Hotel near the Baai van Heist

Want to visit the Baai van Heist and discover the rest of the Belgian coast too? Then Dune Hotel Nieuwpoort makes a great base. Our hotel sits on the West Coast, around 40 kilometres or a 45-minute drive from this bird reserve near Heist-aan-Zee. If you want to see the whole Belgian coastline, that's precisely the reason to stay here. Peace and dunes on your doorstep, the East Coast as a day trip. For many of our guests, that's the perfect combination!

What is the Baai van Heist?

The Baai van Heist (Bay of Heist) is a nature reserve of more than 50 hectares near Heist-aan-Zee (Knokke-Heist). It lies right up against the eastern breakwater of Zeebrugge harbour and only came into being after that breakwater was built. Sand and silt settled, and a broad beach plain grew up with young dunes, mudflats and salt marshes. It has been protected since 1997 and forms part of the European Natura 2000 network.

Birdwatching is the main draw here, all year round. Ringed plovers, little terns, northern wheatears and meadow pipits breed on the beach; oystercatchers and shelducks can be seen in every season. In winter, brent geese, grey plovers, bar-tailed godwits and sanderlings forage on the mudflats.

Walking in the Baai van Heist

From early August to early April, you can walk freely along the marked paths in the Baai van Heist. During the breeding season, the lower beach is closed off to protect the nests of the beach-nesting birds. You then follow the purpose-built footpath along the edge rather than cutting through the reserve. The starting point is at the end of the Heist seafront promenade, by the small white lighthouse. You can park on the promenade or along the road.

Want to walk further? Cross the foot and cycle bridge from the bay to the Sashul, a meadow grazed by Shetland ponies. Beyond it lie the Vuurtorenweiden, the meadows around the lighthouse; together they form the green belt of Heist-West. Leave your dog at home or at the hotel, because dogs aren't allowed in the reserve, not even on a lead. At our hotel, happily, dogs are welcome.

From Nieuwpoort to the Baai van Heist

Driving from Nieuwpoort to the Baai van Heist takes about 45 minutes, covering some 40 kilometres along the coast or through the polders. We recommend combining it with a pleasant stop along the way, for example:

• Lissewege, the white polder village with its 50-metre church tower;
• the seaside resort of Knokke-Heist, for lunch on the promenade;
• Het Zwin on the far side of Knokke-Heist, for anyone keen to see even more birds.

Without a car, take the coastal tram from De Panne to Knokke-Heist; it stops right outside our door at Sint-Bernardusplein. Check the timetable with De Lijn, or read more on our page about the coastal tram.

Staying near the Baai van Heist

After a day like that, you come home to Nieuwpoort-Bad, 150 metres from the seafront promenade. Each of our 88 rooms has a balcony or terrace; the Superior Double is our largest room for a solo traveller or couple. Parking is included, under cover and secure. For dinner, book a table at Restaurant The Dunes in our hotel. Ready to explore the East Coast from Nieuwpoort? Browse our rooms and book your stay on the West Coast.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my dog to the Baai van Heist?

No. The nature reserve is closed to dogs, even on a lead and even on the lower beach. Your dog is welcome with us, though: our dog-friendly rooms are on the ground floor with tiled floors and a terrace, with one pet per room (a second on request, for a surcharge). Discover our hotel with your dog.

What time is breakfast if I want to set off early for Heist?

The breakfast buffet is served daily from 8 am to 11 am on level -1 and is included when you book through our website or at reception. At the table by 8, in the car by 9: you'll be at the little lighthouse in Heist by around 10, with the whole day ahead of you.

When can you see the most birds in the Baai van Heist?

In the winter months, brent geese, grey plovers and bar-tailed godwits gather on the mudflats and the whole area is open. From April to early August, ringed plovers and little terns breed on the beach; the lower beach stays closed then, but you can see the birds from the path. Come at low tide and bring a spotting scope, as the distances across the beach plain are considerable.

What can I combine with a day trip to the Baai van Heist?

Heading the same way from Nieuwpoort, you'll also find the Uitkerkse Polder near Blankenberge, Flanders' most important meadow-bird area, and Het Zwin near Knokke. If you'd rather stay closer to the hotel, walk straight from our door into the Simli Dunes or join the free guided dune walk on Sundays; sign up at reception.