Along the coast between Ostend and Blankenberge

Between Ostend and Blankenberge, however, longer, continuous dune zones appear. Here, you can even find a remnant of a parabolic dune. It's wonderful to travel a few kilometers along the coastline from Blankenberge to Ostend, to unwind and enjoy the magnificent views of the sea. 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 donated 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 bastions to ward off enemies.

In 1372, the city was fortified with palisades, but ultimately it succumbed 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.