Wemeldinge is a village where history, water, and nature come together. Take a stroll down the charming Dorpsstraat with its characteristic linden trees, enjoy the lively marina, or relax on one of the small beaches along the Oosterschelde. Thanks to its location near Oosterschelde National Park, Wemeldinge is a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, water sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers.

Whether you want to spend a day by the water, relax on a patio, or explore the village’s rich history, there’s always something to do in Wemeldinge.

From a village on a dike to a water sports village

Wemeldinge is one of the oldest villages in Zuid-Beveland. Even before the great storm surge of 1134, a settlement had been established here on a creek ridge. The village had a church from very early on, located where the Maartenskerk stands today. Three flood mounds surrounded this old village center. One of them was used as a raised foundation for the church and is still recognizable today. A second flood mound has also been preserved and, at about 12 meters high, is a striking feature of the landscape. The third was later leveled.

After the storm surge of 1134, a new dike was built. Residents then began to settle in increasing numbers along this dike, which is now Dorpsstraat. The village shifted, as it were, while the church remained at its original location on the creek ridge. This explains why the Maartenskerk is not located in the middle of Dorpsstraat today, but lies a little further from what later became the village center.

When the South Beveland Canal opened in 1866, Wemeldinge continued to expand toward the locks. Shipping brought jobs and prosperity and made Wemeldinge an important hub for inland waterway transport.

When the canal was widened in the 1990s and rerouted around Wemeldinge, the locks became obsolete. The former lock chamber was transformed into the modern Wemeldinge Marina, and the Sluisplateau was redeveloped with residential units and restaurants. In this way, Wemeldinge continued to evolve into the water sports village it is today.

Take a stroll down historic Dorpsstraat

A visit to Wemeldinge begins on the historic Dorpsstraat, a protected village landscape that still exudes the atmosphere of days gone by. The street runs along an old dike and is lined with no fewer than 148 linden trees, which together create a distinctive scene.

As you walk along, take a close look at the facades. On several buildings, you’ll still see references to their former functions, such as the old town hall and the former Boerenleenbank. This way, you’ll discover how old building materials were reused in the construction of homes—a lovely detail that many visitors walk right past without noticing. Walk through the narrow alleys—known as “slopjes”—to reach the back streets. In the past, these alleys served as the village’s firebreaks. The names they bear today refer to people who once lived here. Even the small passageways between the houses tell a story about old Wemeldinge.

Enjoying the Oosterschelde

From the Sluisplateau, you can walk right onto the boulevard, which offers a view of the Oosterschelde. In the summer, there’s a relaxed vacation atmosphere here, with outdoor cafes, sailboats, and a lively marina.

Be sure to walk on to the De Duikbril and 't Schip lookout points. When the weather is calm, the water becomes as smooth as a mirror, and there’s a good chance you’ll see a porpoise or even hear it breathe as it breaks the surface. Seals also make regular appearances on the sandbars in the Oosterschelde.

There are also two lovely little beaches along the boulevard where you can swim, sunbathe, or look for crabs, shrimp, and other marine life in the tidal pools. This makes Wemeldinge a wonderful destination for families as well.

Two windmills with a remarkable story

As you walk toward the harbor, you’ll soon see the two tower mills, Aeolus and De Hoop, rising above the village. They stand remarkably close together. According to legend, this is the result of a quarrel between a miller and his servant, who then had his own mill built. Together, they still define the skyline of Wemeldinge. On many Saturdays, the windmills are open to visitors, and in the evening they are often beautifully illuminated.

Practical information

Wemeldinge is easily accessible via the A58. There are several public parking lots available in and around the town center and at the marina. From the boulevard, you can walk directly to the beaches, the Oosterschelde, and various hiking trails. As you walk along the “Voice of the Sea and the Region ” discovery trail, you’ll learn more about Wemeldinge and the surrounding area.