Knokke-Heist Things to Do

This nature reserve is quite unique at the Belgian Coast. In the early seventies the part of Heist closest to Zeebrugge had a very narrow foreshore, but now it shows a broad shoreplain, consisting of more than 50 ha of beach, dunes, mud flats and salt marshes. This is an unintended beneficial consequence of the construction of the eastern groyne of the port of Zeebrugge and the partially natural deposition of silt and sand in this sheltered area.
Over the years, it attracted many birds, even endangered one, who stay here for the Winter or come for breeding. Also all kinds of special beach flora can be seen here.

There are two walking paths through the nature reserve, one with a bird watching cabin.

During the breeding season (April through end of July) it is forbidden to enter. The bird watching cabin, however, is accessible.

Each summer, hundreds of cartoons from all over the world are on display in the Lagunahal in Duinbergen (part of Knokke-Heist).

The universal language of cartoons makes that - regardless of nationality or language barriers - everyone can enjoy this event. The diversity and quality of the cartoon entries is really high, and I can guarantee from personal experience you're most likely to leave with a big smile on your face.

There is a lot of art around Knokke. This
bronze statue was made by the British sculptor Barry Flanagan. It is called "Hospitality" and the hare stands for freedom, independance, dynamism, fertility, power, and individuality.

On the occasion of Sail Brugge 2002, Knokke-Heist was the best place-to-be on the day the sailing ships left Zeebrugge for a parade along the coastline. Although, I had a very good zoom lens, the ships are still quite small on my pic.
Closer pics of the different ships participating Sail Brugge 2002 can be seen in my Zeebrugge page.

Duinbergen is known for its white old villas. Years ago, it used to be obligatory to build your villa in a certain style. Now it's nice to stroll along the small alleys with all these nice villas.
Duinbergen is also the host to the yearly international fireworkfestival.

Every year during the third week of August, there’s an international fireworkfestival taking place on the Albertstrand (between Duinbergen and Knokke). Starting on Sunday, and every second day 5 different countries present a very professional firework on music.
It starts at 10 o’clock at night for about 30 minutes.

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The beach at Knokke goes for many miles , the sand is well groomed and clean and relatively easy to walk on.

Summer or fall, winter or spring....
It's always nice to take a walk on the sand and watch at the ocean...