Hiking on Belgium's coast: 4 fantastic coastal hiking trails

Along wide dunes, past sandy beaches, works of art and the sound of the sea: In this article, we take you on four fantastic routes for hiking on Belgium's coast. Discover the most beautiful coastal hiking trails through the eyes of our guests who share their experiences with us.

Here you'll find inspiration for your next holiday in Belgium by the sea, whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a longer hike. Be amazed at how diverse hiking along the North Sea coast can be.

Length: approx. 16.8 km

Difficulty: Medium

Start and finish point: Oostduinkerke Spreeuwenberg bus stop

Accompanied by: Johann & Werner

Johann and Werner, two friends from Cologne, chose a special hiking trail in Belgium for their last vacation: a circular tour through the impressive dune landscapes around Oostduinkerke on the Belgian coast. They found the route via komoot. The entire route took them about four hours. Surefootedness is required when hiking along Belgium's coast.

After just about one kilometer, the first challenging section awaits: a deep, sandy dune path that winds through a barren, open landscape. The wind blows strongly from the sea, making progress difficult. "A strenuous start," as Johann later says, but they are rewarded with silence and wild nature.

At kilometer 2.9 they reach the Plaatsduinen, a quiet, expansive dune complex with scattered shrubs and sandy clearings. An ideal spot for a first photo stop and a drink. Werner still raves about the almost surreal atmosphere of this section.

From kilometer 4.9, a particularly beautiful section of the trail follows: the so-called Glücksweg. Here, the two hike along narrow, easily accessible paths lined with low vegetation. The ground is firmer than at the beginning, allowing for a comfortable walking pace.

At kilometer 7.2, the Panorama Hoge Blekker awaits, which, at 33 meters, is the highest dune in the entire Flemish coastal region. The climb isn't particularly long, but it's worth it: From the top, there's an impressive panoramic view of dunes, forests, and the nearby sea. A short break with a view into the distance – a moment of peace for Johann and Werner.

After about 9.8 kilometers, they reach the wide beach section of Oostduinkerke aan Schipgatduinen. Here, right by the sea, you can walk far out at low tide. In spring and autumn, crab fishermen sail through the waves here with horses and huge nets.

At kilometer 10.7, the two discover a dune view above the beach – a small hill with a sweeping view of the North Sea coast. Ideal for a short rest before heading back inland.

Another highlight awaits at kilometer 11.9: the bronze statue honoring the crab fishermen. It depicts a rider on a draft horse with baskets on his back – a homage to a tradition still maintained in Oostduinkerke today. The figure stands directly on the beach, windswept and impressive.

From kilometer 15, Johann and Werner cross the Zeebermduinen – a final stretch of undulating dunes, low vegetation, and a peaceful atmosphere. The destination is near. After 16.8 kilometers, they reach the bus stop in Oostduinkerke Spreeuwenberg again. Tired but fulfilled. Their first coastal hike in Belgium – and certainly not the last.

It was clear to Pauline and her brother: On their coastal hike in Belgium, they wanted to experience not only nature, but also history and maritime flair. On komoot, they came across a hike along the Belgian coast that combines just that: a circular trail from Ostend via Bredene – with dune paths, stretches of beach, a ferry ride, and impressive memorial sites.

The route starts at the Oostende Overzet bus stop, leads over the wide dike towards Bredene, then loops through dunes and coastal sections back to Ostend, ending back at the starting point. Particularly convenient: the start and end points are accessible by public transport.

Tour of the Bredene Beach & Dune Trail

Start/Finish: Oostende Overzet bus stop

Duration: 2:46 h

Length: 10.8 km

Difficulty: Moderate

Special feature: Includes a ferry ride (check timetable)

The trail leads over paved sections and through sandy dunes, with frequent views of the sea. One highlight of hiking along Belgium's coast follows the next:

0.95 km: Shrimp Boat Wreck

Right at the beginning, the two come across a rusty wreck: an old shrimp boat, half-sunken at the slipway dock. An impressive photo opportunity – a silent witness to a maritime past.

1.51 km: Ostend Dike – Bredene

A wide, well-maintained coastal path connects the two towns. Perfect for relaxing with views of the open sea and the North Sea sky.

2.56 km: Bredene Beach

The pristine beach impresses with its expanse: up to 350 meters wide, framed by a four-kilometer-long chain of dunes. Everyone will find a place here, whether for hiking, playing, or simply admiring the scenery. Bredene is also known as a nudist-friendly seaside resort.

2.93 km: Beautiful Dune Path

The path winds gently through the dune landscape. These are naturally sandy, but easy to walk on. An almost meditative stretch between dune grass and the sound of the sea.

4.01 km: View of the sea and city

A short climb is worthwhile: From here, you'll enjoy beautiful views over the East Bank harbor area (Oostoever) and back to the center of Ostend.

8.44 km: National Seafarers' Memorial

A moving moment: This memorial commemorates fishermen, sailors, and soldiers who lost their lives at sea. The simple, symbolic design invites reflection.

8.81 km: Seal Zone

With a bit of luck, you might spot seals here. Please keep your distance and remain quiet so as not to disturb the animals!

10.10 km: Sailing Ship Mercator

The historic museum ship, a magnificent three-masted ship that has completed over 50 voyages, is moored directly at the quay. Today, the ship can be visited daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays!). A journey through the history of Belgian seafaring.

10.40 km: Museum Ship Amandine

Just a few meters further on, the next highlight is anchored: The ship Amandine depicts the harsh life of Icelandic deep-sea fishermen. With realistic scenes and a true-to-original interior, the history of the seafarers is brought to life. The ship is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

10.80 km: Return to the bus stop

After about three hours, the two return tired but enthusiastic. Hiking along the Belgian coast has not only given them fresh air and exercise, but also intense impressions of the past and present.

When Lea and her mother went hiking by the Belgian seaside, they didn't just want to stroll along the promenade, but also experience art, wander through the dunes, and discover new sides of Knokke-Heist. Using komoot, they found a suitable circular hike that combined everything: the Beaufort Route around the city center.

The starting point was the parking lot at Rubensplein, right on the coast. From here, the path led to the promenade and, after just 740 meters, to the Tourist Office, a modern building that references the old lighthouse from 1872. An architectural homage to the past.

After a short detour into the center, they passed the Knokke-Heist Town Hall at kilometer 2.43 – a quiet transition to one of the most unusual highlights: the so-called Beach Castle at kilometer 2.77.

A whimsical tower of old beach huts, designed by the French artist Jean-François Fourtou. Inspired by childhood memories and the history of the Belgian coast, the work now stands as a monument to beach culture. A clear highlight for Lea.

After that, it became quieter. They turned towards Zegemeer, which they circled at kilometer 3.79. The lake lies quietly between residential areas, with a well-maintained path and small rest areas.

At kilometer 4.65 they reached Park 58 – wild, quiet, deserted. They took their time among the trees and natural paths.

After a good two hours, the circular route concluded at kilometer 9.54 – back at Rubensplein and with many new impressions. A city walk with plenty of room for memories, architecture, and culture – without a long journey and so close to the sea.

For their late summer hiking holiday in Belgium, the Rudlstorfer family was looking for a route that offered not only exercise but also variety and a natural experience. They found what they were looking for on komoot: a circular hike through the Zwin region near Knokke-Heist. The route promised dunes, outdoor art, quiet forest paths, and fascinating insights into the history of the Belgian coastal landscape.

Duration: 3:03 h

Length: 12.1 km

Difficulty: Moderate

Trails: Easy to walk, no special requirements

Starting point: Knokke Het Zwin bus stop

Special features: The route leads through renaturalized natural landscapes, with works of art, views, and historical flashbacks.

Highlights of the Zwin Hike

0.08 km – Zwin Wadder Route

Right from the start, the trail leads into the nature reserve of the same name. Exhibitions, information huts, and an observation tower make the Zwin experience interactive. Each season reveals new facets of the flora and fauna.

0.85 km – Kleyne Vlakte

A renaturalized dune polder with water features and a habitat for amphibians such as the rare tree frog. Once almost overgrown, the original dune structure has now been restored.

6.04 km – Koningsbos

A tranquil mixed forest with winding sandy paths. The pines and deciduous trees grow directly on the dune soil – a unique ecosystem.

7.87 km – Zwin Dunes and Polders

A 222-hectare area that has changed over time: from a wild coastal strip to a golf course, airport, and military base – today lovingly restored. History is as tangible here as nature itself.

10.4 km – Keuning van’t Zwin

A bronze rabbit sculpture by Barry Flanagan – officially called "Hospitality" – in the dunes. Locals affectionately call it "Bugs Bunny."

11.7 km – Four Stone Columns by Ulrich Rückriem

Four monumental granite blocks in the middle of nature. The traces of their carving are visible, the effect both archaic and harmonious – a work of art that oscillates between mathematics and the wild landscape.

12.1 km – Return to the Knokke Het Zwin bus stop

Hiking along Belgium's coast surprises with its diversity and beauty. The four routes presented here demonstrate the region's diversity: from vast dune landscapes to quiet forest trails to artistic highlights right by the sea.

Whether you're hiking as a family, a couple, or with friends, hiking along the coast in Belgium will reveal hidden natural paradises, impressive viewpoints, and fascinating stories. These tours are more than just strolls: they are genuine experiences that will stay with you for a long time.