Along the coast between Ostend and Blankenberge

Between Ostend and Blankenberge, there are longer, continuous dune zones. There is even a remnant of a parabolic dune here. It is wonderful to travel a few kilometres along the coastline from Blankenberge to Ostend, to blow away the cobwebs and enjoy the magnificent views over the sea. The history of Ostend goes back to the ninth century, when the first traces of habitation were found. Fishermen lived off what the sea had to offer them 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 the town of Ostend was granted its own city rights. Despite this, Ostend had no walls, fortresses or strongholds to keep out enemies.

In 1372 the city was fortified with palisades, but eventually the town lost to an indestructible enemy and the inhabitants had to give up a large part of Ostend to constant floods and heavy storms. After a last, large flood in 1447 the city was largely relocated and Ostend came to be further away from the sea.