Warande Dunes - Nature

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 and up to roughly 185 metres wide. This narrow dune belt lies just behind the coastline and forms a surprisingly peaceful piece of nature between the seaside resorts.
• Warande Tower: In the middle of the area stands a striking observation tower. From the highest platform you have a beautiful panoramic view over the dunes, the polders and the coast.
• The Pavilion: At the top of the dunes stands a charming pavilion with a red roof. A recognisable and atmospheric landmark during a walk through the area.
• Dunes full of special plants: Due to the influence of wind, salt and sand, plants grow here that are perfectly adapted to life close to the sea.
  • Colourful dune grasslands: In the white dunes grow species such as sea bindweed, sea rocket and blue sea holly. In the more sheltered parts of the area you will find calcareous grasslands with species such as milkwort, stonecrop and blue broomrape.
  • Rich birdlife: Birds such as the nightingale, willow warbler and lesser whitethroat breed here. In autumn the berries provide an important food source for migrating birds.
  • Sheep pasture and freshwater pond: In the middle of the area lies a freshwater pond formed by seepage water from the dunes. Around this pond live amphibians such as frogs and salamanders, and reed birds such as the reed warbler and sedge warbler breed here.
  • Dunes full of orchids in June: At the beginning of summer parts of the Warande Dunes turn purple and pink when thousands of wild orchids are in bloom. This makes the area especially attractive for nature lovers.
• Sluysput Dunes: To the east of the area lie the Sluysput Dunes, a similar dune area that is also squeezed between the coastal road and the dunes. Together these areas form a valuable piece of coastal nature with a high biodiversity.

Practical information

• Parking: A good starting point for your visit is the car park at the Koninginnelaan in Middelkerke.
• Walking route: A network of walking paths leads you through the area. Via walking nodes 71 and 73 you can follow a pleasant route through the calcareous dune landscape.

The Warande Dunes are an ideal place to escape the bustle of the seaside resorts and enjoy tranquillity, dune landscapes and remarkable plants and animals.

Furthermore Warande Dunes is near the following sights: Minigolf De Kegel X-Treme (±250 m), Formula E-Karting (±250 m), Bowling de Kegel (±250 m), Adventure Park Middelkerke (±250 m) & Laser Shooting (±300 m).

For information

Warandeduinen, Middelkerke
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