The best hikes from bus stations around Veurne

This work is part of the permanent Beaufort Sculpture Park, which includes around fifty works of art spread across the entire Belgian coastline.

"Westerpunt" is a six-meter-high architectural gem on the promenade leading to France. Studio MOTO designed it as a symbolic connection between the sea, dunes, and humanity. From the top, you can enjoy a magnificent 360° view of the surroundings. At high tide, part of the structure is submerged, making it seem as if you are literally suspended "above" the sea.

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

Eastduinkerke

Beautiful viewing platform, a true highlight of the Westhoek Nature Reserve. Enjoy the impressive dune landscape.

The Ligusterpad is nestled between De Panne and the French border. Hikers can enjoy the impressive dune landscape of the Westhoek region.

First of all, this boundary marker on the beach is completely new, as an earlier one was irreparably damaged in 2021. The date and initials refer to the brief period from 1814 to 1830 when France bordered the Netherlands. The former boundary marker was first erected in 1819. Now, this boundary marker 2.0 marks the border between Belgium and France. The point also indicates the westernmost point of Belgium combined with the northernmost point of mainland France.

The nature reserve is a true dune area for walking. The winding trails take you past ancient trees, thickets, dunes, and dune hollows. The westerly wind keeps this area in motion, and it might look different on your next visit. With a bit of luck and a strong Beaufort temperature, you might encounter some moving dunes here 😉. And perhaps you'll suddenly come face to face with a Scottish Highland cattle or a wild Konik horse!