The best city hikes and walks around Veurne

The demarcation post in Nieuwpoort-Bad (officially Demarcation Post No. 2) is a historical monument marking the northernmost point of the Western Front during World War I. The granite column symbolizes the extreme limit of the German advance and the place where the enemy was finally halted. A demarcation post (or borne Vauthier) is a memorial stone designed by the French sculptor and veteran Paul Moreau-Vauthier. In the 1920s, a total of 118 posts were erected along the entire 650-kilometer front line, from Nieuwpoort on the North Sea to the Swiss border. Today, 19 of these posts remain in Belgium. Symbolism and appearance: the post is about a meter high, made of red Alsatian granite, and is full of maritime and military symbols. The top: atop the post rests a Belgian soldier's helmet (Adrian type with a lion's head) on a laurel wreath. The sides: carved military equipment, including a canteen, a gas mask, hand grenades, and laurel branches. The inscription: the post bears the text in three languages (Dutch, French, and English): "Here the invader was stopped" Destruction and restoration in WWII: the confrontational text on the posts was an eyesore for Nazi Germany. During the occupation in World War II, the Germans ordered the multilingual inscriptions on the West Flemish demarcation posts to be chiseled away. It was not until September 1991 that the damaged inscriptions on the posts in Nieuwpoort were officially restored and rebuilt to their former glory. Historical significance of Post No. 2 The German attack (1917): Although the front on the Yser stabilized in October 1914 due to the deliberate flooding of the polders, the post in Nieuwpoort-Bad specifically commemorates a later, fierce battle. On July 10, 1917, the Germans launched a surprise attack (Unternehmen Strandfest) on the British lines on the coast to thwart an Allied offensive. Extreme limit: German stormtroopers managed to push the Allies back to the mouth of the Yser, but could not cross the harbor channel. The post stands exactly at the spot where this bloody advance was halted.

This artwork, also known as "The Gate", was designed by the Buro Voor Vrije Ruimte from Ghent.

I recently explored some of the hiking trails around Koksijde and was amazed by the variety of routes. The view from Hoge Blekker was particularly breathtaking! If you live in Germany and are planning a visit to the region, I recommend the website <a href="https://glitz-bets.de">glitzbets</a> for great tips and deals. The hikes are suitable for all fitness levels and offer a fantastic way to enjoy nature and stay active. Don't forget to bring warm clothing, especially during the cooler months!

The large artwork in the form of a robust gate made of corten steel is a real eye-catcher as you enter Koksijde-Bad. The gate also serves as a clear landmark, marking the beginning or end of the shopping street (Zeelaan). Locals call it "the gate" or "the car wash."

The spider often has negative connotations: it's a dirty little creature, it can be dangerous, etc. But Monique Mol uses the spider as a symbol of (feminine) creative power: the spider weaves a web of connection and solidarity. Source: https://www.strandverblijf.be/nl/wandelingen/beeldenroute-de-panne

It's always helpful to know that your urgent needs can be quickly forgotten here. Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

In 1877, Benjamin Crombez commissioned the construction of a Neo-Romanesque church, intended for Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish services. Explanation: The St. Bernard's Church in Nieuwpoort-Bad is located a few dozen meters from the seawall. It is the only church along the Belgian coast whose main portal directly overlooks the sea. The first St. Bernard's Church was built in 1877 by commission of landowner Benjamin Crombez. He envisioned the place of worship as a place for all religions and faith communities. The building was destroyed during the First World War. The existing Neo-Romanesque church dates from 1923. During the Second World War, the building suffered considerable damage. The 1947 repairs therefore contribute to its current appearance. The yellow brick facades rest on a bluestone plinth. The stylistic distinction from the Gothic churches of Nieuwpoort-Stad, Ramskapelle, and Sint-Joris is immediately apparent. In the Romanesque style, the round arch dominates, while ornamentation is generally minimal. However, the stylistic purity has been somewhat compromised by the use of buttresses against the tower and aisles, a Gothic element. In 2012, St. Bernard's Church underwent a thorough restoration. This included addressing the facades of the place of worship. The artwork "Procession of the Dutch Army to Ostend" hangs in the entrance hall of St. Bernard's Church. The engravings depict the advance of Prince Maurits van Nassau and his army toward Ostend, following the victory at the Battle of Nieuwpoort on July 2, 1600. The drawings show how 885 people, primarily Utrecht students, re-enacted this remarkable procession on June 16, 1836. Source: https://www.nieuwpoort.be/sint-bernarduskerk-2

"Searching for Utopia" is a beautiful and large artwork by Jan Fabre. The turtle, originally installed on the beach during the Beaufort Triennial in 2003, appears to float above the waterbed. It was later moved to the city center, where it can still be seen today. Impressive! Source: https://top.vlaanderen/kunst/searching-for-utopia-jan-fabre-nieuwpoort-belgie/