The most particular of Walcheren, is that just has an area of ??only a few square kilometres of beautiful beaches, dunes, winding dikes and the characteristic Mantelinge on the north side of, so it is perfect for hiking and short cycling rides. The Mantelinge is a forest that connects a number of great outdoors together. Striking are the trees that were topped by the Germans in World War II because of the wood, and have gotten strange, bizarre shapes because of the trimming. Thanks to the high location of The Mantelinge and the outposts in this area, the salt water in the inundation of Walcheren had no effect on the vegetation and there are also deciduous forests.
The name ‘The Mantelinge’ indicates what has traditionally been the function of this forest: it protects the north of Walcheren as an overcoat (mantel in Dutch) against a fierce sea wind. Wealthy merchants liked to build their country houses in this sheltered part of Zeeland in the 17th and 18th century. And although not all the houses and castles are freely accessible to the public, at least one of them, alongside Westhove, is still wonderful to see, if only because the gardens are freely accessible. Moreover, the State Forest Service has given back ponds, winding paths and vistas to the landscape, which were built from the 19th century according to the ideas of the English landscape style. The Mantelinge is again a bit the area like it was intended three centuries ago.
Terra Maris
Terra Maris, which literally means 'Land of the Sea,' is the museum for nature and landscape of Zeeland. Located in the former orangery of Castle Westhove, the museum is situated in the beautiful De Manteling nature reserve of Walcheren, between Oostkapelle and Domburg. What Can You Expect at Terra Maris? - Zeeland Landscape: An engaging and vibrant exhibition ...
Located between Domburg and Oostkapelle, Castle Westhove is a place with a rich and complex history. This castle, once a wooden fortress and later a stone defense tower, has witnessed numerous historical events, including Viking attacks and sieges during the Eighty Years' War. What to Expect at Castle Westhove? - Historical Depth: Admire the beautiful historical ...
The Normans and Beggars have, without realizing it, determined a big part of the cultural history of Zeeland. The Normans because they were always the reason for the construction of defensive fortifications, the Beggars because they destroyed it centuries later in the Eighty Years War against the Spaniards. This also applies to the Outdoor Estate Duinbeek. Once built as a fortress against the Vikings, it became a dwelling in 1350. A letter of lien from 1350 shows that in that year, Wolfert van Borselen, lord of Veere, was the owner, but ‘dedicated’ it to the Count of Holland and Zeeland, and then got it back in loan.
King Philip II of Spain also owned Duinbeek; he bought it in 1567. The payment had yet to be credited though. In 1572, Duinbeek was destroyed by the Beggars. The current Duinbeek dates from 1715, a beautiful mansion with a characteristic octagonal belvedere tower, surrounded by a park-like garden, which is definitely worthwhile.
Mondrian’s Tree
In 1908, Mondrian made the painting ‘Evening, Red Tree’. Whoever visits the Manteling will undoubtedly recognize the whimsical form of Mondrian’s tree in the trees.
Biking and Walking
Thanks to its small-scaliness, the Mantelinge is an attractive area for biking and walking. In a relatively short time, you will experience the Zeeland coast atmosphere, the park-like forests of the country estates and three of the most beautiful country estates with their gardens.
If you go from Domburg to the coast, you cycle into the Manteling and you can do ‘excursions’ to make Westhove en Duinbeek. If you continue towards Oostkapelle, you can visit Berkenbosch. Through the village of Aagtekerke, you can return to Domburg.
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