Frequently asked questions about the beach in De Haan

Yes, the beach in De Haan is free to access.

• Costs: for example parking and renting a sunbed, windbreak or beach cabin.

All information about horse riding on the beach or in the environment (including local riding schools) can be found on the riding page: https://de-haan.org/en/horseback-riding.php

No, the municipality of De Haan prohibits cycling on the beach and in the dunes.

• Source: police regulations of the municipality of De Haan.

Yes, in De Haan you can borrow a beach wheelchair for free in summer.

• Zon, Zee… Zorgeloos: free beach wheelchairs and help from assistants, July and August, daily from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm; tel. +32 59 23 39 00.
• Vosseslag: also in Vosseslag, tel. +32 59 23 67 30.
• Use: you need someone to push, except with electric chairs.
• More information: overview of accessible beach facilities on the coast (Inter, in Dutch).

Yes, several beaches in De Haan have free outdoor showers in season.

• Including: Post 2, Post 4.
• Season: the beach showers are in place from early May to late September.

Current information on bathing water quality on the coast near De Haan is available from the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) (in Dutch).

• Bathing season: in summer the VMM and the Departement Zorg regularly test the water in the bathing zones along the coast.
• Swimming: preferably swim in a supervised zone and follow the flags and instructions of the lifeguards.

[Answer in Dutch]

Barbecueën op het strand van De Haan is door de lokale gemeente verboden. Dit is bepaald in de Algemene Politieverordening van de gemeente De Haan.

With regard to the public security fire (including a campfire, fire pit, grill or barbecue) is prohibited at all times on the beach of De Haan.

The Blue Flag is an international environmental award, granted annually to beaches and marinas that participate in the campaign and have proven to be clean and safe.

The goal of the Blue Flag programme is to continuously involve governments, entrepreneurs, and recreational users in the care for clean and safe water, beautiful nature, and a healthy environment. Holding a Blue Flag is a recognition of the efforts made by the beach municipality or marina operator in this area. For tourists, the Blue Flag is internationally the recognition and quality symbol for good beaches and marinas.

What are the criteria for the beaches?

• The bathing water is of excellent quality.
• The beach is kept clean.
• There are enough toilets and waste bins on the beach.
• Rescue materials and a first aid post are available on the beach.
• Information activities are organized to protect the natural environment of the sea, beach, and dunes.

More information: https://www.blauwevlag.nl/

No, De Haan has no naturist beach; the only official naturist beach in Belgium is in Bredene.

• Where: on the beach of Bredene, on the border with De Haan.

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[Answer in Dutch]

Hengelen van op het strand van De Haan en van op de Rotonde te Wenduine is toegelaten gedurende het gehele jaar, met uitzondering van de bewaakte strand zones.

De andere strandgebruikers mogen niet gehinderd worden door de activiteit van de hengelaar of diens lijnen of haken.

Kitesurfing is not allowed everywhere on the Belgian coast, only in designated zones, usually near a water sports club.

• Club: Windhaan, Zeedijk 50, De Haan, windhaan.be.
• Rules: follow the local clubs' rules and the lifeguards' instructions; during the bathing season kitesurfing is banned near the swimming zones.

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In De Haan several beach operators rent out beach cabins, often by the week or season.

• Tip: ask the beach bars and rental points on the promenade about available cabins.

Yes, at beach bars and beach equipment rental points in De Haan you can rent sunbeds, beach chairs, parasols and windbreaks by the day.

• Booking: usually you rent on the spot; on busy summer days it helps to arrive early or book ahead.

Most shops, beach clubs, bars, terraces and restaurants remain open during the weekends in the low season. Many are also open throughout the week.

Each year the low season in De Haan begins after the autumn holidays till the beginning of the spring holidays. Several shops, beach clubs and restaurants use this period to rebuild, renew or for vacation. As a result, during this low season period, not all stores are opened every day.

Furthermore there is no general period when all the restaurants, bars and shops are closed. All entrepreneurs determine the temporary closure individually. Therefore is there are, also in the low season, enough shops and restaurants opened for you to enjoy.

Yes, De Haan has an accessible Zon, Zee… Zorgeloos beach in summer.

• What is offered: free beach wheelchairs, an adapted toilet and care room, a paved path onto the beach and assistants who help with transfers, changing and toilet visits.
• When: July and August, daily from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm.
• Contact: tel. +32 59 23 39 00; booking is possible but not required.
• Please note: the assistants are not nurses and do not provide intimate care.
• More information: overview of accessible beach facilities on the coast (Inter, in Dutch).

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No, as in all Belgian coastal municipalities, lighting a fire on the beach in De Haan is forbidden unless the municipality gives permission in advance.

• Barbecue: barbecues on the beach are not allowed without permission either.
• Permission: apply in good time to the municipality of De Haan.