Experience
Belgium

BUCKET LIST TRAVEL : OSTEND

A refreshing getaway on the North Sea coast

It’s no coincidence that Ostend has attracted people from the arts for decades. Irish author James Joyce and American soul singer Marvin Gaye spent time in Ostend, a Belgian port city famous for invigorating all who visit.

FISHING HISTORY AND SEA VOYAGES

To understand Ostend, you need to know about its history as a port and its long tradition of sea fishing. To unravel the mystery, head to the Amandine, an old fishing boat that has been restored into a museum. On the 3rd of April, 1995, the Amandine sailed her final voyage and dropped anchor for the last time in Ostend port, turning a page in local fishing history. It’s the final Flemish vessel to fish in Icelandic waters. Once, Ostend sailors set off to those icy waters for months, sometimes risking their lives. After over a decade of rest, Armandine has enjoyed a new lease of life. Today, the ship traces the history of Icelandic fishing and the fisherman’s lives onboard through interactive exhibits and a 15-minute film. A peaceful retirement for this fishing trawler, which was once thrown about in the waves and now rests in Ostend. Why not take to the seas? Captain Blue tours take you from Ostend port to the open sea, amongst the fisherman, sailing boats and seagulls. Enjoy some sea air and see the city from a different perspective.

Must-sees in Ostend

OSTEND BEACH

Very popular with locals, this sandy beach in the city is lined with shops and restaurants. In summer, people come to sunbathe and admire the sand sculptures. It’s also the perfect place to stretch your legs along the promenade all year round.

MU ZEE

This museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art in Belgium features 8,000 pieces from 1830 to the present day. You can admire the paintings of Belgian artists James Ensor and Léon Spilliaert and other lesser-known 20th-century artists that are also worth the visit.

MARIAKERKE BEACH

Away from the excitement of the city, Mariakerke’s pretty beach is known for being quieter than Ostend beach. It is popular with families and has beach huts.

THE OSTEND MERCATOR

The Mercator is an elegant three-masted ship which first set sail in 1932. It served as a training ship for apprentice officers, once used for scientific expeditions to the four corners of the globe. Today, it’s a museum moored at the port.

ATLANTIKWALL RAVERSYDE

The Atlantikwall in Raversyde is one of the best-preserved sections of the Atlantic Wall, the German defence line during the Second World War. It has a row of 60 bunkers in the dunes, observation and artillery posts and one of the famous Enigma encryption machines.