Cities in the Netherlands
North Sea Region II
The Story of Renesse
Now part of the Zeeland municipality of Schouwen-Duiveland, it was independent until 1960. In 1840, the village - first mentioned in official papers in 1244 - had 470 inhabitants. The name originally was Rietmisse (spit of land with reeds). These days it is one of the busiest seaside resorts in the country. In 1997, a ‘transferium’ was built just outside the village, where people - some days up to 10,000 - can park their vehicles and take the shuttle service - free - to the beach. Located in the village is museum De Blikvanger, ‘the Eyecatcher’ and in a literal translation ‘can-catcher’ which refers to the extensive collection of over 3,000 food cans, displayed in a restored 100 years-old shop.