The best walks and hikes around Hulst

The smuggling trade thrived in De Klinge and its surroundings. This illegal cross-border trade went in both directions, with all sorts of products being smuggled to the Netherlands or Belgium. In the spring of 1915, the Germans attempted to put a stop to smuggling by constructing the "dodendraad" (death wire). An electric wire under high voltage was intended to deter smugglers. The high voltage on the "Dodendraad" meant that people were electrocuted upon the slightest contact. The inhabitants were not yet aware of the dangers of electricity during this period. For this reason, protective wires were placed on either side, made of barbed wire or chicken wire. The German occupiers wanted to prevent war volunteers, espionage messages, or smugglers from crossing the border with the border barrier. Inventive smugglers quickly found numerous ways to overcome the wire, yet hundreds of daredevils lost their lives during their crossing along the Belgian-Dutch border. At least three victims fell in De Klinge and Meerdonk. After the Second World War, the eternal cat-and-mouse game between customs officers and smugglers became grimmer. Butter smuggling became a lucrative business, and armored cars, "kraaienpoten" (crow's feet), and firearms made their appearance. The "kraaienpoot" was made of metal and had four points. There was always one sharp point facing upwards, intended to puncture the tires of customs service vehicles. Here, at the "Dodendraadmonument", lies an enlarged "kraaienpoot". The "dodendraad" was constructed in the summer of 1915; in November 2015, a section was reconstructed at the border post. On the site, in 2015, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the installation of the "dodendraad", a linden tree was planted, donated by the Koninklijke Oudheidkundige Kring van het Land van Waas. source: tracesofwar.nl

The numbers of the border posts on the Belgian-Dutch border run upwards from border post number 1 at the Drielandenpunt in Vaals, to 369 near Retranchement. It's funny that neither the first nor the last post is actually on the border (the evolution of the Zwin is partly responsible for the last post). On almost all posts, the year 1843 is shown. Only in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen are there 7 border posts with a later year, which were placed after land reclamation. The posts are made of cast iron and weigh 372 kilograms. Each post is equipped with the Belgian Lion on the Belgian side and the Dutch Lion with sword and arrows on the other side. And each post has a number. The Belgian-Dutch border is 458 kilometers long. On average, the posts are therefore just over a kilometer apart. source: bestemmingbuitenlucht.nl/

Actually, it's not allowed in the Clingse Bossen: go off the path, roam through the forest and build huts. Because plants get damaged and animals get scared. But here you can! So come and splash around with water, climb a tree, put on your own show in the theatre or play hide-and-seek!". an information board challenges children to romp around here. "Feel free to bring your parents: just put them on a bench with a good book and they'll be no trouble at all!" it continues, almost in the style of Annie M.G. Schmidt ;-)

The City Hall on the Grote Markt was built in the period 1528-1534 from the foundations of the Gothic "Halle", destroyed by fire in 1485. The historic city hall houses beautiful works of art, which are certainly worth a visit. More info at https://www.zeeland.com/nl-nl/visit/264_nl/stadhuis-hulst

The pagadders are statues of Spanish soldiers in the center of the Dutch city of Hulst. Pagadder Hermana is one of the 18 statues you can find in Hulst. They refer to the former Spanish presence in Hulst. The pagadores were too small to be deployed on the front line. Therefore, they were used for various tasks, such as delivering the wages (they also - erroneously - gave their name to the so-called Pagaddertoren). In the center of Hulst, you can find other pagadder statues near, among others, the town hall of Hulst, Gentse Poort, Bagijnepoort, De Stadsmolen, Museum Hulst, Keldermanspoort (Bollewerckpoort), Dubbele Poort, Refugiehuis Baudeloo. Those who search will find them all.

As you enter Hulst, you are immediately greeted by a special piece of heritage: the Reynaert monument at the Gentsepoort. This bronze statue of Reynaert the Fox, with the court of King Nobel in the background, brings the famous animal story to life. You see Reynaert in pilgrim's clothing, surrounded by recognizable figures such as the lion, the bear, the wolf, and other animals from the story. The city of Hulst itself also plays a role in the scene, with its historic towers in the background – a nod to the Hulst of the past. A surprising and symbolic place that you won't just walk past.

What impressive ramparts for a great cross weekend!

The Bollewercpoort gate, the bastion begun under the Spanish, served as additional protection for this valuable structure and the harbor entrance. In 1618, the structure was incorporated into the high earthworks of the new Brederode bastion and has been invisible ever since.