Biezelinge is located in the heart of the fruit-growing region of Zuid-Beveland. Surrounded by orchards, the village is a lovely place to start a walk or bike ride. In the spring, the fruit trees bloom in shades of white and soft pink, while in the fall, you can buy fresh fruit everywhere in the area. With the Zeeuws Fruit Museum, the centuries-old Mozeskerk, and its quiet streets, Biezelinge has everything you need for a relaxing visit.

Things to Do in Biezelinge

A visit to Biezelinge begins at the Zeeuws Fruit Museum. Here, you’ll discover how fruit growing has shaped Zeeland. You’ll stroll past old fruit varieties, historic machinery, and the former fruit auction house. In the museum shop, you can buy local products and fun souvenirs to take home.

Afterward, take a stroll through the village. The Mozeskerk has been the heart of Biezelinge for centuries and serves as a reminder of the village’s long history. In the streets surrounding the church, you’ll find charming homes and experience the peaceful atmosphere that is so characteristic of Biezelinge.

Dive into history

Biezelinge was founded around the 11th century near a dam on the Tieringe Creek. The village is first mentioned in written sources in 1246, making it one of the oldest villages in Zuid-Beveland. A settlement grew up around the dam and, thanks to its connection to the water, later developed into an important port. From here, ships sailed to Flanders and Antwerp. It was a bustling hub for trade and shipping.

As the harbor gradually silted up in the 17th century, the village changed. Trade and shipping declined, and agriculture became increasingly important. The fertile clay soil around Biezelinge was well-suited for this. Various crops were grown in the fields, and later, fruit cultivation in particular took on a prominent role. Apples and pears found ideal growing conditions here, and the orchards became an increasingly distinctive feature of the area. You can still see the effects of that development today in the landscape around Biezelinge.

The Jerusalem Convent was formerly located in Biezelinge and was an important women’s convent in the region during the Middle Ages. It was founded in the 13th century and, thanks to donations and acquisitions, grew into a large and wealthy convent with extensive land holdings. A turbulent period began in the 16th century. During the Eighty Years’ War, the Geuzen raided the area and partially destroyed the convent. From 1572 onward, the complex fell further into disrepair, and the nuns were relocated elsewhere. Eventually, they left Biezelinge for good, bringing an end to the convent. The remaining buildings were demolished in the 17th century. Some of the stones were used to repair the harbor revetment.

Explore the area

The area around Biezelinge features a varied landscape of orchards, fields, and quiet country roads. In April and May, the apple and pear trees are in full bloom, and you can bike or hike through this colorful landscape. Later in the year, the blossoms give way to apples and pears, which are harvested by local fruit growers.

Along the way, you’ll regularly come across fruit stands and vending machines where you can buy fresh apples, pears, juice, and other local products. Through the walking and biking trails, you’ll discover not only Biezelinge, but also Kapelle, Eversdijk, and the surrounding orchards.

Retail and Hospitality

In Biezelinge, you’ll find a variety of amenities for a quick stop. You can do your daily grocery shopping at places like Aldi, Action, and the Fruitshop. For a cup of coffee or lunch, pull up a chair at Granny’s. Or visit the gift shop at the Zeeuws Fruit Museum for local products and a souvenir of your visit. There are also several fruit stands and farm shops in the area where you can buy fresh, seasonal fruit.

Would you like to go on a shopping spree or grab a drink at an outdoor café? Then you can walk or bike to the center of Kapelle—which is right next to Biezelinge—in just a few minutes.

Practical information

Biezelinge is easily accessible by car and train. The Kapelle-Biezelinge train station is located on the outskirts of the village. Parking is available at the Zeeuws Fruit Museum and in the area around the Mozeskerk, among other places. From here, you can easily continue on foot or by bike through Zeeland’s fruit-growing region, known for its blossoms.