Knokke, Blankeberge and Sluis

Blankenberge is one of the most important seaside resorts in West Flanders. The coast attracts thousands of tourists every year and in the summer tourist trains are used, connecting Blankenberge station directly with Brussels via Bruges. It is wonderful to cycle for miles along the coastline, get a breath of fresh air and enjoy the beautiful views of the sea. But it is also fun to explore inland and find your way to Sluis, straight through the Het Zwin nature reserve. This is not a large nature reserve (\\\'only\\\' 75 hectares), but its small scale is charming and the openness that the Kievittepolder brings is impressive. Behind a massive row of dunes, a salt marsh area is directly connected to the sea by the Zwingeul. In summer, samphire and sea lavender bring beautiful colors to this salt marsh. Other salt-loving plants that grow there are beach nursery and salt marsh. The sea beet is also doing well, as is the yellow horned poppy. The variety in vegetation attracts breeding birds such as the redshank, the avocet and the oystercatcher to the area. With a bit of luck you will also see the little egret skimming over the salt marsh, hunting for fresh fish. The bike ride is long: over 65 kilometers. It is wonderful to come 'home' to De Drie Gevels, a cozy hotel where your comfortable room is tempting upon your return. It's wonderful to laze around in bed and take a fresh shower before dining in the attractive restaurant. If you stay in a hotel room, you can also enjoy cycle route 136820 the next day, after an evening of drinks at the bar or a chat in the lounge.