Oostduinkerke |
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One of the most interesting resorts on the Belgian coast. Situated among 98 hectares of dunes, which constitute a natural reserve. This is where the highest dune in Belgium is located, rising to 33 meters, Hoge Blekker . Oostduinkerke is a paradise for fans of both active recreation and nature lovers. The extremely wide beach, at low tide, is an ideal place for kitesurfing and sand sailing. Horse riding and cycling trips are also popular.
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The lively promenade is home to numerous restaurants and rental shops for sailing and riding equipment. On the west coast there are 130 km of pedestrian paths, one third of which are unpaved. Tourists wishing to explore the area can rent bikes and explore the beautiful countryside. In the city you can visit the Fishing Museum and the architecturally interesting Church of St. Nicholas, next to which there is a monument commemorating the seven sappers who died in a mine explosion in 1969. Children will probably be interested in the Aquafun water park.
UNESCO Intangible Heritage
Oostduinkerke, once a fishing village and now a tourist resort, remembers its fishing DNA. Of course, today's shrimp fishing on horseback is just a show for tourists, but it does demonstrate the attachment to this over five hundred-year-old tradition. In 2013 it was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The shows, held from June to August, attract crowds of tourists, and the National Fisheries Museum tells the story of sea fishing. Since 1950, the city has hosted the Shrimp Festival during the last week of June. The highlight is the parade in which the main role is played by Mieke Garnaal, a giant shrimp figure. The festival attracts tens of thousands of tourists to Oostduinkerke every year.
