Maria Hendrikapark - Nature

The Maria Hendrikapark is the largest and best-known city park in Oostende. It lies just outside the busy centre and is often simply called ’t Bosje by locals.

What can you expect at the Maria Hendrikapark?

For tourists, it is a lovely place to escape the bustle of the seafront promenade, shopping streets and harbour for a while.

• Green tranquillity close to the city: The park is a pleasant place for walking, jogging, picnicking or simply sitting quietly by the water.
• Historic city park: The park was laid out between 1888 and 1892 on the initiative of King Leopold II and was later named after his wife, Queen Maria Hendrika. In 1896, the park was expanded to include the Spiegelmeer and the Konijnenvijver, among other features.
• Ponds and walking paths: Wide paths, little bridges, lawns and shady trees make the park ideal for a relaxed walk. The area around the Spiegelmeer is especially pleasant for walking or jogging.
• Eye-catcher: One striking spot in the park is the Nelson Mandelabrug over the Koninginnevijver. This bridge is a lovely photo spot and forms an important cycling connection between the surrounding neighbourhoods and the city centre.
• The Koninginnehof: In the middle of the park lies Het Koninginnehof, a well-known café-restaurant and recreation spot on an island in the pond. Nearby you will find a terrace, playground, mini golf, go-karts and boats.
  • Rowing and pedal boating: Those who want to experience the park from the water can choose a rowing boat or pedal boat in good weather. It is a calm and playful way to discover the ponds.
• The Family Square: For children, the Gezinsplein is one of the most popular places in the park. There is a sheltered play area for the very youngest and a separate zone for older children. Part of the woodland near the Gezinsplein has been set up as an adventurous play forest, where children can explore and play to their heart’s content.
• Great for families: Thanks to its combination of greenery, water, play facilities and recreation, the Maria Hendrikapark is also very suitable for families with children. The Gezinsplein is even one of the busiest play zones in Oostende.
• A break from the beach and centre: Especially on warm or busy days, the park is a pleasant green alternative to the beach and the lively city centre of Oostende.

Practical information

The Maria Hendrikapark is not a park to simply hurry through, but a place where you can easily linger for a while. You can walk, play, have a drink on a terrace, enjoy the ponds or simply unwind among the greenery.

• Access: The park is public and free to visit.
• Parking: On the edge of the park there is a large car park on Iependreef. This car park has around 300 spaces and is only a short distance from the centre.

Visit the Maria Hendrikapark for a relaxed walk, a family outing or a peaceful moment by the water.

Discover the green side of Oostende in the Maria Hendrikapark!

Furthermore Maria Hendrikapark is near the following sights: Spiegelmeer (±100 m), Bootverhuur Koninginnenhof (±125 m), Minigolf Koninginnenhof (±150 m), Koninginnehof (±175 m) & Go-carts Koninginnenhof (±225 m).

For information

Maria Hendrikapark, Oostende