De Haan is an elegant and tranquil seaside resort on the Flemish coast, known for its unspoiled beach, charming atmosphere, and unique architecture.
Long and wide sandy beach: The beach of De Haan is about 4 kilometres long and on average 50 to 80 metres wide. It stretches from Vosseslag in the east to the border with Bredene in the west – ideal for long beach walks or sunbathing.
Charming and full of character:De Haan stands out thanks to its authentic Belle Époque architecture and the complete absence of high-rise buildings along the promenade – a rarity on the Belgian coast. The beach is surrounded by beautiful villas, pine trees, and winding lanes, giving the village a nostalgic holiday feel.
Family-friendly and safe: The beach is particularly suitable for families with children. In high season, there are supervised areas and safe swimming zones with a gradually sloping seabed. There are also playgrounds on the beach and child-friendly facilities nearby.
Nature & tranquillity: Behind the beach lie protected dune reserves and green zones such as the Duinbos, perfect for a peaceful walk or bike ride. The adjacent nature area of Vosseslag also offers scenic viewpoints over the sea and dunes.
Facilities: Along the beach you’ll find cosy beach bars, cabins, showers, toilets, and lifeguards during the summer months. There are also rental options for beach chairs, windbreaks, and bicycles in the immediate area.
Facilities & Safety on the Beach
The beaches of De Haan are clean, well-maintained, and fully equipped for a relaxing day by the sea.
Daily cleaning: Every summer day, the beaches are cleaned to ensure you can enjoy a fresh and tidy spot on the sand.
Showers: Showers are located throughout the beach to rinse off sand and seawater – perfect after swimming or playing.
Lifeguards & First Aid: During the summer season, the lifeguard service and beach patrols ensure your safety. At the busier beach entrances, first aid stations are available to assist in case of accidents or injuries.
Swimming safety outside patrol hours: When lifeguard stations are closed, a general swimming ban applies. This is clearly indicated by 'no swimming' signs and/or wind socks. For up-to-date information on patrolled zones and safe swimming areas, visit www.ikwv.be.
Comfort for everyone
Whether you're here to sunbathe, walk, play or enjoy water sports – the wide beaches of De Haan offer peace, space, and comfort for all ages.
Accessibility: Many beach entrances are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Nearby car parks make your beach visit even easier.
Food and drinks within reach: Along the beach you'll find inviting pavilions and terraces where you can enjoy an ice cream, lunch, drink or dinner with a sea view.
You will find plenty of restaurants and bars at the beach of De Haan. The beach is also very easily accessible. However, the amount of parking space close to the beach is limited. In summer, beach chairs and windscreens can be rented at the beach. De Haan is not only a nice place for swimmers and sunbathers, but also for people who love sailing or surfing.
Flags and Their Meanings
On the beaches of De Haan, you will find various information signs and beach flags to inform and warn swimmers, water sports enthusiasts, and other beachgoers about the risks associated with swimming in the sea. Below you will find the meanings of these flags:
Green Flag
Normal sea
Swimming is allowed.
Yellow Flag
Be cautious while swimming! Do not use flotation devices!
You may swim, but all floating and inflatable objects are not allowed in the sea due to offshore wind.
Red Flag
Do not swim! Very dangerous sea
Warns of serious danger and is raised when swimming conditions are very dangerous. Swimming, bathing, and other activities in or on the sea are prohibited.
Swimming allowed
Swimming is permitted
In this beach zone, you may swim in the sea between 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM.
Swimming prohibited
Do not swim!
In this beach zone, swimming in the sea is strictly prohibited!
Pay attention to these flags and always follow the instructions of the lifeguards for your safety and the safety of others on the beach.
Dogs on the Beach
For many dogs, the beach is the ultimate place to run, play, and swim. Whether it’s a seaside walk in the fresh sea breeze or a cheerful game with a frisbee or ball – dogs clearly enjoy a day by the sea. But please note: on many beaches, seasonal rules apply regarding dogs.
Dogs are prohibited on the beaches of De Haan during the period 1 June till 15 September between 10:00 till 19:30.
Outside of the above mentioned period and time are dogs allowed (both loose and leased) on the beaches of De Haan.
Further, we also recommend reading the information board, with the local beach rules, which is often placed near every beach (entrance).
At low tide there is a strong current towards the sea, than stay close to shore. In case you get pulled in by the current do not try to swim straight against it, but swim slanting to the shore with the current. Also be aware of floating devices like air-beds, boats or other swimming devices.
Do not get to close to the poles, piers or other obstacles.
Watch your children carefully, do not let them alone near the water. Are there recognition signs on the beach, tell it to your children.
Dogs are prohibited on the 
Leashed dogs are allowed all year from