Vlissingen Tourist Attractions
The important port town of Vlissingen (traditionally in English Flushing) lies on the south coast of the former island of Walcheren, where the Schelde, here more than 4km/2.5mi wide, flows into the North Sea.
Vlissingen and IJmuiden are the only Dutch ports of any size situated directly on the North Sea. Ferry services to Breskens and to Sheerness in Kent.
The outer harbor for seagoing vessels, 12m/40ft deep, is separated by locks from two inland docks, which are linked with Middelburg by the Walcheren Canal. Around the harbor and along the canal a variety of industries have been established, the most important being shipbuilding, engineering, fish processing and leatherworking. More recently chemical and petrochemical plants have also been established. Since the completion of the Delta Plan the Vlissingen industrial zone is due to be increased by some 30,000 hectares/75,000 acres. The necessary energy is provided by a conventional and a nuclear power station.
Vlissingen first appears in the records in 1247. In 1315, already a considerable port, it received its municipal charter. It played an important part during the Dutch rising against Spain; after the capture of Brielle by the Sea Beggars Vlissingen was the first town in the Netherlands to fly the flag of freedom (1572). It was the birthplace of the celebrated Admiral Michiel de Ruyter (1607-76) and the poet Jacobus Bellamy (1557-86).
Grote Kerk or St Jacobskerk
In the Oude Markt stands the Grote Kerk or St Jacobskerk (14th C.), rebuilt in its original style after a fire in 1911.
Town Hall
The Vlissingen Town Hall (Stadhuis), in Houtkade, dates from 1733.
Municipal Museum
In Bellamy Park is the Municipal Museum (Stedelijk Museum), with local antiquities and mementos of Admiral de Ruyter.
Address:
Bellamypark 19, Netherlands
Opening hours:
Jun 16 to Sep 15: 10am-5pm; Sun: 1pm-5pm; Sat: 1pm-5pm
Sep 16 to Jun 15: 10am-12:30pm, 1:30pm-5pm; Sun: 10am-12:30pm, 1pm-5pm; Sat: 10am-12:30pm, 1pm-5pm; Closed: Mon
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Prison Tower
From the Rotunda in Vlissingen the Boulevard de Ruyter leads to the Gevangentoren (Prison Tower; 1563).
Beursplein Area
In Beursplein is the Oude Beurs (Old Exchange; 1672). Close by is the Rotunda, with a statue of Admiral de Ruyter (by L. Royers), commemorating the naval hero who saved the Netherlands during the third war with Britain. From here there is a fine view of the harbor and the sea. To the south can be seen the coast of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen (Zealand Flanders).
Resort Area
From the Rotunda the Boulevard de Ruyter and Boulevard Bankert run northeast to the resort area, with a beautiful beach extending to the south of Vlissingen.