Parlevinkers
In the last century, Wemeldinge thrived on agriculture, fishing, and oyster farming, but also on the trade in parakeets. Between 1866 and 1993, there was a lock here on the Canal through Zuid-Beveland. Ships often had to wait to pass through the lock, and shrewd merchants saw opportunities in this.
The Parlevinkers would sail their little boats past the waiting inland waterway vessels and sell everything the skippers needed for their journey—from food and cleaning supplies to oil and rope. The skipper didn’t have to leave his ship; the supplies were simply brought right alongside. It was quite a lively scene!
Trade on the water came to an end
In 1992, the Zuid-Beveland Canal was widened and rerouted east of Wemeldinge. As a result, the old locks became obsolete. This also marked the end of the trade carried out by the “parlevinkers” of Wemeldinge. Where inland waterway vessels used to wait in front of the locks, you’ll now find the marina, the boulevard, and the Sluisplateau. Anyone walking around here can still see various traces of the village’s maritime past.
Use the VR headset to take a trip back in time
Would you like to see what life was like in the days of the Parlevinkers? Then head to the Sluisplateau in Wemeldinge. There’s a VR viewer there that lets you look back to the time when inland waterway vessels used to wait at the locks. Look through the VR viewer, and the old harbor and locks will come back to life. You’ll see just how busy it used to be here and get a better sense of the spot where the Parlevinkers would row their small boats alongside the ships to sell their wares.
The viewer also functions as a pair of binoculars. You can choose whether to watch the story of the Parlevinkers or enjoy the view of the Oosterschelde and the harbor of Wemeldinge.
The VR viewer is free to use and is located exactly where part of this history took place. The Sluisplateau is accessible on foot and by bike via the swing bridge. Coming by car? Then drive to the plateau via Juno.
Follow in the footsteps of the Parlevinkers
Would you like to see more of this story? Then follow the Parlevinkers walking trail through Wemeldinge. The trail takes you past places that evoke memories of the old locks, shipping, and life along the canal.
