Along the coast between Ostend and Blankenberge

Longer contiguous dune zones occur between Ostend and Blankenberge. You can even find the remains of a parabolic dune here. It is wonderful to travel some kilometers along the coastline from Blankenberge to Ostend, to get a breath of fresh air and enjoy the beautiful views of the sea. The history of Ostend goes back to the ninth century, when the first traces of habitation are found. Fishermen lived from what the sea had to offer and sheepherders herded their animals across the fields. In 814, the then tiny village was donated to the abbey of St. Bertinus in St. Omaars, but in 1267 the town of Ostend was given its own city rights. Nevertheless, Ostend had no walls, fortresses or strongholds to keep out enemies at the time.

In 1372 the city was fortified with palisades, but eventually the town lost out to an indestructible enemy and residents had to cede a large part of Ostend to constant floods and heavy storms. After a last major flood, the city was largely moved in 1447 and Ostend became further away from the sea.