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Before you go
Your trip to De Haan.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
De Haan – Flandres Ocidental Destination Bruges and the coast about 15 km from Bruges
How to get there
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Aeroporto de Bruxelas (Zaventem) (BRU) Zaventem · 120 km
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Station Oostende Ostende · 12 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
Check before buying. The most practical connection is the Kusttram, which has about ten stops in the municipality; the main one is De Haan aan Zee. Those arriving by train usually get off at Ostende or Blankenberge and continue by tram. Bruges is about a 20-minute drive. By car, the N34 runs through the town.
How many days
Half a day for the Concessie neighborhood and the beach. A full day allows walking to Wenduine and the Spioenkop and strolling through the woods and dune reserves. De Haan is also a quiet base for visiting Bruges and Ostende.
When to go
June to September is beach season. The dune woods between De Haan and Wenduine are usually good for walking and cycling in spring, from April to May, and in autumn, from September to October, when there is less activity.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. The Kusttram connects De Haan with Ostende, Wenduine and Blankenberge, and the village is explored on foot or by bicycle, with bike paths through the dunes.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in De Haan
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Morning
Concessie neighborhood
Start at the tram pavilion De Haan aan Zee and walk along the curved streets of the Concessie, among Belle Époque houses and gardens.
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Afternoon
Beach and promenade
Have lunch on the waterfront and walk along the beach or the promenade to Wenduine, about 4 km to the northeast.
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Late afternoon
Spioenkop
Climb the Spioenkop dune in Wenduine for views of the sea and the coast. Return by tram to De Haan.
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Evening
Dinner in the village
Dine at one of the restaurants in the centre, with North Sea fish and Belgian beers.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What is the Concessie?
It is the original neighborhood of De Haan, planned at the end of the 19th century as a seaside resort among the dunes, with curved streets and Belle Époque houses, many of them protected.
Did Einstein live in De Haan?
Yes. In 1933, after leaving Nazi Germany, Albert Einstein lived for a few months in the Savoyarde villa in De Haan.
Is De Haan good for those seeking peace and quiet?
It is usually one of the quietest seaside resorts on the Belgian coast, with low-rise buildings and fewer tall blocks on the waterfront.
What language is spoken in De Haan?
Flemish. Many people also speak French and English.
Can you go to Bruges from De Haan?
Yes. Bruges is about a 20-minute drive, or you can take the tram to Ostende or Blankenberge and then the train.