Holidays in Tholen

Tholen is a historic town and municipality in the province of Zeeland, in the southwestern Netherlands. It was originally an island but is now connected to the mainland via bridges and dams. The town was granted city rights in 1366 and became an important fishing and trading hub during the Middle Ages. Over the centuries, it played a strategic role due to its location near the Scheldt River and was involved in several conflicts, including the Eighty Years' War (1568–1648) against Spain.

The town still retains many of its medieval features, such as its canals, historic walls, and charming old buildings, making it a picturesque destination.

Description
Tholen is a small, charming town known for its well-preserved historical center, featuring cobbled streets, old merchant houses, and a scenic harbor. The town is surrounded by water and polder landscapes, making it ideal for nature lovers. It has a peaceful and authentic Dutch atmosphere, with traditional windmills, dikes, and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

The municipality includes several villages and is located close to Bergen op Zoom and the Oosterschelde National Park, making it a great base for exploring Zeeland’s natural beauty.

Typical Food
Tholen, being part of Zeeland, has a strong seafood tradition. Some typical dishes and local specialties include:

Mussels (Mosselen) – A Zeeland classic, often served steamed with herbs or in a creamy sauce.
Oosterschelde Lobster – A rare and prized lobster species unique to this region.
Zeeuwse Oesters (Zeeland Oysters) – Fresh, delicious oysters, typically eaten raw with lemon or vinegar.
Kibbeling – Battered and fried white fish, usually cod, served with garlic or tartar sauce.
Bolus (Zeeland Pastry) – A sweet, sticky cinnamon roll, popular as a treat with coffee.
Eel (Paling) – Smoked eel is a delicacy often eaten on toast or as part of a meal.
Activities
There are plenty of things to do in and around Tholen, whether you’re interested in history, nature, or outdoor activities:

Explore the Historic Town Center – Walk along the old streets, see the city walls, and visit the beautiful Grote Kerk (Great Church).
Visit the Harbor – Tholen’s small harbor is picturesque, with boats and a relaxing atmosphere.
Cycling & Hiking – The area has great cycling and walking routes, especially along the Oosterschelde National Park and through the rural polder landscape.
Boat Trips & Watersports – You can take boat tours or go sailing, fishing, or even diving in the waters of the Oosterschelde.
Windmill Viewing – Zeeland is famous for its windmills, and Tholen has a few beautiful examples.
Visit Local Markets & Try Seafood – The nearby fish markets and local restaurants offer the freshest seafood.
Nature Reserves – Explore nature in De Pluimpot, a former tidal area that is now a nature reserve with bird-watching opportunities.
Day Trips to Bergen op Zoom or Other Zeeland Towns – Tholen is close to other interesting places like Zierikzee, Middelburg, and Goes.

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