The Zeeland Bridge

The Zeeland Bridge crosses the Oosterschelde in a long, low, repeating line of concrete spans, opened in 1965 to link the islands that make up the province and still the longest bridge in the country. It was not built to be decorative: fifty odd spans carried on paired piers, a movable section near the northern end for shipping, and a separate cycle path down one side. Driving it takes a few minutes, cycling it takes far longer than people expect and is hard work into a headwind. The view is water on both sides, shellfish beds below the surface, and the storm surge barrier visible away to the west.

What you actually see

• The span line - the repeated concrete spans running out to the horizon.
• The movable section - the lifting span near the northern end that opens for shipping.
• The cycle path - the separated lane along the side, exposed for the whole crossing.
• The Oosterschelde below - tidal water with mussel and oyster beds and dive spots at the abutments.

When to go

Spring to autumn, and preferably on a calm day if you plan to cycle, since wind across the water is the single biggest factor and can make the crossing miserable. Evening light down the span line gives the best photograph, taken from either shore. The bridge can close to cyclists during storms.

Honest expectations

It is a functional road bridge, and drivers see little except the same span repeated for five kilometres. There is nowhere to stop on it. The cycle path is narrow, close to traffic and unprotected from crosswinds, which is genuinely unpleasant for less confident riders. In poor weather there is nothing here at all.

Nearby

Zierikzee, an old harbour town, sits at the northern end, and the storm surge barrier is west.