Book your hotel near Doornpanne, Hoge Blekker and Schipgatduinen

Looking for a lovely hotel near Doornpanne, Hoge Blekker and Schipgatduinen? Dune Hotel Nieuwpoort is about a 10-minute drive or a 15-minute bike ride from this dune massif near Koksijde and Oostduinkerke. Ideal for walkers and cyclists who love peace and quiet, nature, and fresh air.

What is the Doornpanne?

The Doornpanne is one of the last large dune complexes on the Flemish coast, between Koksijde and Oostduinkerke, a stone's throw from the sea. Here you'll find around 200 hectares of drift dunes, grasslands, and rare plants and animals. The visitor centre has exhibitions, a playground for children, and marks the starting point of several walking and cycling routes. In short, you won't be bored here!

What is the Hoge Blekker?

At 33 metres, the Hoge Blekker is the highest dune on the Belgian coast. A landmark, both literally and figuratively. From the top you look out over the dunes, the polders, and the sea. The dune is part of the same dune massif as the Doornpanne and the Schipgatduinen, making it easy to combine into a single walk.

What are the Schipgatduinen?

The Schipgatduinen form a fragile nature reserve of more than 56 hectares, stretching from the beach to the Koninklijke Baan. Relatively young, with distinctive plants such as sea holly. The direct link between the Doornpanne and the sea. Walk here and you'll feel completely away from it all.

Dune walks in the Doornpanne, Hoge Blekker and Schipgatduinen

The Doornpanne, Hoge Blekker, and Schipgatduinen are three areas that together form a continuous dune massif of 240 hectares. In fact, it's one of the largest dune complexes on the Belgian coast! For anyone who loves dune walks, this is a true paradise:

1. Doornpanne walking route (9.8 km) 

Starts at the Doornpanne visitor centre and crosses the 200-hectare nature reserve, alternating between drift dunes, grasslands, and the well-known donkey grazing area. Along the way you'll pass the architectural gems of the Witte Burg, and the path ends at the top of the Hoge Blekker with a sweeping view over dunes, polders, and sea. You can pick up a free map with the exact route at the visitor centre.

2. Schipgat walking route (5.8 km) 

Starts and ends at the car park by the Hoge Blekker in Koksijde village. The route runs through the Doornpanne nature reserve to the Schipgatduinen, a wide dune belt right next to the beach where you'll come across distinctive plants such as sea holly. On the way back you'll pass through Koksijde's scenic villa neighbourhoods.

3. Shorter loops (3 to 10.5 km) 

Prefer something a little shorter? A 3 km route engages all your senses along the way, while a signposted 8 km or 10.5 km route offers just a bit more nature and quiet. Information boards at every access point show all the marked routes.

Wear sturdy walking shoes. Bring plenty of water. And keep in mind that dogs must stay on a leash and on designated paths.

Staying near the dune massif

Looking to stay near the dune massif? Then Dune Hotel Nieuwpoort is the perfect base. After a day full of dune walks, there's nothing better than unwinding. Dune Hotel Nieuwpoort is a brand-new hotel, surrounded by nature, with a beautiful view of the dunes and secure parking. Our 88 rooms suit families, couples, and guests with a dog. Rooms adapted for guests with reduced mobility are also available.

Stay nearby at Dune Hotel Nieuwpoort and combine your dune walk with a day trip to Raversijde or Het Zwin. Check out our rooms and book your stay today.