The Coastal Route: hiking the Belgian coastline

Planning a hiking holiday by the sea? Discover the Coastal Route: a 4 or 5-day itinerary along Belgium’s best dunes, beaches, and seaside towns.

What makes hiking the Belgian coast so enjoyable?

My hair was a mess from the wind and my shoes were full of sand, yet I walked along the Belgian coast with a huge smile on my face. It was exactly what I needed to clear my head. When I first shared my plans to hike the Belgian coast, I received a few skeptical remarks. Apparently, many people picture the coastline as nothing but rows of apartment blocks. Having never been there myself, I was curious to see if that was true.

Fair is fair: there are certainly some (not-so-pretty) high-rise buildings along the coast, but I hardly noticed them while on the Coastal Route. What struck me most were the vast dunes, the unexpected artworks, the Flemish hospitality, the great food, and the blend of nature and history. Alongside the dunes and forests, you regularly encounter monuments and museums that take you back to the devastating World Wars. All in all, I found the Coastal Route both relaxing and intriguing. The perfect choice for a hiking holiday.

The Coastal Route: practical information

If you want to go hiking along the Belgian coast, there are several routes to choose from. You can follow the red-and-white markers of the E9 (the European coastal path from Portugal to Estonia) or opt for the red-and-yellow markings of the Streek-GR Kust.

I chose the Coastal Route. This is an extensive network based on a numbered junction system (knooppunten). The big advantage is the flexibility: you can easily map out your own route from point to point.

Key facts at a glance

• Route: From De Panne to Het Zwin (near Knokke-Heist).
• Junctions: There are 150 numbered junctions along the coastline.
• Total distance: The entire network covers 180 kilometers (112 miles) of trails.
• Linear hike: If you walk from De Panne to Het Zwin (or vice versa), the total distance is about 90 kilometers (56 miles).
• Duration: Perfect for a hiking holiday of 4 to 5 days.

Navigating and planning

The network roughly consists of two “axes”: a path close to the sea (often along the Zeedijk promenade) and a path further inland, crossing dunes and forests. I chose a combination of both to get the best of both worlds.

Simply follow the numbers on the signs from one junction to the next. Although the markings are usually very clear, I recommend keeping a digital version of the route on your phone. You can find more information via the Belgian Coast website, where you can also order a physical guide with maps. Please note that the guide is only available in Dutch, but the maps with the numbered junctions are very easy to follow regardless of the language.

Extra tip: Take the Coastal Tram. Are you having an off day or running out of time? The Coastal Tram (Kusttram) is your best friend. The tracks run parallel to the hiking trail almost everywhere, making it easy to skip a few kilometers whenever you like.

The Coastal Route: a trip report

What can you expect when hiking the Coastal Route? Below, I’ll take you along on my journey and share my personal highlights.

Day 1: De Panne to Nieuwpoort

With a healthy sense of excitement, I step out the door: my hiking adventure along the Belgian coast is finally about to begin! Using GPS, I look for the junction closest to my hotel. It turns out to be number 18 at the Duinpanne visitors’ center. I have a piece of paper handy with all of today’s junctions on it. There are quite a few, but I like that; it feels like a scavenger hunt and makes the time fly by.

The first few hours I spend mostly inland, where I am surprised by the amount of dunes and greenery. I also cross through several grazing areas. While I usually encounter Highland cows during my hikes in the Netherlands, here my path is blocked by a group of curious donkeys. How charming! After walking through a neighborhood full of beautiful villas, I head toward the surf and soon find myself with the sea on my left. A perfect way to clear my head!

In Nieuwpoort-Bad, I feel like I am finally returning to civilization. I walk along the Zeedijk (promenade) past a series of tall apartment blocks. Although it might not be the prettiest sight, it doesn’t really bother me; the beach here is so wide that it still feels very spacious. I briefly consider taking the Coastal Tram from Nieuwpoort-Bad to the center of Nieuwpoort, but fortunately, I decide to walk anyway. The route turns out to be lovely: passing through a park and along the marina, partly on wooden boardwalks. Before I know it, the first stage is over. What a fantastic start!

• Distance: 21.7 kilometers / 13.5 miles (according to both the junction planner and Strava)
• Route: View the junctions and download the route here.
• Where to stay in De Panne: Ibis De Panne – Great hotel in a nice location in the center.
• Where to stay in Nieuwpoort: Ibis Styles Nieuwpoort – Comfortable beds and a pleasant stay. Please note that this hotel is not in the center and is about 1.7 km (1 mile) from the trail. If you prefer something more central, I would recommend B&B ‘t Ponton, which is located right on the hiking route.

Day 2: Nieuwpoort to Ostend

The second day of hiking begins very differently. I first pass Westfront Nieuwpoort, an impressive museum about the destruction of the city during World War I and the intentional flooding of the Yser Plain. Afterwards, I walk past hundreds of sailboats in the marina. The tapping of the ropes against the masts always reminds me of the old days, when I used to sail on the Frisian lakes in the summer. As I muse, I hear fighter jets flying overhead; I am actually walking right past a military training area.

Next, I head through the dunes as the buildings of Westende slowly appear. The path follows the Zeedijk (promenade) toward Middelkerke for quite a while. To be honest, I was a bit apprehensive about this part (hello, apartment blocks!), but it turns out this stretch is lined with statues of famous comic book characters. I walk from one to the next and recognize so many of them. It’s like a nostalgic trip back to my childhood!

After Middelkerke, the trail retreats beautifully into the dunes, offering occasional vistas of the sea. Every now and then, the sun peeks through the clouds and I hardly encounter anyone. I am thoroughly enjoying myself and feel incredibly grateful to call this my job.

Ostend is the largest city on the Belgian coast, and it shows. The buildings are even taller here and the seawall is much busier. I walk through the green Maria-Hendrikapark to reach my hotel. Despite the urban environment, I enjoyed this second day of walking immensely.

• Distance: 21.6 km (13.4 miles) according to the junction planner; my Strava recorded 25 km (15.5 miles) due to some extra steps.
• Route: View the junctions and download the route here.
• Where to stay in Ostend: Hotel Burlington – Incredibly central and located almost directly on the Coastal Route. The breakfast is highly recommended!

Day 3: Ostend to Blankenberge

It takes a while for me to set off; the weather is quite stormy with strong winds and nearly horizontal rain. Fortunately, by the time I finally leave the hotel to continue along the Coastal Route, it has cleared up slightly. To reach the next junction, I have to take the ferry to the East Bank (Oosteroever). Due to the high waves, the crossing is quite an adventure. As soon as I step onto the dock, the skipper informs me that they won’t be heading out again for the next few hours. The weather has become too severe…

I’m glad I made it across just in time and start looking for the junction signs again. For miles, I walk along a path between the dunes and the beach. To my great surprise, the sun occasionally peeks through. It’s a wonderful walk! Even more surprising are the dune forests I encounter next. I hadn’t expected any woodland on this route, and here, too, I hardly meet another soul.

In my opinion, De Haan is the most beautiful coastal town in Belgium. You’ll find stunning buildings in the typical Belle Époque style and a villa district full of charming parks and seating areas. I take an extended break here to soak it all in.

After passing through another forest and many sandy dunes, I reach Wenduine. Unfortunately, the weather turns again and it starts to drizzle. Since it’s already quite late, I decide to take the Coastal Tram for the final 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) into Blankenberge. This way, I get to experience the tram as well. It’s truly ideal that this is so easy to do on this route!

• Distance: 21.3 km (13.2 miles) according to the planner; my Strava showed 19.5 km (12.1 miles) because I skipped the final stretch.
• Route: View the junctions and download the route here.
• Where to stay in Blankenberge: Hotel Aazaert – A wonderful place for the final night. The rooms are very spacious (I even had a bathtub!) and there is a wellness center with a pool to rest those tired muscles.

Day 4: Blankenberge to Het Zwin (Knokke-Heist)

The final day is the most challenging in terms of distance, so I make sure to set off early. I leave Blankenberge via a beautiful path through the dunes and along De Fonteintjes, a coastal nature reserve where you can walk through the reeds.

After that, the route takes on an industrial character as I walk straight through Zeebrugge. I see massive ships everywhere: not just cargo vessels, but also cruise ships and ferries departing for England. For a moment, I even fantasize about hopping on board… But instead, I stop at a lovely bakery in Heist (Bob), where I enjoy a well-deserved cinnamon roll.

Via the Zeedijk (promenade) and a series of parks, I reach the center of Knokke-Heist. It’s quite a transition! With its busy shopping streets and crowds, it is the most bustling place I’ve seen since Ostend. Fortunately, I quickly leave the high-rises behind as I continue north. Located on the border between Belgium and the Netherlands is Het Zwin, a stunning nature reserve filled with dunes and rare birds. Due to time constraints (I have a long train journey ahead of me to the far north of the Netherlands), I couldn’t walk the entire loop, but I still got a wonderful impression of the area.

Walking through the Het Zoute district, which is lined with impressive villas, I eventually arrive at junction 19. This is the official endpoint of the Coastal Route and the conclusion of my hiking holiday along the Belgian coast. Before I started, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I have enjoyed every single moment of the past few days!

• Distance: 25 km (15.5 miles) according to the planner; my Strava recorded 25.2 km (15.6 miles), even though I cut about two kilometers (1.2 miles) off by shortening my visit to Het Zwin.
• Route: View the junctions and download the route here.

Additional tips for your hiking holiday in Belgium

Ready to hit the trail? To help you prepare, I’ve listed my best practical tips below.

Footwear and clothing

Lightweight trail runners or walking shoes are perfect for this route. Heavy hiking boots are really not necessary; they only make walking through the dunes and on the sand more difficult. As for clothing, layers are a must, as there is always a chilly breeze on the coast. I found the combination of a thick fleece and a raincoat (also acting as a windbreaker) perfect for hiking in early April.

Luggage and logistics

There are several ways to handle your luggage:

• Backpacking: Carry everything yourself in a high-quality backpack (keep it light!).
• Fixed base: Book a hotel for several nights and travel each day by Coastal Tram to your starting point or back from your finishing point. This saves you from lugging your bags around!
• The ‘Tram-hack’: Leave your luggage at the hotel where you check out in the morning. After your hike, hop on the Coastal Tram back to your previous hotel to pick up your bag, then take the tram to your new accommodation.

Food & drink

You’ll pass cafes and restaurants almost constantly, making it very easy to find something to eat or drink along the way. The Belgian coast is famous for its gastronomy. I personally enjoyed the seafood at these locations immensely:

• Restaurant Imperial (De Panne)
• Bistro Partizaan (Nieuwpoort)
• CultuurCafé De Grote Post (Ostend)
• Coin des Copains (Blankenberge)

Toilets

For a bathroom break, you can visit a café or restaurant, but you’ll also find many public restrooms in the parks and along the seawall. Keep in mind that there is usually a small fee (around €0.50 or €1).

Museums & culture

Looking for some extra depth during your trip? Along the route, you can admire impressive artworks from the Beaufort Sculpture Park, which consists of over 50 permanent installations. Additionally, several fascinating museums are located directly on the trail:

• Ten Duinen Abbey Museum (Koksijde)
• Westfront Nieuwpoort (Nieuwpoort)
• Atlantikwall Raversyde (Between Middelkerke and Ostend)