Things To Do
in Kapelle

Kapelle is a tranquil Zeeland municipality in the southwestern Netherlands, surrounded by farmland, canals, and open skies. It offers a quintessentially peaceful Dutch countryside experience with easy cycling and close-knit community life. The town serves as a calm base for exploring nearby coastlines, polders, and historic villages.

Its friendly locals and proximity to the Oosterschelde make for a relaxed and authentic Zeeland visit.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a stroll through Kapelle's historic center, where charming brick streets and quaint houses transport you back in time. Visit the ancient St. Jacob's Church, a beautiful structure dating back to the 15th century, and admire its stunning architecture. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and strong Dutch coffee.

afternoon
:

After lunch, explore the local museum to learn about Kapelle's rich history and its significance in the region. Spend time in the nearby park, where you can relax by the pond or take a short walk along the nature trails. Engage with locals at the weekly market, where you can shop for fresh produce and homemade goods.

evening
:

As the sun sets, dine at a cozy restaurant that features traditional Dutch cuisine, perhaps trying a plate of stamppot or poffertjes. After dinner, take a leisurely evening walk along the canals, soaking in the serene atmosphere as the water reflects the twilight sky. Conclude your day with a drink at a local pub, mingling with residents and enjoying the friendly ambiance.

day 2
Nature Walks and Cycling
morning
:

Begin your day by renting a bicycle and cycling through the picturesque countryside surrounding Kapelle. The lush green fields and quaint farms provide a stunning backdrop as you pedal along the well-marked bike paths. Stop at a scenic viewpoint to capture photos of the idyllic Dutch landscape.

afternoon
:

After a refreshing ride, embark on a nature walk at the nearby nature reserve, where diverse flora and fauna await discovery. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you explore the tranquil paths and enjoy the sounds of nature. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the peaceful surroundings, taking a moment to relax and unwind.

evening
:

Return to Kapelle for a casual dinner at a family-run bistro, where you can indulge in local specialties. As the evening unfolds, find a cozy spot near the canal to enjoy a dessert of traditional Dutch apple pie. Wrap up your day with a stroll through the town, listening to the gentle sounds of the water as it flows by.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Cup of coffee$3-5
🥖Bakery item$2-4
🏨Budget hotel (1 night)$70-110
🚆Regional transit ticket$6-12

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Peaceful countryside and bike-friendly routes
  • Close to the Zeeland coast and nature reserves
  • Friendly locals and authentic Dutch town experience
  • Limited nightlife and entertainment options in Kapelle
  • Fewer high-end dining or shopping options
  • Public transport can be infrequent in rural areas
  • "Hallo" - Hello
  • "Dank u wel" - Thank you
  • "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you are
  • "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Waar is de dichtstbijzijnde supermarkt?" - Where is the nearest supermarket?
  • "Ik ben vegetarier" - I am vegetarian

Places to Visit in Kapelle

Visit one of these nice places.

Oosterschelde Estuary at Sunset

Wide horizons, tidal waters, and migrating birds create dramatic silhouettes during golden hour.

Polder Landscape and Windmills

Flat, open farmland with distant windmills and irrigation ditches; classic Dutch countryside photography.

Goes Canal and Historic Center

Charming canals, bridge arches, and old town façades provide quiet, intimate cityscape shots.

Spring Flower Fields (Nearby Zeeland Dunes)

Rape and tulip fields in spring offer vibrant color and expansive backdrops for wide-angle shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Kapelle

Zeeland cuisine emphasizes seafood, dairy products, and coastal-inspired dishes. Fresh mussels from the Oosterschelde and locally produced cheeses are common delights, often enjoyed with simple Dutch fare and regional breads.

Kapelle Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Mosselen uit Zeeland (Zeeland mussels)

Fresh mussels prepared in white wine or herb broths, commonly found in seafood restaurants along the coast or harbor towns.

Must-Try!

Zeeuwse bolus

A cinnamon-sugared, braided pastry—a classic Zeeland snack often enjoyed with a coffee in local bakeries.

Verse vis (fresh fish) baked or grilled

Seasonal catch such as cod or local whitefish prepared simply to highlight maritime flavors; available at seafood eateries and markets.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Goese Markt

Weekly market in Goes offering fresh produce, breads, cheeses, and regional specialties; a good place to sample local snacks.

Zeeland coastal markets

Occasional fish and produce stalls near coastal towns; look for stalls selling fresh seafood and Zeeland pastries.

Climate Guide

Weather

Kapelle experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and moderate summers. Rain is common year-round, and coastal winds can be strong, especially in the spring and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

General etiquette

Greet people with a polite hello; handshakes are common. When cycling, yield to pedestrians and follow local traffic rules. English is widely understood, but learning a few Dutch phrases is appreciated.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall safety is good; exercise common sense near water and on bicycle paths. Stay aware of weather changes near the coast and canals, and call emergency services by dialing 112 if needed.

Tipping in Kapelle

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory in the Netherlands; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common but not expected in casual settings.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long days with pleasant coastal breezes; expect outdoor markets, coastal hikes, and plenty of cycling. Beach towns are busier but welcoming, and seafood is at its freshest.

Autumn

Mussel season and harvest-time flavors appear; cooler evenings, misty mornings, and opportunities for moody coastal photography.

Winter

Chillier and windier with shorter daylight; festive markets in some towns and cozy cafés become focal points for evenings.

Spring

Blooming fields and migratory birds bring vibrant landscapes; ideal for nature walks and photography along polder routes.

Nightlife Guide

Kapelle at Night

Kapelle itself has a modest nightlife with cozy pubs and cafés. For more options, nearby Goes and Middelburg offer bars, live music, and seasonal festivals. Expect a relaxed, friendly atmosphere rather than a party scene.

Hiking in Kapelle

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Oosterschelde coastal walk

Coastal trails with birdwatching opportunities and expansive sea views.

Polder countryside loop near Kapelle

Flat, easy hike through farm lanes, dikes, and waterways.

Schouwen-Duiveland dunes route

Dune and beach trails offering wind, sea air, and wildlife viewing.

Airports

How to reach Kapelle by plane.

Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)

Main international hub, about 1.5-2 hours by train or car from Kapelle.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM)

Regional airport roughly 1-2 hours away by car or train connections.

Antwerp International (ANR)

Belgian airport within 1.5-2.5 hours by road or rail.

Ostend-Bruges International (OST)

Coastal Belgian airport about 1.5-2.5 hours away by road or rail.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable; most attractions are within short distances. For longer excursions, cycling is highly recommended thanks to well-maintained routes and bike-friendly infrastructure.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Danish locals

Residents of Zeeland with deep regional roots and a strong sense of community.

Families

Many households are families who enjoy outdoor recreation and schooling in the area.

Seasonal visitors

Tourists and weekend visitors who come for coastlines, markets, and countryside activities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

One of the region’s most popular sports with local clubs and weekend matches.

Cycling

Flat, scenic terrain makes cycling a staple activity for locals and visitors.

Water sports

Sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing are common along coastal and estuary waters.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light to moderate; cycling is prevalent throughout the region, and trains connect Kapelle to Goes and Middelburg. During peak tourist periods, some rural roads can experience increased traffic on weekends and holidays.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Kapelle.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarians can enjoy vegetable-forward dishes, dairy offerings, and egg-based meals. Ask for seafood-free Zeeland specialties and look for markets with fresh produce and cheeses.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible via local GP practices in Kapelle with hospitals in Goes and Middelburg for emergencies. All residents have access to standard Dutch health insurance; emergency services are reachable by dialing 112.

Discover Netherlands

Read more in our Netherlands 2025 Travel Guide.

Netherlands Travel Guide