Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Nature reserve · De Panne, Flandres Ocidental
De Westhoek (reserva natural)
A dune reserve of about 340 hectares between De Panne and the French border, the oldest state nature reserve in Flanders, featuring moving white dunes, wet hollows and waymarked trails.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About De Westhoek (reserva natural)
The Westhoek reserve covers about 340 hectares between De Panne town centre, the Mar do Norte and the French border. The landscape has been protected since 1935 and in 1957 became a state nature reserve, the oldest in Flanders. It is part of the largest continuous dune system on the Flemish coast.
The most striking feature are the white, shifting dunes, devoid of vegetation, which resemble a small desert by the sea. Between them are wet hollows, with plants and birds typical of those habitats, and areas of scrub. On the French side the reserve continues into the dunes of the Perroquet.
Waymarked trails cross the reserve and lead to viewpoints over the dunes and the sea. In some sections, grazing by animals helps keep the vegetation low. Leaving the marked trails is forbidden in order to protect the dunes.
The reserve can be accessed on foot from the promenade and the western neighbourhood of De Panne, and the visitor centre for the area provides information on routes and guided walks; check opening times in advance.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the route chosen.
Best time
In spring and early autumn, in the morning or late afternoon, when the light is low over the dunes.
How to get there
It lies on the west side of De Panne, about a 15–20 minute walk from the Esplanada Leopoldo I, or a few minutes from the final stop of the Kusttram.
Tip
Wear closed shoes and bring water: walking on the soft sand of the dunes is more tiring than it seems. Stay on the marked trails.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about De Westhoek (reserva natural)
What is the size of the Westhoek reserve?
About 340 hectares, between De Panne, the sea and the border with France.
Can you walk freely on the dunes?
No. Visits are on marked trails to protect the dunes and vegetation.
Is the reserve related to the Westhoek region near Ypres?
Only in name. The reserve is on the coast of De Panne; the Westhoek region is inland in the southwest of Flandres Ocidental.