornado had completely destroyed the previous mill on 10 August 1925. Coppensmolen Zeeland has a different building history: it began as a wooden wind-powered grain mill in 1857 and, after being completely destroyed by a lightning strike in 1883, was replaced by a stone ground-sailed Dutch windmill. Detailed tours of Coppensmolen can be arranged by phone; groups are also welcome.
At Grafzerken Zeeland, historic gravestones in the R.K. cemetery offer a journey through Zeeland’s history. The gravestones have QR codes that you can scan with your mobile phone to find out more about each grave and the person buried there. This offers several ways to explore local history: architecture, mills, trails and the stories behind individual gravestones.
Accommodation in Zeeland
Herberg D'n Brouwer is located in a distinctive old brewery and listed building in the centre of Zeeland. You can eat, drink and stay overnight there.
For the broader travel overview: Landerd.
