Camping Ter Hoeve Bredene 36.5 km (Ostend, Flanders, Belgium)

Description

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. During your bike ride you will see many historical elements in the landscape, which you may not quickly stop to see because they seem so obvious. For example, make no mistake about the pattern of channels and dikes that run through the polder: you can see that the sea was gradually pushed back and that the landscape on the water was conquered in small steps. There are also settlements, forts and line dikes that date from the Eighty Years' War, hardly recognizable to laymen but not unimportant for the history of the landscape. These connect to other dikes and channels, because water was an important weapon in the battle. The fortifications of Sluis and Retranchement, which are unfortunately not on the cycle route, are still well preserved. Once you have parked your car, your route starts at Profile Oostende. The bicycle specialist is ready to get your bicycle in top condition. An experienced cyclist knows that maintenance literally makes the trip much smoother, so it is a good idea to have your bike checked here. You will receive a 10 euro discount upon presentation of your bicycle discount pass.

E-bike routes