Walcheren

Walcheren is an island and historical region in the southwestern Netherlands, located in the province of Zeeland. It lies between the North Sea to the west and the Western Scheldt estuary to the south, and is separated from the mainland by the Western Scheldt while being connected to it by bridges and a tunnel. The island’s principal towns are Middelburg, the provincial capital, Vlissingen, and Veere, with Domburg as a notable town in Veere. The landscape is largely flat, with coastal dunes and inland polders.

Historically Walcheren has been inhabited since ancient times. In the 17th century the island experienced a severe outbreak of malaria, known as the Walcheren fever, caused by marshy conditions and biting insects. In the Napoleonic era, the Walcheren Campaign of 1809 was a British-led expedition intended to seize Flushing and the Scheldt; it failed and resulted in significant losses, with disease and logistical difficulties contributing to the retreat.

Economically, Walcheren has long centered on its ports and maritime activities. Vlissingen has been an important trading harbor, while Middelburg was a major urban centre during the Dutch Golden Age. Today the island’s economy combines shipping and services with tourism and agriculture. Popular seaside towns such as Domburg and Westkapelle attract visitors, and the Veerse Meer lagoon provides opportunities for boating and nature recreation.

In modern administration Walcheren is not an official separate municipality. It comprises the municipalities of Middelburg, Vlissingen and Veere within the province of Zeeland. The region remains notable for its historic towns, coastal landscapes, and cultural heritage.