Oostende Beach, North Sea Panorama

The Oostende Beachfront

The camera captures one of the widest beaches on the North Sea, a broad band of pale sand backed by the city's seafront promenade and the landmark Kursaal. At low water the beach reveals an immense expanse used by walkers, cyclists and sand-yacht enthusiasts.

A Historic Seaside Resort

Known as the Queen of the Belgian coast, Oostende grew from a fishing port into an elegant belle-époque resort. Grand hotels, the casino-Kursaal and a busy fishing harbour give the town its distinctive character.

Activities on the Sand

The exposed North Sea shore is a magnet for kitesurfers and sand yachts, while families gather around the colorful beach cabins and the lively beach club. The hard, flat sand makes it ideal for long coastal walks.

The North Sea Horizon

Beyond the surf, the camera looks out over the open North Sea, where cargo ships and ferries trace the busy shipping lanes toward the ports of Zeebrugge and Dunkirk. The ever-shifting tide shapes the shoreline throughout the year.