Hulst, Medieval fortified town in Zeelandic Flanders, Netherlands.
Hulst is a fortified town near the Belgian border with preserved city walls and 68 historical buildings from different periods. At its center stands the St. Willibrordus Basilica, which shapes the skyline and serves as a religious landmark.
The town began as a medieval fortress and played an important role in border defense between Holland and Flanders. In 1645, Dutch forces under Prince Frederick Henry captured it and secured control over the southern bank of the Schelde river.
The bronze statue of Reynard the Fox near the Gentse Poort gate shows how this town connects to medieval stories and European folklore. Visitors can encounter this famous literary character while walking through the streets.
The municipality consists of 15 separate towns like Clinge, Graauw, and Kloosterzande that together form a larger administrative area. The walled center with historic buildings can be explored on foot and works well for a day visit.
Nearby lies the Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe, an extensive salt marsh landscape shaped by tidal movements. This nature reserve is one of Europe's largest salt marsh areas and offers a rare glimpse into this specialized ecosystem.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.