Through the hinterland: with the West Flanders cycle junctions you can plan your own quiet loop through the flat polders behind the coast.
7 Nature reserves
Around Middelkerke you will find 7 nature reserves, most of them just behind the coastline.
Warande Dunes: a belt of dunes about 2 km long and at most 185 metres wide, with a lookout tower in the middle.
Schuddebeurze: around 40 hectares of old, lime-poor dunes and ponds in Westende, with traces of wartime history.
IJzermonding: here the IJzer, the only Belgian river that flows straight into the North Sea, meets salt water.
Oosteroever: a narrow row of dunes across the harbour channel from Ostend, towards Bredene.
Warande Dunes
The Warande Dunes form a narrow nature area along the coast between Middelkerke and Westende. What can you expect in the Warande Dunes? Thanks to the many walking paths, the area is a favourite spot for walkers, nature lovers and photographers. - Narrow but varied dune belt: The Warande Dunes are about 2 kilometres long ...
The Schuddebeurze nature area in Westende is a special nature reserve of around 40 hectares. The area consists of ancient lime-poor dunes, pools, historic landscapes and striking traces of wartime history. What can you expect at Schuddebeurze? - Ancient dune landscape: The dunes of Schuddebeurze are so old that most of ...
The Sint-Laureinsduinen form a beautiful and varied nature area between Westende-Bad and the military domain Kwartier Lombardsijde. The dune area covers just over 45 hectares and is a pleasant place for a short walk close to the coast. What can you expect in the Sint-Laureinsduinen? - Restored dune nature: Where campsites ...
The enchanting Raversyde nature park in Ostend, a unique combination of nature, history, and art. This park offers a special experience for visitors of all ages. What can you expect at Raversyde Nature Park? - Atlantikwall Museum: Explore one of the best-preserved parts of the Atlantikwall in Europe, including bunkers, ...
In Nieuwpoort, just 4 km from the town centre, lies the nature reserve De IJzermonding, a unique area where fresh and saltwater meet. This beautiful nature reserve, with its rich variety of fauna and flora, offers a special experience for nature lovers. What Can You Expect at De IJzermonding? - Unique Biotope: Discover ...
On the opposite side of the busy and touristy centre of Oostende, across the harbour entrance, lies a surprisingly quiet and remarkable nature area: Oosteroever. What can you expect in the nature area Oosteroever? This place is often seen as a hidden treasure: a stretch of rugged coastal nature where dunes, special plants ...
This beautiful garden is a perfect place for peace and reflection, inspired by traditional Japanese garden culture. What can you expect at the Japanese Garden Shin Kai Tei in Ostend? - Traditional Japanese landscape: This garden of around 2,500 m² offers an authentic Japanese experience with its carefully designed ...