Veerse Lake
Veerse Meer

**Experience the best of Zeeland’s outdoors on this huge lake near Middelburg. Get active on a hike, learn to windsurf, try out paddleboarding and much more. **

This 22km lake in the heart of Zeeland was created in 1961 as a flood control measure but is now a recreational hub and watersports paradise. It’s best to visit during the summer months when people can relax on its shores and get active on the water.

Veerse has 17 islands, 12 are accessible to visitors and have pretty spots for you to relax. What about the other 5? They’ve been given to the birds as a little safe haven to rest, eat and breed. Sounds like a bird watcher's paradise too.

Wet and Wild

Prepare to get wet! Go sailing, surfing, diving, waterskiing, canoeing, swimming, paddle boarding, the list goes on. All around the lake you’ll find plenty of surf schools and boat hires.

To the north, near Banjaard Beach, you’ll find places to windsurf, kitesurf, sail a catamaran or paddle board and more. There’s also beachy cafes and restaurants. From here you can also see the incredible feat of engineering that is Oosterschelderking, the iconic Delta Works storm surge barrier.

Moving around the lake to the east there are more surf schools, the Schotsman Watersports Centre and boat hire.

To the south you’ll find hidden gem Kanoa Outdoor which has plenty of outdoorsy activities on offer including Klimpark Zeeland, the area’s first climbing park. A highlight here is a guided canoe safari - a great option for an active day out with the kids. Booking is required.

Lakeside Walk

There are plenty of options to explore the lake by foot, anywhere you walk will give you scenic lake views. A great option to see the best of Veerse Lake is this 17.4km loop around the lake, perfect for bird watching and experiencing Zeeland’s nature. The moderately difficult route sees you take the pedestrian ferry at Rondje Pontje across the lake. It only runs between May and September, so put this in the calendar for the summer months.

Stop off at Veere

Veere is a charming old, fortified town and definitely worth a visit whilst you’re at the lake. See a picturesque Dutch windmill, the defenses of historic Stenen Beer and relax by the water, get a drink or have a bite to eat. You’ll find the waterside hub on the south side of the lake at the address listed here.