What to do at the coast?

De Panne

🏡 Dumont District A classified and protected district with a typical cottage style, offering a glimpse into 19th and 20th-century architecture.

👑 Leopold I Monument A statue commemorating the first footsteps of King Leopold I on Belgian soil. Nearby, you will also find the Royal Chapel.

🚋 Tram Museum Visit the old tram depot of De Lijn. The guided tour offers insights into historical vehicles, and you may even step aboard authentic carriages from the 1930s and 1950s.

🎢 Plopsaland & Plopsaqua A famous Studio 100 amusement park. The kids will surely recognize most Plopsa characters! Attractions are available for all ages, from thrill-seekers to cautious visitors. We recommend buying tickets in advance due to long queues.

Koksijde

🏛 Ten Duinen Abbey Museum Discover archaeological findings from the Middle Ages. The abbey is surrounded by beautiful nature. Enjoy historical games like bowling and kaats. Experience life in 1490 through a VR headset.

⚰️ Coxyde Military Cemetery Built by the French during WWI, this cemetery originally served as a burial site for French soldiers, later including British and naval casualties.

🐟 NAVIGO - National Fisheries Museum Learn about the history of fishing and the life of fishermen aboard historical vessels. The museum is currently closed due to the construction of a new wing for the skeleton of sperm whale Valentijn.

Nieuwpoort

🏰 Westfront Located under the King Albert I monument, this visitor center delves into war history. Enjoy panoramic views over the coast and polders.

🗼 Sint-Laurentiustoren (Duvetoren) Originally a church, later transformed into a fortress and munitions depot. The tower's name is linked to the legend of Jeanne Panne, who was said to meet the Devil here.

⛵ Marina Stroll along this 1960s yacht marina, which houses around 1,200 boats, with plans for 750 more moorings.

⚓ Fishermen's Monument & Fish Market Immerse yourself in maritime life with a guided tour of the fish auction. The monument honors Belgian fishermen lost at sea.

Westende

🏨 Grand Hotel Bellevue Also known as "Rotonde," this building predates WWI and once featured tennis courts, a cinema, a chapel, and an exhibition hall. The basement was used as a seawater wellness center.

Middelkerke

🏡 Villa Les Zéphyrs A small museum featuring an interior designed by Henri Van de Velde, evoking the vacation spirit of the 1930s.

📚 Comic Strip Statues Find 17 bronze statues of famous comic book characters along the boardwalk.

🌅 Warande Tower A 20m-high observation tower offering breathtaking views of the horizon, polders, and sea.

🎭 Sculpture Park Admire modern art between the sea and the beach, including the "Caterpillar and Flatbed Trailer," symbolizing the transition between past and present.

Ostend

⚓ Atlantikwall Raversyde Explore well-preserved WWII bunkers, underground tunnels, and observation posts.

⛵ Sailing Ship Mercator & Fishing Boat Amandine The Mercator, built in 1932, transported the remains of Father Damien to Belgium. The Amandine, the last Icelandic fishing vessel, now serves as a museum.

🏰 Napoleon’s Fort Built by Napoleon’s army to defend against the British. The fort can be reached via a free ferry from the Ostend fish market.

Bredene

⛪ Fishermen’s Chapel A pilgrimage site for Flemish fishermen, featuring votive offerings and photos of deceased fishermen.

🏛 Staf Versluys Center A meeting and event center with various activities, including mini-golf.

De Haan

🏡 Concession District A historic Anglo-Norman-style villa district, featuring Albert Einstein’s former residence and luxurious old hotels.

🌊 Aqua Mundo A tropical water park with slides and wellness facilities.

🎪 Family Park De Sierk A circus-themed playground where kids can become real circus performers.

Blankenberge

🐠 Sea Life Discover the underwater world with sea lion shows and themed mini-golf.

🏡 Majutte’s House A historic fisherman's cottage, now a cozy café-museum.

🏞 Leopold Park An amusement park with go-karts, mini-golf, and playgrounds.

Zeebrugge

⚓ Seafront A maritime theme park showcasing fishing history and the sea trade.

🚢 Harbor Cruises Enjoy a 75-minute boat tour through Zeebrugge’s bustling harbor.

France Border

🐠 Nausicaá Located 115 km away, this massive aquarium is one of Europe’s largest.