
27 Nature reserves
Around Oostduinkerke lie 27 exceptional walking areas. From the rare marram dunes of Ter Yde to the protected Hannecartbos, the nature here is exceptionally rich.
Oostduinkerke is world-famous for its horseback shrimp fishermen, the last of their kind, and has more than 700 hectares of dunes and beach to explore on foot besides. The exceptional combination of traditional culture and wild coastal nature makes this one of the most extraordinary walking destinations on the Belgian coast.
Walking routes around Oostduinkerke lead through the dunes of Ter Yde, along the wide beach and through the Hannecartbos woodland. Below are the finest routes for every walker.

Around Oostduinkerke lie 27 exceptional walking areas. From the rare marram dunes of Ter Yde to the protected Hannecartbos, the nature here is exceptionally rich.

The Simliduinen nature area lies on the edge of Nieuwpoort-Bad and is a surprisingly peaceful stretch of nature close to the coast. This dune area of around 30 hectares consists of young dunes, damp dune slacks, flower-rich grasslands, moss dunes, shrubs and small woodland patches. What can you expect in the Simliduinen? -

The nature reserve Witte Burg in Oostduinkerke is a small but striking dune area and forms an extension of the well-known Doornpanne. With its open sandy slopes, special mosses and peaceful walking opportunities, this is a lovely place for anyone who wants to enjoy nature for a while, away from the bustle of the beach and the seafront. What can you expect at Witte Burg ...

The Hannecartbos is a surprising nature area in Oostduinkerke, tucked away between the Karthuizerduinen, Ter Yde, Spelleplekke and Polderstraat. While the surrounding dune areas are mainly open and sandy, here you walk through a varied landscape of woodland, grasslands, hedgerows and a special dune stream. What can you expect in the Hannecartbos? -

The nature area Spelleplekke is a small and peaceful dune area on the edge of Oostduinkerke, located between the Plaatsduinen and the Duinpark neighbourhood. It is not a large or busy nature reserve, and that is exactly what makes it such a pleasant place for anyone wanting to enjoy a moment of silence, dune nature and a short walk close to the sea. What can you expect ...

The Oostvoorduinen form a special dune area between Nieuwpoort-Bad and Oostduinkerke. The area is part of the larger nature reserve Ter Yde and is a peaceful place for those who want to go walking, enjoy nature and discover the lesser-known side of the Belgian coast. What can you expect in the Oostvoorduinen? - Special dune landscape: The Oostvoorduinen consist of gently ...

The Plaatsduinen are a small but atmospheric nature area on the edge of Oostduinkerke. It is a peaceful spot for anyone who wants to get away from the bustle of the beach, the seafront promenade or the village centre. What can you expect in the Plaatsduinen? - Small but varied dune area: The Plaatsduinen consist of old, overgrown dunes, grasslands, shrubs and small ...

The Ter Yde nature reserve lies between Oostduinkerke and Groenendijk and is one of the most beautiful dune areas on the Belgian coast. It is a varied nature reserve where you can walk from the beach deep into the dune landscape, with a different view around every corner. What can you expect at Ter Yde nature reserve? - Large and valuable dune area: Ter Yde is a nature ...

The Duinpanne visitor centre is located in the heart of the green Calmeynbos in De Panne. It is a pleasant stop for anyone who wants to head into nature, discover more about the coast and dunes, or simply look around at a relaxed pace with children. What can you expect at the Duinpanne visitor centre? - Centrally located in the Calmeynbos: Duinpanne is beautifully ...
Oostduinkerke has 3 viewpoints with a wide outlook over the North Sea and the dune landscape. Below are the finest locations.

The Watertoren Groenendijk, located on Nieuwpoortsteenweg in Oostduinkerke, is a unique publicly accessible observation tower. It is a special project that brings together nature, heritage and ...

The Hoge Blekker, standing at an impressive 33 metres, is not only the highest dune on the Belgian coast but also an iconic landmark you must not miss. What to expect at the Hoge Blekker in ...

The Batterij Bamburg in Westende is a special bunker site from the Second World War, located in the peaceful Schuddebeurze nature area. Here, nature, landscape and wartime history come together ...
» View our complete 'see & do' list with many more museums, attractions, monuments and other places of interest.