In Deep: A (Brief) History of Zeeland

Prized for its beaches, and rich in history,&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/netherlands">Netherlands</a> province of Zeeland, found at the southwest corner of the country, exudes a coastal cool that belies&nbsp;its centuries of struggle with the sea.<h3>Struggle and Surface</h3>Until the 1950s, the province consisted of several islands, polders and a small portion of mainland Flanders. It was engaged in constant battle with the sea — the region’s motto translates to, “I struggle and surface.”Following a disastrous flood in 1953, an elaborate system of dikes and bridges called the Delta Works was built to connect the islands — a system that provides a successful defence against the water.In earlier times, Zeeland was an endless network of smaller isles. Over the ages, a natural circle of floods and land gain transformed this network into a cluster of bigger islands. From the 13th century onward, citizens started regulating this by building dikes and turning swampy areas into fertile lands, making the isles bigger and also fewer. The islands of Schouwen and Duiveland now form one large island.However, Schouwen-Duiveland is no longer actually an island at all, since the Delta Works links the whole of Zeeland. Apart from the dikes, both old and new, there’s more telling evidence of the everlasting struggle against the sea: several villages have medieval churches on so-called “church isles” — small artificial hills that could provide safe haven in times of flood and disaster.<h3>“The Dutch Normandy”</h3>

The coast has been inhabited since Roman times — the island of Walcheren was a major Viking settlement in the 9th century, becoming a sort of Dutch Normandy. After this period, the region was an obvious source of dispute between the Count of Holland and the Duke of Flanders. In the end, Holland won, but eventually the whole region became, like Holland, part of the Burgundian territory.

During the Eighty Years’ War, Zeeland maintained its wealth with farming and trade. It also produced some famous names, including Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, and a few pirates and privateers.The Zeeland provincial government even tried to prevent the treaty of Munster that ended the Dutch Revolt because it would have ended the highly profitable practice of raiding the rich ships of Spaniards and other enemies. The privateers were organized in the so-called WIC (West Indian Company), also known for its part in the slave trade. Indeed, after the 1648 Peace of Westphalia treaty, Zeeland lost much of its importance. It didn’t help that many of its harbours silted up during this period. &nbsp;The Netherlands is full of rich history and unexpected stories. Discover more on a <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/netherlands-biking">Small Group</a> or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/netherlands-belgium-bespoke"> bespoke trip</a> to the Netherlands and Belgium, where flat roads lead to big adventures through tulip fields, past windmills, and to the best fries on Earth.

Discover Zeeland, the Netherlands’ island-rich coastal province, where maritime heritage, sandy beaches, cycling paths, and charming villages define this off-the-radar Dutch escape.

In Deep: Zeeland | Coastal Culture & Hidden Beauty in the Netherlands

Netherlands

In the land of windmills, tulips and legendary paintings, many live below sea level—but the highs are everywhere. Meander along endless towpaths, bike paths, polders and dykes that dot this charming landscape. Explore picturesque cities, towns and remarkable coastal dunes. Your journey will be, quite simply, a masterpiece.

Discover Netherlands

Discover the beauty of Dutch heritage and the land of canals

Cycle tulip fields, canal towpaths and windmill polders on small group or private bespoke trips through the Netherlands, with boutique hotel stays since 1966.

Netherlands Bike Tours | Butterfield & Robinson

Strolling is the perfect pace for those who want to stop and smell the tulips, or wander Holland’s bucolic countryside, historic cities, and tranquil canals. Experience UNESCO Kinderdijik’s 19 windmills, taste the fare at a local oyster farm and hit the museum to marvel at the Dutch masters.

Local Connections

Great Walks

Unique Gastronomy

Stroll your way from tulip fields to Flemish fairytales, pausing for oysters, Old Masters, and the occasional wedge of Gouda. Wander The Hague’s arty side, stroll canal-laced towns, and dive into Bruges’ medieval charm. Along the way, meet our friends—cheesemakers, bulb whisperers, art buffs—who turn every step into a story. Walking shoes required, wanderlust guaranteed.

Windmills and flower fields

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

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Experience Designers

Strolling is the perfect pace for those who want to stop and smell the tulips, or wander Holland’s bucolic countryside, historic cities, and tranquil canals. Experience UNESCO Kinderdijik’s 19 windmills, taste the fare at a local oyster farm and hit the museum to marvel at the Dutch masters.

Tilt at windmills as you pedal the picturesque coast that inspired the Dutch Masters. Not many get to ride in Zeeland! Savour fresh oysters at a picnic aboard a fishing boat. Drool over traditional savoury&nbsp;pannekoeken&nbsp;(pancakes). Soak up the local&nbsp;jenever&nbsp;(gin). And pedal into Belgium to visit our favourite family of chocolatiers.

Incredible Rides

Insider Access

Pedal from Holland’s blooming bulb fields to Belgium’s chocolate-scented streets, where windmills spin, oysters chill, and jenever flows. Cruise past North Sea dunes, tranquil lakes, and through Het Zwin’s wild beauty. In Bruges, meet our favourite chocolatiers (and your sweet tooth's new favourite people). With pancake stops and postcard views, this ride proves flat terrain can still bring major highs.

See what inspired the Dutch masters

Tilt at windmills as you pedal the picturesque coast that inspired the Dutch Masters. Not many get to ride in Zeeland! Savour fresh oysters at a picnic aboard a fishing boat. Drool over traditional savoury&nbsp;pannekoeken&nbsp;(pancakes). Soak up the local&nbsp;jenever&nbsp;(gin). And stay at the 12-room Manoir Inter Scaldes (replete with a 3 Michelin-star restaurant). *Descriptions below are based on our spring departures. For details on fall and summer departures, please download the corresponding detailed itinerary.&nbsp;

Spend 6 nights cycling the Netherlands in a small group. Keukenhof tulip fields, North Sea dune trails and windmill-lined canals you won't see from a tour bus.

Netherlands Bike Tour: Tulip Fields, North Sea Dunes & Windmill Waterways

A Sweet Escape

Exclusive Access

In the Netherlands and Belgium, flat roads lead to big adventures—through tulip fields, designer cities, cobbled towns and canals. Bike past windmills, sip Trappist beer in medieval squares and snack your way from stroopwafel to moules-frites. With world-class cycling, rich culture and the best fries on Earth, this duo punches way above its weight.

Bike from Amsterdam to the Belgian Ardennes on a custom itinerary. Flemish masterpieces, world-class beer and coastlines most visitors never reach.

Netherlands & Belgium Private Tours: Amsterdam to Bruges & the Ardennes

Thanks to our friends at Uniworld and their splendid ship, the S.S Antoinette, you only have to unpack once as you explore Germany, Switzerland, France and The Netherlands in style and comfort. Live the river from both bike and ship as you take in stately cities, towering castles, terraced wine regions, and historic battle sites along one of Europe’s most iconic waterways.Please note the 2025 ship: S.S. Elisabeth

Floating Hotel

Diverse Landscapes

Think river cruise, but make it B&amp;R. Glide down the Rhine in full luxury, hopping off for vineyard-lined rides, fairy-tale villages, and Black Forest trails. With fine local bites, Alsatian sunsets, and a riverboat that redefines “floating hotel,” this isn’t a cruise—it’s Europe’s greatest hits, served with wine and two wheels.

In partnership with Uniworld

Thanks to our friends at Uniworld and their splendid ship, the S.S Antoinette, you only have to unpack once as you explore Germany, Switzerland, France and The Nederlands in style and comfort. Live the river from both bike and ship as you take in stately cities, towering castles, terraced wine regions, and historic battle sites along one of Europe’s most iconic waterways.

Spend 5 nights cycling the Rhine through four countries in a small group. German vineyards, Swiss Basel, Alsatian wine villages and Dutch waterways — Europe

In Deep: A (Brief) History of Zeeland

By Marya Valli

Netherlands

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