The Best Walks In The Belgian Dunes

The Belgian coast might not exactly be the French Riviera, but it has plenty of charm and is perfect for some bracing seaside walks amongst the dunes. From the highest dune on the coast to the only nude beach in Belgium, find out about our favorite Belgian walks. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

The Doornpanne walk

This walk is approximately 8 km and starts at the visitor’s center in Koksijde. The route is marked with hexagonal signs and will take you to the highest dune on the coast, the Hoge Blekker, which is 33 meters high. The route is circular, so it’s easy to come by car.

Starting Address: 1 Doornpannestraat, 8670 Koksijde, Belgium +32 5 853 38 33

Map of the route

The Duinbossen walk

A grassy area with a beach in the background, Bredene, België

This route explores the dunes between De Haan (one of the more picturesque Belgian coastal villages), and Wenduine, all located in the nature reserve of the Duinbossen. It is approximately 10.3 km long and starts in De Haan. The walk also passes Bredene along the way, which has the distinction of having the only nude beach of Belgium.

Starting Address: Leopoldplein, 8420 De Haan, Belgium

Map of the route

The Hazegras walk

This walk starts in Knokke-Heist and is a great way to explore the inland dunes behind the city, in the area of the Zoute. It is approximately 5.5 km long.

Starting Address: Oosthoekplein, 8300 Knokke-Heist, Belgium

Map of the route

The Koolhof walk

This walk explores the water networks spread out behind the city of Nieuwpoort. It is 7.8 km long and passes the Koolhof well and the Old Veurne Canal.

Starting Address: Marktplein, 8620 Nieuwpoort, Belgium

Map of the route

The Ter Yde walk

This walk also starts in Koksijde and is approximately 7.1 km long (be careful not to confuse it with the Doornpanne walk). It explores the dune network of Ter Yde, starting at the seafront and going all the way to the Zeeberm dunes, and then continuing along the beach and following the path to the Hannecartbos.

Starting Address: 6 Noordzeedreef, 8670 Koksijde, Belgium

Map of the route

The Westhoek walk

This route is approximately 14.4 km long and starts in De Panne. It covers the nature reserve of the Westhoek and passes an area called the Roman meadow, also known as the Sahara.

Starting Address: 2 Olmendreef, 8660 De Panne, Belgium

Map of the route