This Dutch border town has medieval walls from the 14th century, a working windmill, and a traditional marketplace. The streets lead to authentic shops and local seafood restaurants.
Sluis, a small town in the Dutch province of Zeeland, sits right on the Belgian border. The 14th-century Belfort tower rises above the town center, where locals and visitors browse boutiques and stop at sidewalk cafes. Walk on top of medieval fortification walls, spot spoonbills and oystercatchers at the Zwin nature reserve, or taste local dishes like Zeeuwse mussels and cinnamon-spiced bolus pastries.
Shopping in Sluis's Historic Center
More than 150 independent shops and chain stores line the main shopping street - the longest in Zeeland. Every Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM, vendors set up stalls at the weekly market. Medieval gates and fortifications frame modern storefronts within the old town walls. The mix of Dutch and Belgian shoppers fills the narrow streets throughout the week.
The Medieval Belfort and Town Hall
Climb 100 steps to the top of the 14th-century belfort (bell tower) for views across red-tiled roofs and surrounding farmland. The tower, unique in the Netherlands, houses an interactive museum about local history, including exhibits about Johan Hendrik van Dale, who created the Dutch language dictionary. The museum displays the original 18th-century wrought iron fence from Middelburg's town hall.
Walking the Historic Walls
A 6-kilometer path traces the 600-year-old city walls, winding through meadows and along canals. Information panels explain the defensive structures as you walk. Stop at the Westgate, known locally as "Steenen Beer" (Stone Bear), to examine its medieval stonework. Trees and grass now grow along the former fortifications, with benches placed along the route.
The Zwin Reserve and Waterways
Walk through 158 hectares of mudflats and salt marshes at the Zwin nature reserve between Cadzand and Knokke-Heist. A tidal channel connects the reserve to the North Sea, creating habitat for coastal birds and salt-tolerant plants. Cycle or walk along Napoleon's Canal (Damse Vaart) to Bruges, or rent water bikes to explore Sluis's urban canals.
Getting Around and Local Food
Take the ferry between Breskens (part of Sluis municipality) and Vlissingen across the Westerschelde to reach other parts of Zeeland. In the town center, 45 restaurants and cafes serve both regional and international dishes. Order Zeeuwse mussels with fries or try a Zeeuwse bolus - a spiral-shaped pastry with cinnamon that local bakers have made for generations. Choose from casual cafes to formal dining rooms.
