From Nieuwpoort along the coast to Ostend

Visit two beautiful coastal towns in Belgium and unwind with the sound of the surf in the background. The route takes you from the village of Nieuwpoort to Ostend. Ostend's history dates back to the ninth century, when the first traces of habitation were discovered. Fishermen lived off the sea's bounty, and shepherds herded their animals across the fields. In 814, the then-tiny village was given to the Abbey of Saint-Bertinus in Saint-Omer, but in 1267, Ostend received its own city rights. Despite this, Ostend had no walls, fortifications, or ramparts to ward off enemies. In 1372, the city was fortified with palisades, but ultimately lost to an indestructible enemy, and the inhabitants had to surrender a large part of Ostend to constant flooding and severe storms. After a final, major flood in 1447, the city was largely relocated, and Ostend became further removed from the sea. Nieuwpoort itself has a charming old marina where beautiful yachts lie at anchor, but there are many other interesting sights, such as the town hall built in the Flemish Renaissance style, a fish market, a historic lock complex that ensures the drainage of the polders (Ganzepoot), and various monuments and statues.