The Belgian East Coast is known as perhaps the most fashionable place on the Belgian coast. Blankenberge, Zeebrugge, Heist and especially Knokke are regarded as the seaside towns to which many affluent individuals and families flock. But despite what many think, the region has a lot more to offer than just expensive beach clubs and couture clothing stores. The many cycling and walking routes, Het Zwin nature park, culinary delights and trendy water sports clubs... Here you will never be bored.
The East Coast: from fashionable Knokke to family seaside resort Blankenberge
The Belgian East Coast stretches from a the Belgian-Dutch border in Knokke to Blankenberge. Actually, historically it even includes a piece of Zeeland Flanders (the Netherlands). So the East Coast is not entirely Belgian. Heist and Zeebrugge also belong to the Belgian East Coast.
By the way, did you know that Blankenberge was once the personal seaside resort of the Belgian royal family? The many Belle Epoque-style buildings are still a legacy of that. Or that the port of Antwepren-Zeebrugge is the 2nd largest in Europe? The municipality of Knokke-Heist has the reputation of being the "Saint-Tropez" of Belgium, where you can not only store at expensive brands, but also enjoy an exceptional culinary dinner.
Exceptional plant and animal diversity thanks to Het Zwin
On the East Coast you will find of the most beautiful nature of the entire Belgian coast. Indeed, Het Zwin has an extraordinary wealth of plants and animals that varies with the seasons. Especially birds find their home here, which is why Het Zwin has been nicknamed "the international airport for our feathered friends.
Curious about the nature park, accompanying museum and hands-on exhibits? Or would you like a guided tour of the nature park? You can, with tickets! No need to visit the museum, but would like to explore the area? No problem! Het Zwin has numerous public bicycle and hiking trails that can take you for dozens of kilometers.
Moreover, Het Zwin is not the only asset when it comes to nature and animals on the Belgian East Coast. There is Sealife in Blankenberge, one of the largest aquatic zoos in the country with a seal sanctuary.
Staying sporty
Is walking or cycling not enough? Then along the 11 km long dike that runs along the East Coast you will find several other sporting options: sailing and water sports clubs galore, beach volleyball courts... even fishing clubs belong to a range of diverse sporting activities. By the way, did you know that some of the sailing clubs on the Belgian East Coast are also home to the national youth sailing teams? So if you want to send your children on a sailing or water sports camp and have them accompanied by the best in their field, this is the place to be!
Not very sporty? Then hang out at a beach bar, visit one of more than 100 art galleries or find a nice brasserie with a playground for your kids.
All activities about the Belgian East Coast can be found here.
Glamorous hotels and the better restaurants
There is no shortage of high-end culinary eateries on the Belgian East Coast. Both in Knokke, Heist, Zeebrugge and Blankenberge you will find of the better (star) restaurants and brasseries.
Want to explore the Belgian East Coast for yourself before buying real estate there, whether or not to stay in yourself? No problem either. With - among others - La Réserve and Enso in Knokke and Hotel Azaert Annex in Blankenberge there is no shortage of glamorous hotels in the area.
An overview of top gastronomy on the coast? You can find that here.
Real estate offerings - East Coast
Our complete coastal offerings can be found in the following link: Coastal Real Estate
