Oosteroever - Nature

On the opposite side of the busy and touristy centre of Oostende, across the harbour entrance, lies a surprisingly quiet and remarkable nature area: Oosteroever.

What can you expect in the nature area Oosteroever?

This place is often seen as a hidden treasure: a stretch of rugged coastal nature where dunes, special plants and birds still have plenty of space, while the city lies literally just across the water.

• Unique dune landscape: Oosteroever consists of a narrow dune belt between the harbour of Oostende and the border with Bredene. Despite centuries of human intervention, a remarkable natural area has developed here with shifting dunes, grasslands and dune scrub.
• Special flora: In the white shifting dunes you will find typical coastal plants such as sea purslane, blue sea holly and sea rocket. Further inland colourful dune grasslands develop with plants such as stonecrop, lizard orchid, tassel hyacinth and hound’s tongue.
• Rich fauna: The area is an important habitat for various animals. You may encounter species such as the blue-winged grasshopper and the dune bush-cricket. In the sea buckthorn scrub birds such as the stonechat, willow warbler and whitethroat breed.
• Migratory birds: In autumn many birds migrate along the coast. The berries of the sea buckthorn shrubs then form an important food source for species such as the redwing and fieldfare.
• Dynamic dunes: Because of the wind, the dunes are constantly changing. Marram grass traps sand, allowing new shifting dunes to form. This natural process means the landscape is always evolving.
• Remarkable sights nearby:
  • The lighthouse Lange Nelle, one of the most recognisable beacons along the Belgian coast
  • The impressive Napoleonic Fort Napoleon (1814)
  • The Oosterstaketsel with beautiful views over the sea and harbour
  • The historic fish market of Oostende

Practical information

• Free access: The nature area is freely accessible throughout the year via walking paths and the sea dike (Spinoladijk). This allows you to enjoy a relaxed walk through the dunes while taking in views of the sea and harbour.
• Accessibility: Oosteroever can easily be reached by car, bicycle or by the ferry across the harbour entrance of Oostende. The ferry is also accessible for wheelchairs.
• Parking: A good starting point for your visit is the car park at the Vuurtorenweg.
• Walking route: A walking route of about 2.65 kilometres runs through the area, allowing you to explore the dunes and surroundings at a relaxed pace.

Anyone who would like to experience Oostende from a different perspective should definitely take a walk through the nature area Oosteroever. Here you will discover a surprising piece of coastal nature between harbour, sea and dunes.

Furthermore Oosteroever is near the following sights: Lighthouse Lange Nelle Oostende (±175 m), Fort Napoleon (±350 m), Jumpsquare (±650 m), Fish Market (±700 m) & City Museum Ostend (±900 m).

For information

Oosteroever, Oostende
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