Shrimp Fishermen on horseback 2026

The shrimp fishing on horseback in Oostduinkerke is a unique and centuries-old tradition on the Belgian coast. The horseback shrimp fishermen head into the sea around 40 times a year and represent a living piece of history that you truly should experience at least once.

What can you expect from the horseback shrimp fishermen?

This remarkable tradition, dating back some 500 years, was recognised by UNESCO in 2013 as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

• Unique Tradition: Powerful draught horses enter the sea together with their riders to catch shrimp, an impressive sight found nowhere else in the world.
• Authentic Method: The fishermen wear traditional clothing such as a yellow oilskin jacket, boots and a sou’wester. Baskets hang from the wooden saddle to collect the catch.
• Demonstrations by the Sea: During holiday periods and between April and September, the fishermen regularly enter the sea. The demonstrations last about 45 minutes and are ideal to watch up close.
• The Catching Process: About two hours before low tide, the horses go into the water. Upon return, the nets are emptied, by-catch is thrown back into the sea and the shrimp are carefully rinsed and sieved.
• Experience: From the beach, you can admire the fishermen up close as they move through the waves, an impressive and photogenic spectacle.

Practical information

• Period: Around 40 times per year, usually from April to September.
• Starting point: The demonstrations take place at the beach near Astridplein. Outside the summer months, the fishermen can sometimes also be seen at Sint-André and Groenendijk.
• When: Check the current dates and times via the website of the Navigo fisheries museum.
• Duration: The demonstrations last approximately 45 minutes.

Do not miss this unique spectacle and experience a centuries-old tradition during the shrimp fishing on horseback in Oostduinkerke!