The Zwin Nature Reserve – Zwin Dunes and Polders loop from Tobruk (Zwinduinen en -polders)
The Zwin Nature Reserve – Zwin Dunes and Polders loop from Tobruk (Zwinduinen en -polders)
4.5
(102)
678
hikers
The Zwin Nature Reserve – Zwin Dunes and Polders loop from Tobruk (Zwinduinen en -polders)
02:16
8.95km
10m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
80 m
Zwin hiking route
Highlight • Trail
Before you start your adventure, take a look at the exhibition space.
Your Zwin experience starts here.
Hiking trails take you along the hut trail. The information in the cabins makes your visit a total experience. Enjoy the beautiful views in the watchtower. Every season has different protagonists here.
Tip, plan a visit during school holidays or during the weekends, then guides will be happy to give you a word of explanation along the hut trail.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
834 m
Forest-Rich Hiking Trail
Highlight • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.75 km
Hospitality (Leaping Hare Sculpture by Barry Flanagan)
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.80 km
The Zwin Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.82 km
Yourcenar Trail
Highlight • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.30 km
Keunepad
Highlight • Trail
Enjoy it.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
4.14 km
Zwin Dunes and Polders
Highlight • Natural
Until the end of the 19th century, these dunes, forests, pastures and meadows were constantly changing under the influence of the sea. The area looked like today's Zwin; with mudflats, salt marshes and gullies closed off on the sea side by a belt of dunes. The Zwin dunes and polders only got their present form in 1872-1873, when the international dike was built to protect the area from the sea.
Since then, man has left clear traces here again and again: in the summer of 1929 the area was a golf course (although you had to putt and hit between sheep, because it was still used as pasture), shortly afterwards a horse racing track and riding arena were built. International show jumping competitions were held on it until the 1960s. The Kleyne Vlakte next door was even converted into a 40-acre airport in the early 1930s.
Even the world wars left their mark on this tactically important area. Large areas were concreted over.
In 2002 the Flemish government bought the area and from 2004 it was restored. Today you can experience it in "natural", if not really original splendor, with fauna and flora, which ultimately can only survive here thanks to careful human intervention.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
4.74 km
Groenpleinduinen
Forest
8.10 km
Kleyne Vlakte
Highlight • Natural
A series of pools and water areas were also created, making the Kleyne Vlakte a true paradise for birds, amphibians and rare plants. Above all: the tree frog, for which it is (and not only) five to twelve in Flanders.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8.95 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.14 km
2.33 km
1.17 km
316 m
Surfaces
3.60 km
2.43 km
1.73 km
1.14 km
< 100 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Monday 13 July
26°C
19°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 29.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free