My wife and I will be in Rotterdam in July and plan on doing a day long roadtrip via the storm barriers to Middelburg or Vlissingen via the N57.Want to rent a car in city centre.Any advice on best options regarding rental and more importantly recommended routes and/routes that should be avoided?Would also appreciate advice on must see towns or sights of interest along the way - especially on our way back to Rotterdam.Is there any day of the week(ws are not there oved a weekend) which is preferable for such a trip?
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2106 posts
I want to suggest the following route:
You can take the A15, the freeway running south of Rottterdam to the N57 though, Middelburg is already signposted.
After Hellevoetsluis you will drive over the 1km long Haringvliet sluices and can visit tiny Goedereede for drinking a coffee if you arrive not too early or just for driving through.
Drive further to the Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier. Halfway there is themepark Deltapark Neeltje Jans with an exhibition about the barrier, but there are mixed reviews as it is quite expensive for what it has to offer and the exhibition is just part of the whole experience. But for an idea about the barrier you have to see it. http://www.neeltjejans.nl/en/
Further south Veere is anyway worth a visit and Middelburg too. I always like walking the streets around the Oostkerk in Middelburg, remove a few signposts and you are straight back in the 17th century. Not to miss is the Kuiperspoort south of the old harbour. Both places have lovely Gothic townhalls.
You can also visit Domburg and Vlissingen, but better to my opinion is driving further to Zierikzee as it is one of the most beautifull little towns in Zeeland. The drive over the 5km Zeelandbrug (bridge) is special. And (absolutely) worth a visit is the Watersnoodmuseum (flood disaster museum) in nearby Ouwerkerk, giving a good and moving impression about the necessity of the Delta Works. You can conclude the trip with dinner in the historic centre of Zierikzee or the restaurant next to the Watersnoodmuseum. http://www.watersnoodmuseum.nl/UK/
You can do the whole trip in opposite direction, so starting with the Watersnoodmueum is not a bad idea. One thing to know is that July is high season and Zeeland is packed with tourists for going to the beach especially on Sundays if the weather is right. Other days (weekdays are relativily best) will be a bit calmer, but still it will be busy on the roads, moving around will need more time as anticipated. Opening hours of exhibition and museum till 5.00 p.m.
Some more info: http://en.beleefdedeltaroute.nl/ and http://www.deltawerken.com/English/10.html?setlanguage=en
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I drove to Domburg once on a whim, and I wish I had more time to stay. Picture-perfect little beach town resort.