Oostburg

Oostburg (Zeelandic Flemish: Wòstburg) is a city in the south-western Netherlands. It is located in the municipality of Sluis, in the province of Zeeland. As of 1 January 2015, its population is 4731, down from 5008 in January 2005. It received city rights in 1237. Before 1 January 2003, Oostburg was also the name of a municipality. It merged with Sluis-Aardenburg to form the new municipality of Sluis. The municipality covered an area of 224.93 km², of which 1.05 km² was water. As well as the town of Oostburg, the former municipality also included the following towns, villages and townships:

For the village in the United States, see Oostburg, Wisconsin.
Oostburg
Village
Main street
Main street
Flag of Oostburg
Flag
Coat of arms of Oostburg
Coat of arms
Oostburg is located in Zeeland
Oostburg
Oostburg
Location in the province of Zeeland in the Netherlands
Oostburg is located in Netherlands
Oostburg
Oostburg
Oostburg (Netherlands)
Coordinates: 51°19′35″N 3°29′35″E
CountryNetherlands
ProvinceZeeland
MunicipalitySluis
Area
[1]
 • Total26.54 km2 (10.25 sq mi)
Elevation
[2]
1.4 m (4.6 ft)
Population
 (2021)[1]
 • Total4,650
 • Density180/km2 (450/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
4501[1]
Dialing code0117
Websitewww.oostburg.nl (in Dutch)

Oostburg is typically a tourist town very close to the beaches at Cadzand. Every Wednesday is market day all year round but in the summer the city is busy and has many events.

The unicorn

Oostburg's symbol is the unicorn, from which the townsfolk are said to derive strength and courage. In reality, the unicorn's presence is represented by a sculpture produced by artist Liesbeth Messer-Heijbroek who for many years, with her husband, lived in the area: she evidently took inspiration from the name of a former inn. The sculpture has been repositioned at least once since it first appeared in 1952 during the postwar reconstruction: at one stage it adorned a small car park. It shares with a modern fountain a spot in "Eenhoornplantsoen" (Unicorn Place) beyond the northern end of the old market square in the town centre.

World War II Monument

During the Second World War, approximately 140 Oostburg townsfolk died and most of all the buildings, shops and churches were destroyed. This monument is a tribute to them and the rebuilding of the town. Around the lower part of the monument are the names of those who perished.

  • St Eligius Church
    St Eligius Church
  • Oostburg unicorn
    Oostburg unicorn
  • World War II memorial
    World War II memorial
  • Oostburg in 1944
    Oostburg in 1944

References
  1. "Kerncijfers wijken en buurten 2021". Central Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
  2. "Postcodetool for 4501AA". Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland (in Dutch). Het Waterschapshuis. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
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