Sluis

Lock, tourist information

Photo 1
Coat of arms of Sluis
Coat of arms of Sluis

Number of inhabitants: 2.365
Number of national monuments: 88

Summary of Sluis

Bolwerk-South in Sluis
Bolwerk-South in Sluis

Sluis is a very pleasant fortified town, do you want to know what a fortified town is all about? Then look at our information page.
You will find the city of Sluis on the island of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen in our water-rich province of Zeeland.

When you walk around in the city of Sluis you will notice that there is a very cozy atmosphere, especially when the sun is shining. In Sluis you can enjoy the many terraces and nice shops. Then you can certainly enjoy the people in Sluis who are generally very social and friendly.

Interesting history of Sluis

The Stone Bear in Sluis
The Stone Bear in Sluis

A historic city like Sluis obviously has its history.
The city will have been founded about the year 1280. This was made possible by Sir Jan I van Namen. He has given the city of Sluis city rights.

Sluis has to endure a lot to stay afloat. There have been many battles for the city. One of the most important names of these battles is the Battle of Sluis (1340 & 1603).

Sluis was a very important city! Because of the silting up of the Zwin (this connected Bruges with the North Sea), Sluis became the most important outer port for Bruges.

A very important wedding took place in the city of Sluis, namely that of Philip the Good and Isabella of Portugal.

There was also a castle in the city of Sluis, which used to be one of the largest in the Netherlands. You can still admire the foundations of the castle.

Sluis Landmarks

The Jaagpad in Sluis
The Jaagpad in Sluis

Let's leave history behind for now. Time for the beautiful sights the city has to offer.
There are a few things that you absolutely cannot and should not miss. Everyone knows the Dikke Van Dale of course! Maybe it's new to you, but it was invented in Sluis. The creator and creator of the book is Johan Hendrik van Dale, he was born in Sluis. In the city you can also see a beautiful Bust of Van Dale. That is one of Sluis' attractions. But of course you also have the city walls of Sluis. Then you can also go and have a look at the Stone Bear. this is an old city gate, which Sluis has defended against the attacks from Bruges. The Brak is located in the center of the city. This is an old Dutch windmill. Finally, you should view the old Town Hall Belfort, which dates from 1386.

Shopping in Sluis

The Nieuwstraat in Sluis
The Nieuwstraat in Sluis

For shoppers, Sluis is also a nice city to visit. All shops are also open on Sundays, which makes the city even more attractive.
What also makes shopping fun is that you can find everything in Sluis. There are few large retail chains and many small entrepreneurs. Perhaps that is Sluis's strength, because this also creates atmosphere.
There are actually 2 shopping streets one is the Oude Kerkstraat and the other street is called the Kapellestraat which turns into the Groote Markt where you will find the beautiful town hall.

late night shopping :

None

Shopping Sunday:

Every shopping Sunday

 

 

Activities in Sluis

The Kapellestraat in Sluis
The Kapellestraat in Sluis

There are plenty of activities for a city like Sluis. It is not extreme because Sluis remains a small town. Yet the city has 2 museums.
There is no cinema in Sluis. for that you have to move to other places.

MUSEUMS SLUISATTRACTIONS LOCK
  • BIZARIUM, click here for the site.
  • Belfry Museum, click here for the site.
  • Pedal boats through Sluis, click here for the site.
CINEMAS LOCKTHEATERS LOCK
  • Cine City Terneuzen (>39km), cinema with regular program. Click here for the site.
  • member theatre (>8km) , cinema with special program. Click here for the site.
  • member theatre (>8km) Click here for the site.

Nature & Parks in Sluis

The ramparts of Sluis
The ramparts of Sluis

The city of Sluis does not have many parks. For green relaxation, you can visit the city walls of Sluis. Or you drive a bit to the west, then you are in the middle of the Zeeland dunes on the coast.

Steps in Sluis

The Beestenmarkt in Sluis
The Beestenmarkt in Sluis


For steps you can certainly also go to Sluis, the city has many bars and restaurants. Or you can go to a dance cafe.

More photos by Sluis