Hotel near Ter Yde

Ter Yde begins where Nieuwpoort-Bad ends. Behind Groenendijk, the shifting dunes of this nature reserve in Oostduinkerke stretch all the way to Hannecart Forest. Dune Hotel Nieuwpoort is the hotel near Ter Yde from which you can reach those dunes on foot or by bike, or one stop along on the coastal tram. Walkers, cyclists and birdwatchers stay with us 150 metres from the sea, with the Simli Dunes as our back garden. Come and stay with us and make the most of the surroundings!

What is Ter Yde?

The Ter Yde nature reserve in Oostduinkerke (Koksijde) is the heart of one of the largest dune complexes on the Belgian coast. It runs from the Zeeberm Dunes on the beach to Hannecart Forest inland. Shetland ponies keep the wooded landscape open by grazing it. That mix of sand, scrub and wet woodland makes the area a fine spot for birdwatching. Storks nest in Hannecart Forest, and from the open dune tops you can look out over the whole complex. Bring binoculars and set off early, and you'll have the paths to yourself!

Walking in Ter Yde

The signposted Ter Yde walking route is 7.9 kilometres long and starts in the centre of Oostduinkerke-Bad. Follow the hexagonal green-and-white signs marked 'Ter Yde'. Via the seafront promenade and the beach, you head into the Zeeberm Dunes. At Groenendijk you arrive in Hannecart Forest, home to the only dune stream on the Belgian coast. Allow an hour and a half to two hours, as part of the route crosses loose sand. Sturdy shoes are a good idea!

Coming by car? Park at the Koningin Elisabeth Instituut (KEI) on the coast road between Oostduinkerke-Bad and Groenendijk. By coastal tram, get off at Oostduinkerke Duinpark, or at Oostduinkerke Groenendijk-Bad on the Nieuwpoort side. Prefer to plot your own loop? You can, using walking junctions 62 to 74 of the Westkust network. You'll find more routes from our hotel on our page about walking around Nieuwpoort.

Cycling in Ter Yde

There's no fixed Ter Yde cycling route, unlike the Uitkerkse Polder cycle route. Cycling around Ter Yde works via the West Flanders junction network, with junctions on every side of the reserve and a mountain bike trail through Hannecart Forest. Plan your own ride, for example:

• West towards Sint-Idesbald, with a detour through the dunes of Doornpanne and the Hoge Blekker;
• East to Nieuwpoort and the IJzermonding nature reserve, where the River IJzer flows into the sea.

No bike with you? No problem! You can rent one at our reception, and your own two-wheeler stays dry overnight in an underground garage box (available to rent). More tips are on our page about cycling and motorcycling around Nieuwpoort.

Staying near Ter Yde

Dune Hotel Nieuwpoort sits in Nieuwpoort-Bad, 150 metres from the seafront promenade and with the Simli Dunes on the doorstep. Staying near Ter Yde here means peace and relaxation: a room overlooking the dunes or the town, with a balcony or terrace. Every morning the breakfast buffet is waiting, included when you book through our website or at reception. Your car is parked under cover and secure, because safe parking is included with your stay.

With 88 rooms for two or four people, there's room for families too. They often choose the duplex room: parents upstairs on the mezzanine, children downstairs on the sofa bed. Will you be staying with us near Ter Yde? Browse our rooms and book your seaside stay.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Ter Yde walking route take, and is it wheelchair accessible?

Most walkers take around 1 hour 40 minutes to two hours. The route partly crosses loose dune sand and unpaved paths, so it isn't suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. For a paved alternative, walk along the promenade between Nieuwpoort-Bad and Oostduinkerke-Bad, with the Zeeberm Dunes at your side.

Can I rent a bike at Dune Hotel for a ride to Ter Yde?

Yes. Our reception rents out bikes, so you can ride to Ter Yde and on along the junction network without bringing your own. If you do bring your own bike or motorcycle, you can store it overnight in one of our garage boxes. Reception is also happy to help with route tips and with booking a table at Restaurant The Dunes after your ride.

How early can I have breakfast if I want to head into the dunes in the morning?

The breakfast buffet is served daily from 8 am to 11 am on level -1, included when you book through our website or at reception. Start your day with fresh bread rolls, cheese, fruit and coffee before setting off for Ter Yde. If you head out earlier for a short morning walk in the Simli Dunes, the buffet will still be there when you get back.

Which coastal tram stop do I use for Ter Yde?

The coastal tram stops right outside our door at Sint-Bernardusplein, 10 metres from the hotel. For Ter Yde, get off at Groenendijk-Bad (Nieuwpoort side) or at Duinpark, in the middle of the dune complex. The current timetable is available from De Lijn, or read more on our page about the coastal tram.