Veere is an idyllic town with just 1,600 inhabitants. It is known for its rich history and many monumental buildings. As you wander through the narrow streets, you are surrounded by the beauty of ancient architecture and the charm of the marina.
The relaxed atmosphere makes Veere the perfect place for a leisurely day out or a long weekend away. In the low-traffic centre, you can not only enjoy the history but also small shops, local boutiques, good restaurants, and sunny terraces.
Events and Activities
In addition to monuments, Veere also offers a wide range of popular annual events that celebrate the local culture and attract visitors from across the province:
Historical Market: Ten times a year, every Tuesday in July and August, everyone dresses in historical clothes and Zeeland traditional costumes during the Historical Market. Visitors can enjoy old crafts, regional products, and the authentic atmosphere of these special market days.
Culture in the Great Church: The Great Church serves as a dynamic stage for music, lectures, visual arts, literature, theatre, and dance. A vibrant centre of creativity and inspiration.
Annual Sailing Race: A spectacular sailing competition on the Veerse Meer, where various classes of historic flat-bottomed boats, such as salmon boats, hoogaarzen, and tjalks, some more than 100 years old, compete for honour.
Ring riding and Sjezenrijden: The traditional Zeeland folk sports of the region.
Charles Dickens Christmas Market: An atmospheric Christmas market in December, complete in Dickens style. The popular festive market offers a variety of Christmas products and cosiness.
Top 15 Most Beautiful Places in Veere
The town of Veere originated in the 12th century and was a thriving trade centre in earlier times. This prosperity is reflected in the many magnificent historical buildings. Below is our list of 15 favourite and most photogenic places (in random order) in the monumental Veere.
1 Campveerse Toren
Discover the Campveerse Toren, a striking medieval building that was originally part of the city wall. Established around 1500 for city defence, this tower transformed in the 16th century into an inn and coastal light, making it one of the oldest existing inns in the Netherlands. Today, it serves as a charming restaurant and hotel, from which guests can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Veerse Meer. A perfect combination of historical charm and modern hospitality, ideal for a unique dining and stay experience by the water.
Kaai 2
2 Zuidhavenpoort
A historic gatehouse that borders the Campveerse Toren. This monument with its distinctive late-18th-century facade on the harbour side and a basket-arched passage, provides access to the Head of the Harbour. As part of the former defensive works of Veere, this gate, along with the Campveerse Toren, represents one of the few stone remnants of the old fortified town.
Kaai 4
3 Market (Markt)
Explore the charming Market in Veere, the beating heart of this picturesque fortified town. Surrounded by monumental buildings, this square offers a picturesque setting, complete with beautiful trees that provide pleasant shade. Take a seat on one of the inviting benches, enjoy a delicious lunch at the cosy lunch spots, browse around the delightful shops, or relax on one of the sunny terraces. The Market is the perfect place to experience the unique atmosphere of this historic town.
Markt
4Museum Veere
Museum Veere, located in the picturesque town of Veere, offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich and diverse history of this historic Zeelandic city. From its glorious days as a trading hub to the intimate stories of its residents, Museum Veere is a treasure trove of cultural and historical discoveries. What to Expect at Museum Veere? - Historical Collections: ...
Visit the historic Town Hall of Veere, established between 1474 and 1517 on the orders of Henry IV of Borsele. This monumental building stands out with its distinctive step gable and richly decorated interior, where centuries of administrative history are palpable. In the Vierschaar, where the bailiff and aldermen once administered justice, hang paintings and historical objects that testify to Veere's heyday. The town hall also houses a unique collection of portraits of the House of Orange. Behind the building stands a tower with a beautiful carillon of 35 bells, which regularly gives concerts. Today, you can admire all this through the Museum Veere, which is partly located in the old town hall.
Markt 5
4.2 The Scottish Houses
The Scottish Houses, two impressive 16th-century buildings along the picturesque Quay, are tangible reminders of the thriving trade relations between Veere and Scotland. Built by Scottish merchants, these beautiful houses overlook the harbour and form a historical highlight of the town.
"'t Lammetje" (Kaai 25), established in 1539, is adorned with a lamb on the gable stone, symbolic of the wool trade that was essential to the Scottish export. This property and its neighbours harbour stories of the Scots who lived here during the trading boom.
"De Struijs" (Kaai 27) dates from the 16th century and is notable for the ostrich on the gable stone, which points to the exotic goods that passed through the town.
Both buildings are now part of Museum Veere, where visitors can learn more about Veere's role as a staple port for Scottish wool and the cultural exchanges that shaped the town.
Kaai 25 & 27
5 Grandma's Sweet Shop
Located on Old Street, on the way to the Great Church, this charming sweet shop is a must-see. For 30 years, the shop, just 18 m² in size, offers a nostalgic dive into the past with more than 100 types of traditional sweets, including Zeeland delicacies. The interior, complete with antique tiles, vintage scales, and old-fashioned school plates, transports you back in time. The saleswomen in their traditional aprons complete the experience. Don't miss the chance to see and taste these colourful sweets yourself!
Oudestraat 20
6 Cistern
Discover the historic Cistern of Veere, built in 1551 on the orders of Maximilian of Burgundy. This unique octagonal building with a radiating vault and Tudor arches on slender columns was intended to provide traders in Scottish wool with drinking and flushing water. The well, with a capacity of 200 m³, collects rainwater from the Great Church. A carved coat of arms of Veere adorns one of the closed sides, enhancing the historical appearance of this fascinating location.
Oudestraat
7Great Church of Veere
The Great Church of Veere, dating back to 1348, is more than just a church; it's a monument filled with history and stories, situated in the charming town of Veere. What can you expect at the Great Church of Veere? - A Rich History: The Great Church has played various roles over the centuries, from military hospital to poorhouse and barracks. - Architectural ...
Follow the path along the church and discover the Little Church, established in the early 14th century as a three-aisled hall church. The construction of the neighbouring Great Church only started in 1405. After thirty years, both churches were connected, with the Little Church serving as a choir. Post-Reformation in 1572, the churches were separated again. Originally built as a Catholic church, it is now used by the local Protestant community. The church is open to visitors in July and August from Monday to Friday between 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM.
Kappellestraat 27
9 The Marina
Discover Veere's Marina, one of the Netherlands' most beautiful marinas, nestled in the heart of the monumental centre. Surrounded by historic houses and streets, this location breathes the wealth of the Golden Age. Perfect for water sports enthusiasts, the Veerse Meer offers extensive opportunities for sailing, canoeing, and more. This harbour is also an ideal base for boat trips through Zeeland and beyond, with its bustling activity and breathtaking views.
Kanaalweg Westzijde 5
10 Walking Route over the City Walls
Explore the city walls on foot and discover the rich history of this charming town. Follow the node route for a tailor-made walk, ranging from picturesque paths to adventurous tunnels. The approximately 5-kilometre circular walk offers breathtaking views of Korenmolen De Koe, the old town hall, and the imposing Great Church. Admire the historic cannons and traverse the intriguing 'Stone Beer', a dark tunnel with shooting holes. Along the way, you cross water with drawbridges, a fun challenge for both adults and children.
Bastion
11 The Stone Bear (De Stenen Beer)
During your walk over the historic city walls, you'll discover the Stone Bear, a fascinating bastion from the time of Napoleon. This old defensive work, which is still walkable, offers a unique passage between the sea dike and the bulwarks of the town. Children and adults will enjoy the adventurous tunnel with its numerous shooting holes overlooking the dry fortress moat.
Step through the tunnel and travel back to a time when this fortress played a crucial role in defending against invasions. Difficult to navigate with a pushchair, but the spiral staircase at the end of the tunnel leads you to a breathtaking view over the landscape, including the iconic mill "De Koe".
Let yourself be further carried away by history with the help of informative boards that tell you more about the strategic significance of this place during the Napoleonic regime.
Bastion
12 Corn Mill de Koe
Discover Corn Mill De Koe, an iconic, round platform mill from 1909, located on the Warwijcksestraat near the city walls. This brick-built mill, traditionally whitewashed in Zeeland style, is a striking appearance with a zinc roof and an impressive wing span of 23.50 meters. De Koe stands on the foundations of a ground sailor lost to fire in 1907. Although the mill is not open to visitors inside, it remains a photo-worthy monument.
13Veerse Meer
The Veerse Meer is a nature reserve located northeast of Walcheren and south of Noord-Beveland. The lake is a popular watersports destination for sailors, sport fishermen, and scuba divers. There is also an opportunity for surfing and waterskiing through a cable ski facility, and there is a canoe harbor at De Piet. Around the lake, there are thousands of moorings for ...
Discover the charming Bastion beach at the Veerse Meer, just outside Veere. This idyllic spot is an excellent opportunity to relax, picnic, or swim. With specially placed floating buoy lines, recreational boats are kept at a safe distance. The beach is public and freely accessible to everyone, making it the perfect destination for a day out. Enjoy a peaceful day by the water during your visit to Veere.
Bastion
15 Boat Trip on the Veerse Meer
From May to September and during the autumn half-term, you can enjoy a beautiful boat trip on the Veerse Meer daily. Departing from the jetty at Campveerse Toren, these trips of about one hour offer a unique opportunity to discover the beauty of the lake.
Admire the beautiful nature islands, see the wild horses by the water's edge, and enjoy the view of the many boats and yachts that bring this area to life. This boat trip is a wonderful experience for young and old, ideal for a relaxing and inspiring day on the water. Tickets are available on board the ship, making it easy to join this unique experience spontaneously.
Campveerse Toren
Overview
More Monumental Buildings
In addition to the above places, Veere has dozens of other monumental buildings. Since 1974, most of the town has been designated as a protected cityscape. Explore the narrow streets and experience the historical beauty found in every corner of Veere. Discover for yourself why this unique place is a must-see destination for lovers of history and architecture.
Parking in Car-Free Veere
Veere is known for its quiet, car-free centre, which contributes to the charming and peaceful atmosphere of the town. To maintain this atmosphere, parking within the centre of Veere is exclusively reserved for local residents. Visitors are kindly requested to use the specially designated parking areas on the outskirts of the town.
Car Parking: The car park at Kanaalweg Westzijde / Mauritsbolwerk is the ideal parking location for tourists. The site has more than 400 parking spaces and is easily accessible by car. From here, you are just a few minutes' walk from the centre, via two picturesque walking routes: over the Torenwal or along the Cistern.
Coach Parking: Coaches can park at the car park located at the intersection of Kanaalweg Westzijde and Veerseweg, specially designed to accommodate larger vehicles.
Camper Parking: Campers can park at the site at the intersection of Sandenburghlaan and Veerseweg. Note: overnight stays (in a camper) at the Veere car parks are not allowed.
These parking facilities ensure that your visit to Veere is as pleasant as possible while retaining the historic and serene appearance of the town.
Discover the Charm of Veere
Veere is more than worth a visit, with its combination of historical wealth, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scene. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or culinary delights, Veere has something for everyone.
» Once you're in Veere, you should also make sure to visit Middelburg.
Buy tickets in advance now
