Wenduine between dunes, beach and milling history

Wenduine combines beach, a dune landscape and an unusually diverse cultural history. Between the Spioenkop viewpoint, the Hubert Mill and the Holy Cross Elevation Church are experiences that can easily be combined into different holiday days. Those travelling with children will also find a play forest and seasonal sports activities; those seeking peace and nature can make the Duinbossen and the paths through the dunes the focus of their visit.

Dunes, views and paths through the landscape

Spioenkop, popularly also known as “Betten Hull”, has been used several times as a strategic observation post since 1770. The present pavilion dates from 1955. From there, a wide panorama opens up inland; in clear weather, the church towers of the polder villages and the city of Bruges can be seen. The viewpoint can be reached via several paths, and a staircase integrated into the dunes also leads up from the seaside. The paths are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, but are also steep. This combination is important for planning the day when different needs within the travel group are to be taken into account.

The Duinbossen walking route offers another perspective. It passes the Spioenkop pavilion, where it provides a 360-degree view, and also runs through the “de Concessie” villa district with its romantic Anglo-Norman architecture. Beach and dune views are also part of the route. In the vicinity of Wenduine are the Duinbossen of De Haan, a protected natural area covering 157 hectares, with open dune landscapes as well as extensive wooded dunes and their characteristic flora and fauna.

Milling and church history

The Hubert Mill is a wooden grain mill built by Jan Hubert in 1880. It was used commercially until 1934, after which it became a tourist attraction. In 1993, the mill was protected as a monument. In Flanders, it is considered the only surviving example of a mixed mill type developed from a post mill and a hollow post mill. Its stationary and moving mill components have been completely preserved; they can be used to carry out the successive stages of flour production.

The Holy Cross Elevation Church also tells the story of Wenduine’s development. A first chapel already stood on this site in 1135, and it was elevated to a parish church around 1185. The tower served as a sea mark. The medieval Flemish coastal church is designed as a hall church and has been protected since 20 January 2003, including the complete church building and its cultural heritage. Earlier partial protections had already been in place since 19 April 1937 and 3 February 1983. The extension of 1906, based on a design by the architect De Pauw, was prompted by the growth of the seaside resort of Wenduine and the presence of holiday parishioners.

Beach, sports and discoveries with children

At Wenduine’s sports beach, beach tennis, beach volleyball and beach soccer are available daily from 12 noon to 6 p.m. in July and August. Equipment for additional games and sports can also be hired there. The Surfing Elephant water sports club is also based on the beach. It offers surfing and kitesurfing lessons and rents out water sports equipment. This makes it possible to arrange active beach days in different ways without requiring everyone travelling to take part in the same activity.

Speelbos De Slierberg adds an adventure course among the trees and an 18-metre-long slide to the range of activities. From Wenduine, the play forest can be reached via an easy walk of approximately two kilometres. There is a bicycle parking area there; the Driftweg cycle path also leads to the Speelbos. For a different perspective on the landscape, the “de Lepelaar” observation platform overlooks the clay pits of Wenduine.

Choosing a location and practical orientation

When looking for a holiday apartment in Wenduine, you can first consider which of these aspects of the town should shape your holiday: dune paths and views, historic buildings, seasonal beach sports or an excursion to the Speelbos. For travelling to and finding your way around the area, De Lijn’s coastal tram is relevant. It serves ten stops in the municipality of De Haan, including Wenduine Centrum, Molen, Manitoba and Harendijke.

If you are travelling by car along the seafront promenade, precise parking rules apply: between Demeyhelling and Manitobahelling, parking is only permitted in designated spaces. From the first Saturday of the Easter holidays until 30 September, a maximum parking duration of one hour and the use of a parking disc are required there. Take this framework into account when planning trips to the promenade. For further orientation, you can also visit Vosseslag.

Wenduine is therefore suitable as a base for very different holiday days: you can discover a historic mill and a protected church, walk through dunes and woodland landscapes, let your gaze wander across the countryside or plan beach and water sports in summer. Accommodation in Wenduine can best be selected according to which of these experiences are to shape your own travel plans.

For the higher-level travel overview: De Haan.