Walking in and around Westende

Westende is a quiet resort on the middle coast, with a special character shaped by its historic villas and a wide dune ridge. Its position between Middelkerke and Nieuwpoort makes it an ideal base for walkers wishing to explore the transition from the middle coast to the river landscape of the IJzer.

Walking routes

Walking routes around Westende lead along the beach, through the dunes and towards the IJzer. Below are the finest routes for every walker.

6 Nature reserves

Around Westende lie 6 walking areas. The dunes along the beach and the nearby IJzermonding nature reserve offer a fine variety of natural environments.

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

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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

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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

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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
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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

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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
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Viewpints

Westende has 2 viewpoints with a wide outlook over the North Sea and the coastline. Below are the finest locations, including the protected villa Les Zéphyrs.

Batterij Bamburg

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 in an impressive way. What can you expect at Batterij Bamburg? - Unique bunker site: Batterij Bamburg was built between 1942 and ...

Bamburgstraat

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Warande Tower

The Warande Tower is a striking observation tower in the Warande Dunes, between Westende and Middelkerke. What can you expect at the Warande Tower? A modern landmark and a popular spot for walkers and cyclists who want to enjoy magnificent views over the Belgian coast. - Spectacular views over coast and polders: Climb the ...

Louis Logierlaan 51, Middelkerke

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