Book your hotel near the Uitkerkse Polder

Looking for a hotel near the Uitkerkse Polder? Dune Hotel Nieuwpoort is located about 40 km, or a 40- to 45-minute drive, from this impressive polder landscape near Blankenberge. It's a scenic drive through the coastal polders, ending in vast, open plains full of birds. An ideal destination for hikers and cyclists who love peace and open space. Come by to recharge for a while?

What is the Uitkerkse Polder?

The Uitkerkse Polder is a sprawling, 1,400-hectare polder landscape located between Blankenberge, Wenduine, Nieuwmunster, and Zuienkerke. Natuurpunt manages 650 hectares of it as a meadow bird reserve — the most important one in Flanders. 

Bird-watching is the main reason many visitors come here: in spring, black-tailed godwits, redshanks, avocets, and lapwings nest in the area, while in winter, thousands of geese and ducks settle in, from greater white-fronted geese to wigeons. During goose season, from mid-November to mid-February, they sometimes form flocks of up to a hundred thousand birds. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a spoonbill passing by.

Hiking in the Uitkerkse Polder

Hikers will also find plenty to enjoy here. From the visitor center in Blankenberge (Kuiperscheeweg 20), three hiking routes set off, ranging from 4.8 to 7.7 km, passing bird-watching hides and an observation tower. The center itself is open year-round and features a small parking area, a shop, a library, and a cozy café where you can enjoy pancakes or a croque. Access to the nature reserve is free.

Hikers will also find plenty to enjoy here. From the visitor center in Blankenberge (Kuiperscheeweg 20), three hiking routes set off:

1. Godwit and Redshank Walk (4.9 km)

The shortest route, named after the two bird-watching hides you'll pass along the way. Ideal for quick and easy bird-spotting.

2. Uitkerkse Polder Hiking Route (7.7 km)

The longest and best-known route, passing canals, ponds, and the centuries-old Gentele Dike, dating back to the 11th century. It offers a great sense of what the earliest coastal polders once looked like.

3. Wheelchair-accessible walk

Specially designed in collaboration with Vzw Camino Rolstoelwandelingen and marked with orange triangles, allowing wheelchair users to enjoy the area with ease as well.

Biking in the Uitkerkse Polder

Prefer to explore by bike? The official Uitkerkse Polder cycling route takes you on a 40 km journey past Blankenberge, Zuienkerke, and Bruges, with starting points in Meetkerke, Lissewege, Blankenberge, and Uitkerke. It's a solid ride, quite a bit longer than the shorter walking routes near the visitor center. The route is marked with hexagonal signs, making it nearly impossible to get lost.

Staying near the Uitkerkse Polder

Stay near the Uitkerkse Polder at Dune Hotel. After a day full of birds and fresh polder air, it's the perfect place to unwind. Dune Hotel Nieuwpoort is a brand-new hotel surrounded by nature, offering stunning views of the dunes and secure parking. Our 88 kamers welcome families, couples, and guests traveling with dogs. Accessible rooms for guests with disabilities are also available. And every morning, enjoy a full breakfast.

Stay at Dune Hotel Nieuwpoort and combine your visit to the Uitkerkse Polder with a day trip to the Duinbossen De Haan or the IJzermonding. Check out our rooms and book your stay today.