Oostduinkerke is a historic town set on the North Sea and fringed by a golden sand beach. Also known as East Dunkirk, the town is famous for its centuries-old horseback shrimp fishing tradition. Watch fishermen ride along the beach and learn more at the excellent fishing museum. Oostduinkerke is a stone’s throw from Plopsaland, one of the most popular theme parks in Belgium.
Things to do in Oostduinkerke
Watch local fishermen drag nets along the beach on horseback at low tide. The centuries-old shrimp-catching method is an official UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity tradition. While the technique was once widely used in Belgium, today it’s practised by only handful of locals.
Learn about the town’s horseback shrimp fishing tradition at the Navigo National Fisheries Museum. Tour a beautifully restored fisherman’s cottage from the 19th century and watch hundreds of fish swim around crystalline aquariums. An enormous, 17-metre-long sperm whale skeleton dominates the lobby.
Enjoy local grey shrimp at restaurants in Oostduinkerke. Most menus feature the famous Flemish product, which is often cooked into croquettes and stuffed into raw tomatoes. Start your day with a stack of fluffy Belgian waffles at a seaside café.
From stomach-flipping rollercoasters to adventure playgrounds, Plopsaland promises fun for the whole family. The park is packed with rides and attractions, including a pirate-themed log flume and coasters that hit speeds of up to 90 kilometres per hour. Younger kids love to feed friendly farm animals in the petting zoo and watch colourful stage shows.
Getting around Oostduinkerke
Oostduinkerke is compact and easy to get around on foot. The beach is a five-minute drive or 30-minute walk from the town centre. Oostduinkerke is in West Flanders, a 40-minute drive from Bruges and one hour from Ghent. Koksijde Train Station is a five-minute drive from Oostduinkerke and Oostende-Brugge International Airport is a 30-minute drive away.