Discover all the beauty of the Flemish coast on the world's longest tram line. The coastal tram takes you along 67 kilometers of North Sea highlights, an unforgettable experience.
The Flemish coast, a diverse paradise features 67 kilometers of fine sand, sea, dunes, art and culture, food and drink, history, heritage, shopping and more. How do you make the most of all those amazing things? Easy! Take the coastal tram, which runs almost entirely parallel to the North Sea. With poetic simplicity, it follows the entire length of the Flemish coast: 67 kilometers long with 67 stops.
You’ll travel past fashionable Knokke and the Belle Époque grandeur of De Haan, bustling Ostend, the authentic fishing life of Koksijde, charming dune neighborhoods in De Panne, and much more. Countless adventures await along the way. Here’s a sneak preview….
Enjoy hiking in Het Zwin
Looking for a hefty dose of hiking? Then the Zwin Nature Park is the place to be. This enormous reserve follows the tune of the tides. Twice a day the salty water flows in from the North Sea, meaning that the landscape is ever changing, which you’ll discover on one of the park's extensive walks. Don't forget to look skyward! For centuries, this “international airport for migratory birds” has been an important stopover and breeding ground for many bird species on the way to and from the south.
The fishermen on horseback in Oostduinkerke
Find out all about the centuries-old fishing heritage in the coastal town of Oostduinkerke, where sturdy draft horses stride through the surf. On their backs, a fisherman in a bright yellow suit; behind them, large nets. This is how an exquisite delicacy, the grey North Sea shrimp, is harvested. The Oostduinkerke shrimp fishermen on horseback are one of a kind — Oostduinkerke is the only place in the world where shrimp are still caught in the traditional manner. This tradition has been on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural world heritage since 2013.
Beaufort Sculpture Park, open-air exhibition on the Belgian coast
The next item on this long list of adventures has dozens of possible starting points. Beaufort Sculpture Park is a permanent open-air exhibition along the coastline, featuring remnants of the Beaufort Art Triennial, which exhibits sculptures on the coast every three years. The striking Rock Strangers sculpture cluster on Oostende's beachfront is just one example of more than fifty. An insider tip: explore the stunning beauty of the coast at sunrise or sunset for an extra magical experience.
The Flemish coast is an adventure in itself; the coastal tram only enhances it. The coastal tram runs every 10 minutes during the summer months, so you can be sure of a hassle-free, sustainable, unforgettable trip along peaceful coastal locations, and endless discoveries.