De Haan is the only protected Belle Époque resort on the Belgian coast, with stately villas, a characteristic promenade and extensive dune woods right behind the village.
Through the village:stroll through the Concessie and in the footsteps of Albert Einstein, who lived here in 1933.
Dune woods and coast: the walking routes lead through the dune woods and along the coast to Wenduine.
Polders inland: if you are looking for rural peace, head to the Uitkerkse Polder, the most important meadow bird area in Flanders.
Beach walk: the beach invites you to walk to Wenduine or to Bredene.
Prefer to cycle? Then take a look at our cycle routes around De Haan.
Walks through the village
To really get to know De Haan, take a walk through the villa district where the resort was born around 1900.
Belle Époque walk: the walk through the Concessie takes you past the 1902 tram station, the Koninklijk Plein, Villa Beau Site and Villa Béatrice.
Einstein walking route: in 1933 Albert Einstein lived in De Haan for half a year. The Einstein walking route passes villa Savoyarde, Au Cœur Volant and his statue on the Normandiëlaan.
Historic walk: the walking route on the history page combines the highlights of De Haan's history, from the Sint-Monicakerk to the Leopoldplein.
4 Walking routes
The walking routes around De Haan lead through the dune woods, along the coast to Wenduine and towards the Vosseslag lighthouse near Bredene.
Erfgoedwandelroute De Haan: a short 3.1 km route through the village, almost entirely on paved roads.
Kustwandelroute De Haan en Wenduine: a 10.1 km hike, just over a quarter of it on natural paths.
Duinbossenwandelroute: 11.2 km through the dune woods between De Haan and Wenduine, with a good part on natural paths.
Wandelen in De Haan-Wenduine: a 10.7 km loop alternating paved roads, tarmac and nature paths.
6 Nature reserves
Around De Haan you will find 6 nature reserves, from parks in Ostend to dune lakes towards Zeebrugge.
The enchanting Raversyde nature park in Ostend, a unique combination of nature, history, and art. This park offers a special experience for visitors of all ages. What can you expect at Raversyde Nature Park? - Atlantikwall Museum: Explore one of the best-preserved parts of the Atlantikwall in Europe, including bunkers, ...
Between Blankenberge and Zeebrugge, a narrow dune belt hosts a unique nature reserve: De Fonteintjes. This area offers an enchanting landscape of dune ponds, dune scrub, and wet dune grasslands, ideal for nature lovers and walkers. What to Expect at De Fonteintjes? - Walking Routes: Discover De Fonteintjes via the ...
This beautiful garden is a perfect place for peace and reflection, inspired by traditional Japanese garden culture. What can you expect at the Japanese Garden Shin Kai Tei in Ostend? - Traditional Japanese landscape: This garden of around 2,500 m² offers an authentic Japanese experience with its carefully designed ...
Just behind the coastline, between Blankenberge and Zeebrugge, lies the provincial domain Zeebos, a planted forest of 41 hectares. This beautiful nature reserve offers a tranquil environment to enjoy nature and the landscape, perfect for walking and nature enthusiasts. What to expect at Zeebos? - Walking Trails: ...
Located between Blankenberge, Wenduine, Nieuwmunster, and Zuienkerke, the nature reserve Uitkerkse Polder offers a unique meadow landscape with numerous ditches and cattle drinking pools. This centuries-old area is the most important meadow bird area in Flanders and a true attraction for nature lovers and ...
On the opposite side of the busy and touristy centre of Oostende, across the harbour entrance, lies a surprisingly quiet and remarkable nature area: Oosteroever. What can you expect in the nature area Oosteroever? This place is often seen as a hidden treasure: a stretch of rugged coastal nature where dunes, special plants ...
De Haan has 2 viewpoints with a fine view over sea, dunes and countryside.
Vosseslag Lighthouse: not an ordinary lighthouse but a green and white artwork with a viewing platform between Bredene and De Haan.
Water Tower Bredene: a historic monument with a panoramic view over Bredene and its surroundings.
Vosseslag Lighthouse
The Lighthouse of Vosseslag is no ordinary lighthouse, but a striking green-and-white artwork and lookout point, located between Bredene and De Haan. What makes the Vosseslag Lighthouse so special? - Artistic Eye-Catcher: Designed by Belgian artist Guillaume Bijl, the tower is a tribute to the maritime past and the former ...
Dive into the fascinating history and enjoy the panoramic view from the Water Tower, a remarkable architectural monument in Bredene. This historic water tower, not only an important part of the local heritage, offers visitors a unique opportunity to view Bredene and the surrounding area from a different ...
