Discover Bredene: Dunes, Nature and History

Bredene combines the distinctive character of a Belgian seaside resort with dune landscapes, nature experiences and visible traces of history. It is particularly characteristic that Bredene is considered the only Belgian seaside resort without a sea wall or promenade. For planning your trip, this makes it a place where you can give different weight to nature, physical activity and historical discoveries.

Experience the dune landscape and nature mindfully

In the northeast of Bredene lie the inland dunes near the D’Heye nature reserve. One extension of these dunes stretches southwest towards the centre of Bredene. The nature reserve may only be entered as part of guided tours. If you would like to get to know this landscape, taking part in such a tour should therefore be included in your plans.

Bredene is also part of the Natura 2000 area BE2500001 “Duingebieden inclusief IJzermonding en Zwin”. The habitats in this protected area include transitions from salt marshes and salt meadows through beaches and local foredunes to calcareous and less calcareous dunes, as well as polder landscapes. These different landscape forms make the natural area an interesting focus for travellers who want to shape their stay not only around the water, but also with a view to the diversity of the dune and coastal landscape.

The Grasduinen recreation area offers another opportunity to incorporate physical activity into your stay. Five walking and cycling paths lead there. The area lies between the camping zones on Koningin Astridlaan and Zandstraat in Bredene. Free sports facilities are available there: volleyball courts, beach volleyball courts, tennis courts, table tennis tables and a mountain bike course. Bredene is also connected to the cycling network via the Kustfietsroute.

History between chapel, bunker and water tower

Bredene also offers several very different cultural points of interest. The Visserskapel Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ter-Duinen is a protected monument. The present building dates from 1736 and replaced a wooden chapel from 1717. Anyone interested in religious buildings and the development of a place will find a tangible historical reference point here.

The military past is visible at the gun bunker. It is the only surviving bunker structure of the Blaue Schleuse tank strongpoint, a military structure from the Second World War. The E690 railway gun battery was also installed in Bredene at the end of 1941. It was equipped with three 28 cm guns of the Kurze Brune type. These details give the historical part of your trip an unusually concrete dimension.

The Watertoren is another prominent structure. The column-shaped water tower was built in 1955–1956 and is 50.58 metres high. The former Turkeyenhof farm is documented as early as 1560 to 1571. After its destruction during the Siege of Ostend (1601–1604), the farmhouse was rebuilt in 1737. Its history should be understood as historical context for the former farm.

Which accommodation location suits your plans

When choosing a holiday apartment in Bredene, you can be guided by the mix you want for your holiday days. Nature enthusiasts can include guided tours of the D’Heye nature reserve and the dune landscape in their plans. For active days, Grasduinen and the connection to the Kustfietsroute offer concrete points of interest. Those who prefer culture and history can explore the chapel, bunker, battery, water tower and former Turkeyenhof as different themes. If you are travelling with children or in a larger group, it is easier to alternate between physical activity, observing nature and historical impressions without limiting your stay to a single holiday theme.

From the summit of Spanjaardduin, the view extends from the port of Ostend to Zeebrugge. This viewpoint complements the landscape experiences with a broad perspective over the surrounding area. For further trip planning, you can also look at places such as Ingelmunster, Gistel, De Panne, Ostend, Veurne, Zonnebeke, Deerlijk and Ruiselede.

For the broader travel overview: West Flanders.