Cycling in and around Westende

Westende is a quiet resort from where you can cycle into the dunes or the polders within minutes.

Dunes with a past: in Schuddebeurze old dunes and ponds alternate with wartime bunkers; it is one of the nature reserves around the village.
Rental bikes nearby: the bike hire shops are mainly on the Koning Ridderdijk, close to the beach.
Two directions: the cycling routes lead along the coast to Middelkerke or across the IJzer to Nieuwpoort.
Prefer walking? Then take a look at our walking routes around Westende.

Bicycle hire

Westende has 4 bike hire shops, most of them around the Koning Ridderdijk.

Koning Ridderdijk: Babelou Fietsverhuurder and Westbikes - Eddy are a few hundred metres from Villa Les Zéphyrs, and C-bikes is on the same street.
Zeedijk: Anita rents out bikes on the Zeedijk.
More choice: neighbouring Nieuwpoort has several more bike hire shops.

Babelou Fietsverhuurder

Koning Ridderdijk 44
tel. +32 479 200 688
web. Website

Westbikes - Eddy

Koning Ridderdijk 6
tel. +32 479 899 921

Anita

Zeedijk 366
tel. +32 475 361 854
web. Website

C-bikes

Koning Ridderdijk 21
tel. +32 475 533 908

3 Cycling routes

The cycling routes around Westende follow the coast and the IJzer, with the Albert I Monument near Nieuwpoort as a striking landmark.

Heading east: past the Warande Dunes and the Warandetoren you cycle to Middelkerke and on towards Ostend.
Across the IJzer: heading west you reach Nieuwpoort and the IJzermonding nature reserve.
Upriver: follow the IJzer inland through wide open polders towards Diksmuide.

6 Nature reserves

Around Westende there are 6 nature reserves, the nearest just a few minutes away by bike.

Sint-Laureinsduinen: just over 45 hectares of varied dunes between Westende-Bad and Lombardsijde.
Schuddebeurze: a reserve of about 40 hectares with lime-poor dunes, ponds and the bunkers of Batterij Bamburg.
Nature Park Raversyde: towards Ostend, combine dune scenery with Second World War heritage.
Japanese Garden Shin Kai Tei: a Japanese garden of about 2,500 m² in Ostend, with ponds, lanterns and little bridges.

Schuddebeurze

The Schuddebeurze nature area in Westende is a special nature reserve of around 40 hectares. The area consists of ancient lime-poor dunes, pools, historic landscapes and striking traces of wartime history. What can you expect at Schuddebeurze? - Ancient dune landscape: The dunes of Schuddebeurze are so old that most of ...

Schuddebeurzeweg

More information

Sint-Laureinsduinen

The Sint-Laureinsduinen form a beautiful and varied nature area between Westende-Bad and the military domain Kwartier Lombardsijde. The dune area covers just over 45 hectares and is a pleasant place for a short walk close to the coast. What can you expect in the Sint-Laureinsduinen? - Restored dune nature: Where campsites ...

Strandlaan

More information

Nature Park Raversyde

The enchanting Raversyde nature park in Ostend, a unique combination of nature, history, and art. This park offers a special experience for visitors of all ages. What can you expect at Raversyde Nature Park? - Atlantikwall Museum: Explore one of the best-preserved parts of the Atlantikwall in Europe, including bunkers, ...

Nieuwpoortsesteenweg 642, Oostende
web. Website

More information

Japanese Garden Shin Kai Tei

This beautiful garden is a perfect place for peace and reflection, inspired by traditional Japanese garden culture. What can you expect at the Japanese Garden Shin Kai Tei in Ostend? - Traditional Japanese landscape: This garden of around 2,500 m² offers an authentic Japanese experience with its carefully designed ...

Koningin Astridlaan, Oostende

More information

IJzermonding

In Nieuwpoort, just 4 km from the town centre, lies the nature reserve De IJzermonding, a unique area where fresh and saltwater meet. This beautiful nature reserve, with its rich variety of fauna and flora, offers a special experience for nature lovers. What Can You Expect at De IJzermonding? - Unique Biotope: Discover ...

Oude Zeedijk, Nieuwpoort

More information

Warande Dunes

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 ...

Warandeduinen, Middelkerke
web. Website

More information

» View our complete 'see & do' list with many more museums, attractions, monuments and other places of interest.