Walcheren
Walcheren (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈʋɑlxərə(n)] ⓘ) is a region and former island in the Dutch province of Zeeland at the mouth of the Scheldt estuary. It lies between the Eastern Scheldt in the north and the Western Scheldt in the south and is roughly the shape of a rhombus. The two sides facing the North Sea consist of dunes and the rest of its coastline is made up of dykes. Middelburg, the provincial capital, lies at Walcheren's centre. Vlissingen, 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) to the south, is the main harbour and the third municipality is Veere.
Walcheren | |
|---|---|
Former Island | |
Campveer Tower in Veere, built in 1500 | |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Province | Zeeland |
| Municipality | Middelburg Veere Vlissingen |
| Area | |
| • Total | 215.72 km2 (83.29 sq mi) |
| Population (2003) | 113,546 |
| • Density | 526/km2 (1,360/sq mi) |
| Postal code | 4330-4399 |
| COROP | Walcheren |
| Area code | 0118 |
| Major roads | A58, N57 |
| Railway | Zeelandic line |
Originally, Walcheren was an island, but the Sloedam, constructed in 1871 for a railway, and poldering after World War II have connected it to the (former) island of Zuid-Beveland, which in turn was connected to the North Brabant mainland by the Kreekrakdam (Completed in 1867). The Veerse Gatdam, completed in 1961, has connected Walcheren to Noord-Beveland.