Schuddebeurze - Nature

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 the lime has disappeared from the soil. This has created a rare acidic environment, with special plants such as gorse, sheep’s-bit, heather and subterranean clover.
• Pools and freshwater stream: Several pools can be found in the area, and this is also where the Schuddebeurzebeek rises, a freshwater stream that makes the landscape especially valuable for plants and animals.
• Bunkers and trenches: During the wars, Schuddebeurze lay in a strategic area. Today, bunkers, trenches and ammunition depots can still be seen. The bunker site is one of the best preserved on the Belgian coast and now provides shelter for bats.
• Viewing platform: A viewing platform has been built on top of an old wartime bunker and is accessible to visitors. From here, you have a lovely view over the nature area and the surrounding dunes.
• Historic Schuddebeurzeweg: The nature area lies along the Schuddebeurzeweg, a very old country road that was already mentioned in 1244 as the Burgweg. The name Schuddebeurze may refer to travellers in the past who were robbed on the road and had to empty their purse.

Practical information

• Access: The nature reserve is freely accessible, but you must stay on the marked paths.
• How to get there: Walkers can reach the bunker site via the path from the Schuddebeurzeweg or via the Bamburgstraat.
• Parking: Parking a car right next to the nature area is not possible. A convenient parking spot is near sports hall De Bamburg on Baronstraat. From there, you can walk towards the nature area.

A visit to Schuddebeurze is ideal for anyone who enjoys peaceful nature, hidden wartime history and surprising dune landscapes close to the coast.

Furthermore Schuddebeurze is near the following sights: Batterij Bamburg (±350 m), Westgolf Golf Club (±1,3 km), Watersporthuis (±1,4 km), Children's farm Lettenhof (±1,8 km) & Albert I Monument (±1,9 km).

For information

Schuddebeurzeweg, Westende