Along the Coast

If you feel like escaping from the city and breathing in the salty sea air, strolling along the coast or cycling through the dunes, why not take a trip to Zeebrugge, which lies on the coast just 16km from Bruges. The Belgian coast is only 60km long, yet each coastal region has its own unique identity -  from folksy to grand to chic. Take the coastal tram service, grab a bike or put your walking boots on and explore some of this lovely coastline. Our tips:

Outlined walking route

Erfgoedwandelroute Zeebrugge ("Zeebrugge heritage walk"): a 5.8 km loop taking in the harbour, the Seafront maritime theme park, the Fishermen’s Cross and the harbour lookout points. And how about ending your walk with a fresh shrimp croquette at one of the authentic fishermen’s cafés?

Walking network maps

• Kustwandelroute ("Coastal walk"): spans the whole Flemish coast from De Panne to Knokke-Heist. Plan your own route, walking along both surfaced and unsurfaced paths.
• Wandelnetwerk Zwin ("Zwin walking network"): a cross-border walking adventure featuring the sea, the beach, the dunes, the vast historic Zwin polders and hidden areas of nature and forest.

Virtual walking along the coast

Did you know that you don’t even have to leave your house to go for a walk? Yes, indeed – Google Street View has filmed many paths and tracks so that you can take a virtual walk along 160km of coastline. And you won’t wear out your shoes, either!

Outlined cycle routes

Beaufort beeldenroute ("Beaufort sculpture route"): some of the work from previous Beaufort art projects is still on display along the coast. Some of the works are still in their original location, others have been moved. You can see them by bike, on foot or by taking the coastal tram service.

Cycle network maps

Fietsnetwerkkaart Kust ("Coastal cycle network map"): how would you like to escape for a bit with the wind in your hair? This essential map will give you hours or wonderful cycling along the coast and by the beach, through dunes and nature reserves, past lively coastal resorts and towns and through the flat, green polders of the hinterland.