This coastal town on Belgium's North Sea has upscale shops, art galleries, and 12 kilometers of sandy beaches lined with colorful beach cabins and dunes.
Knokke-Heist sits along Belgium's North Sea coast with 12 kilometers of sandy beaches. You can walk through the Zwin nature reserve's salt marshes, spot migrating storks, browse modern art at the Casino's Magritte murals, or relax at one of the five distinct beach areas. The town's art scene includes more than 40 galleries displaying contemporary European works.
The Five Beaches
Each of Knokke-Heist's beaches has its own character. At Heist, you'll find a 270-meter-wide sandy beach where local families gather for swimming and sunbathing. Duinbergen's one-kilometer stretch attracts painters who set up their easels near the beach. The area around Albertstrand's casino fills with beach bars and daytime activities. Het Zoute, Belgium's easternmost beach, maintains a relaxed atmosphere even during peak season and connects directly to the Zwin nature reserve.
The Zwin Nature Reserve
The 158-hectare Zwin reserve marks a major European bird migration route. Walking trails cross salt marshes where you can spot avocets nesting in spring and storks resting during their seasonal journey. The aviary houses local bird species, and in summer, purple sea lavender blooms across the marshes. Stop at the educational center to explore interactive exhibits about coastal ecosystems.
Art Scene
The 40+ galleries in Knokke-Heist display contemporary European and international art. During Easter, early summer, and autumn, the Art Nocturne festival brings temporary exhibitions throughout town. The Casino's dining room walls display large-scale recreations of René Magritte's paintings.
Activities and Sports
Several coastal schools teach surfing basics and advanced techniques. At Lakeside Paradise, you can try cable skiing - a pulley system pulls you across the water on water skis or a wakeboard. Indoor sports centers stay open year-round, and the town hosts the Belgian Basketball and Volleyball Supercups. The casino requires formal dress and a passport for entry, and includes gaming tables and regular entertainment shows.
Getting Around
Trains run hourly from three local stations to Brussels with a connection in Bruges. The Kusttram (coastal tram) links to neighboring beach towns. Local bike rental shops connect you to the regional cycling network. In summer, a miniature train departs from Van Bunnenplein every 30 minutes for tours of central Knokke-Heist.
