Along the coast between Nieuwpoort and Ostend

Impressively restored monuments, cosy squares, atmospheric shopping streets, a beautifully landscaped sea boulevard, beautiful nature and the largest marina in Europe. That is Nieuwpoort in a nutshell. A great place to start your route! You will soon cycle past Domein Raversijde"Open Air Museum Atlantikwall\\\". A unique complex of bunkers and trenches, meticulously redeveloped as during the Second World War. Definitely worth getting off! In the protected dune area of the former Domain Prince Karel is a unique historical site of modern fortification: sixty constructions from the two world wars, connected by two kilometres of open or underground passages. This exceptional complex has been exceptionally well preserved, because Prince Karel systematically refused every attempt to demolish it. This site is one of the best preserved remains of the Atlantic Wall in Europe. Two separate walks are possible in the open air museum, each taking approximately 90 minutes. The first walk, which focuses mainly on the First World War, shows the positions of the Aachen battery (built in 1915). Many elements of this battery, the only one of its kind still in existence, have been preserved: two observation posts, four gun emplacements and a bomb-proof shelter. A second walk takes you through the well-preserved positions of the Saltzwedel neu battery (1941), which was initially intended to defend the port of Ostend and was incorporated into the Atlantic Wall after 1942. You then cycle to Ostend, a world city by the sea. For generations, artists have found their inspiration in the city of James Ensor and this is noticeable in the cultural life. But you can also sunbathe on the beach, shop endlessly in the many shopping streets, cycle or walk through the city or along the coast. Ideal for a nice refreshing bike ride along the sea! Take some time to discover Ostend. Stroll along the boulevard past the Royal Galleries, visit the Mu.ZEE full of Belgian paintings and pop into the beautifully renovated Casino Kursaal. And of course have a pint on a terrace on the boulevard! If you want to know more about James Ensor, visit the Ensor House - you can cycle past it. In the Ensor House you will not only see works by the famous Ostend artist James Ensor (1860-1949), his world is also perfectly reconstructed. Step into the central living space and listen to the echoes of Ensor's conversations with artists, poets and writers. In his salon-studio you stand on the same floor as the artist when he created many masterpieces, about 100 years ago. You cycle past small villages back to Nieuwpoort, where you can stroll around after your return.