It is located in the municipality of Terneuzen, Zeeland, about 31 km southeast of Vlissingen.

[3] Axel was located on the former creek Axelse Gat which had its mouth in the former Braakman inlet.

The All Saints' Flood of 1570 resulted in Axel finding itself on an island.

[4] Axel was a strategically important place, because it controlled access to Antwerp and Ghent which were in Spanish hands.

[8] In September 1944, Axel was the scene of fighting and destruction during the Battle of the Scheldt.