Summary
In the 1870s, Yerseke on Zuid-Beveland was selected for extensive oyster cultivation aimed at meeting the demands of the French market.
Shortly thereafter, mussels, which had long thrived in the Eastern Scheldt estuary, surpassed oysters as the primary source of income for Yerseke.
Mussels and oysters continue to represent a significant industry in Yerseke, which is notable for having the only auction dedicated to mussels in the world, in addition to a summer festival celebrating this shellfish.
Thus, for seafood enthusiasts, Yerseke presents a remarkable destination, particularly during the months from July to April when mussels are in season.
Visitors can explore an oyster bed, discover Zuid-Beveland’s historically flood-prone past, and savor Yerseke’s exquisite oysters and mussels.
1. Shellfish
Yerseke boasts an impressive array of seafood restaurants, prepared to cater to the numerous visitors who travel across borders for the Eastern Scheldt’s lobster, crab, langoustine, periwinkles, and particularly mussels and oysters.
From July to April (the mussel season) or September to April (the oyster season), the freshness and quality of seafood in Yerseke are exceptional, with 19 highly-rated restaurants to choose from.
This is noteworthy, considering Yerseke’s status as a relatively small village.
Mussels should be prioritized, traditionally served in a wine or beer sauce, but also available au gratin, raw, or grilled.
Tourists can participate in tours of oyster beds in the village and enjoy freshly-shucked oysters taken directly from the water.
Details about a well-regarded oyster farm will be provided later, while the top-reviewed restaurants include Nolet’s Vistro, Oesterbeurs, De Branding, and De Viskeete.
2. Oosterscheldemuseum
The seafood boom in Yerseke that commenced in the 1870s continues to capture interest, and this museum located in the former town hall is dedicated to the Eastern Scheldt region.
Visitors can delve into Yerseke’s mussel and oyster culture through an array of antique nets, baskets, model boats, and numerous black and white photographs.
A particularly notable exhibit features a 4 x 6-metre panoramic painting of Yerseke by Willem Vaarzon Morel, illustrating the oyster trade at its peak.
Moreover, hundreds of artifacts from the towns and villages on Zuid-Beveland that were ravaged by flooding in the 16th century are on display, beginning with the catastrophic Sint-Felixvloed of 1530, which resulted in the loss of a vast portion of the island and claimed over 100,000 lives.
3. Oesterij
Situated on the Havendijk, this seafood farm has been operational since 1906. A notable feature of Oesterij is its commitment to transparency.
Visitors have the opportunity to inspect the historical oyster beds housing oysters in fresh seawater prior to sale and explore the quayside sheds, one of which contains antique equipment, videos, photographs, and documents.
Moreover, guests can observe the live sorting and packing of mussels destined for international markets.
While there is a museum shop, the restaurant is the main attraction, serving some of the finest mussels and oysters one can experience, complemented by a crisp glass of white wine.
4. Strand Yerseke
Yerseke is compact enough that by walking west along the dike, one quickly leaves the town and arrives at a modest yet appealing sandy beach.
The contrast between high and low tide is striking here, with a narrow expanse of well-maintained beach when the tide is high, and an expansive area of pools and muddy sand at low tide.
Although facilities at Strand Yerseke are limited, requiring visitors to bring their own food and drink, it presents a pleasant setting for relaxation on a warm day while observing a picturesque sunset.
Walkers may continue along the dike, enjoying views over the Eastern Scheldt towards the former island of Tholen on the opposite shore.
5. Oesterbaron
For those still eager to learn about Yerseke’s oyster trade, an informative excursion aboard a boat into the estuary is an excellent option.
This family-run operation, Oesterbaron, departs from the harbour at 15:00 daily from June through September.
During the two-hour journey, participants will gain insights into the cultivation and harvesting of oysters in the Eastern Scheldt, while also enjoying ample time to take in the scenic surroundings.
The highlight is sampling an oyster fresh from the water, accompanied by a glass of wine.
6. Yerseke Moer
Directly west of Yerseke lies a landscape shaped by human activity over the past millennium.
The Yerseke Moer is a peatland that was isolated from the sea by a dike approximately 1,000 years ago.
The peat retained salinity and was extracted in a disorganized manner during Medieval times.
At its peak, this unassuming landscape served as a significant source of salt across Europe.
To reach the peat, laborers had to remove a layer of clay, leading to the unique hollow appearance of the Yerseke Moer as it is seen today.
Every year, thousands of geese, including pink-footed, barnacle, greater white-fronted, and brent geese, flock to this area during winter.
The 2.5-kilometre red walking trail, equipped with informational boards, is open from July to October, providing opportunities for spotting various waders such as pied avocets, redshanks, black-tailed godwits, and little-ringed plovers.
7. Marstrand Rondvaarten
Also operating from the harbour in Yerseke is another company offering various themed excursions into the estuary.
One memorable trip allows visitors to disembark on a sandbar at low tide.
Guests can explore the sandbar, fully aware that in a few hours, this location will be submerged under approximately 3.5 metres of water.
Marstrand additionally provides 2.5-hour seal-spotting tours (binoculars included) and educational trips offering firsthand knowledge about Yerseke’s mussel and seafood trade.
During these excursions, participants can observe mussels growing on the estuary bed and learn about the stages of growth prior to harvesting.
8. Mosseldag
“Mussel Day” occurs on the third Saturday of August, traditionally heralding the onset of the mussel season, although this now commences a few weeks earlier.
This event attracts tens of thousands of attendees, with many making the journey from Belgium, France, and the Netherlands to partake in Yerseke’s “black gold.” Mosseldag begins with a dance festival on the preceding Friday night, followed by a day of free cruises aboard mussel-catching boats, market stalls, a funfair, parades, beer tents, and abundant opportunities to sample Yerseke’s beloved shellfish.
The festival concludes dramatically with a concert and fireworks display over the harbour.
9. Standbeeld de Mosselman
In case there is any uncertainty regarding the esteem in which Yerseke holds mussels and their cultivators, a statue of a “mussel man” created by sculptor Lou Boonman resides on the northern pier of Koningin Julinanahaven.
This statue was erected to commemorate the opening of the harbour, unveiled by Queen Juliana on June 18, 1981. It was funded by Yerseke’s fishermen’s association and depicts a mussel catcher carrying a basket.
10. Sint-Odulphuskerk
A monument with a complex history, the Sint-Odulphuskerk dates back to the 14th century but was nearly destroyed by fire in 1532. This three-aisled hall church was reconstructed by the 17th century, while a 51-meter neo-Gothic tower replaced the original structure in 1887. Tragically, this tower was lost during a naval battle on the Eastern Scheldt in 1940, along with much of the church’s interior.
The tower was rebuilt in the mid-1970s, and the church now merits a visit due to its impressive scale.
A significant portion of the 14th-century choir has been preserved intact through to the 21st century, while a plaque dating to 1604 above the eastern entrance on Kerkplein is flanked by two lions holding coats of arms.
11. Pluktuin La Fleur
This garden is accessible from late March to early September, featuring a plethora of flowers that visitors can harvest themselves.
Pluktuin La Fleur charges based on the number of stems picked, hosting thousands of tulips, alliums, daffodils, and irises during the spring season.
Summer visitors will find sunflowers, dahlias, gladioli, and lilies at the beginning of the season.
Prices range from €0.20 (for irises and daffodils) to €0.50 (for sunflowers and lilies). A key advantage of this self-picking experience is that it offers a more affordable option that lasts longer in a vase.
