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Shrimp Month in Nieuwpoort

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Experience Shrimp Month in Nieuwpoort this October

Every October, Nieuwpoort turns a little grey, in the best possible way. For a whole month, everything revolves around the grey shrimp, the "caviar of the North Sea." From shrimp fishing on foot to a festive lunch and the big Day of the Shrimp: here's what's on, and how a stay at Dune Hotel puts you right in the middle of it.

What is Shrimp Month

October is the perfect time for it, since that's when shrimp fishing peaks. In 2026, the town celebrates its sixth edition, organised together with Promovis vzw and local fishmongers and restaurants.

  • Where? It's all centred on the Vismijn on Kaaiplein.
  • What can you expect? Peeling workshops, a festive shrimp lunch, a Seastar boat cruise and the big Day of the Shrimp at the end of October.
  • Can't wait? From September, guided fish market tours already show how the shrimp gets from catch to plate, tasting included.

 

Shrimp fishing on foot in Nieuwpoort

How do you catch shrimp without a horse or a boat? Members of De Spanjaardbank show you live at Leopoldplein: on foot, in shallow seawater, using a centuries-old technique still very much alive in Nieuwpoort. Right after, they cook the fresh catch on the seawall and hand it out for free to taste.

  • Want to try it yourself? At the Vismijn (Zaal Verbanck), a workshop teaches you the quick-fingered technique of peeling shrimp.

  • Keeping track of dates? The programme and dates change every year, find the current schedule at visit-nieuwpoort.be.

     

Eating shrimp in Nieuwpoort

Time to taste. On selected dates, Hendrikaplein sells fresh shrimp soup to take away, while stocks last. Fancy something more festive? Book the shrimp lunch at the Vismijn (Zaal Iseland): a multi-course menu built around Nieuwpoort shrimp, from a hand-peeled shrimp cocktail to bouillabaisse.

  • Around the harbour? Restaurants and terraces serve fresh North Sea shrimp the classic way: plain with bread and butter, or as crispy shrimp croquettes. 
  • Also at the hotel: Restaurant The Dunes gets in on the action too, with a dedicated shrimp menu throughout October. Good to know: the restaurant is closed from October 5 to 14.
  • To close the month: the Oyster Festival at the Vismijn treats you to fresh and gratinated oysters, shrimp soup and live music.

 

Staying overnight during Shrimp Month

Want to be there for the highlight? Plan your stay around the Day of the Shrimp at the end of October, when the Vismijn turns into the place to shrimp for a day, with workshops, a visit to a real shrimp boat and the shrimp-peeling contest.  Dune Hotel sits within sight of the Simli dunes and gets you there with ease.

  • On foot: about 3.2 km, roughly a 44-minute walk along the Albert I laan.
  • By rental bike: just around 12 minutes, bookable right at reception.
  • By coastal tram: the Sint-Bernardusplein stop is right outside. 
  • By car: about 7 minutes, with free covered parking when you book direct.

After a day at the harbour, there's one thing that matters most: calm. Every room looks out over the dunes, and October shows Nieuwpoort at its quietest: fewer crowds, clear air and great conditions for long walks through the Simli dunes or a ride along the coast. Add warm, personal service, a generous breakfast buffet (always included when you book direct).

Plan your visit: combine Shrimp Month with a stay at Dune Hotel and book directly via the website for the best price and all the benefits of booking direct.

FAQ

Why is North Sea shrimp called the "caviar of the North Sea"?

Because it's peeled entirely by hand, stays fresh for only a few days, and is considered a true delicacy of the coast.

Is Shrimp Month suitable for children?

Partly: the Vismijn tour and the shrimp-peeling contest are for ages 12 and up, while the shrimp-fishing demonstrations at Leopoldplein are open to the whole family.

Do I need to register for the activities in advance?

You do need to book for the prawn lunch, the workshop and the boat trip on the Seastar, as places are limited. The prawn and herb demonstrations are free and open to all without the need to book.

Are dogs welcome at Shrimp Month events?

Not at the Vismijn tour, where dogs are explicitly not allowed. Outdoor activities like the shrimp-fishing demonstrations are generally fine for dogs.