De Panne Between Nature Conservation and Cultural Heritage

When planning your trip to De Panne, several themes may shape your choices: protected natural areas, trails, museums and regional history. If you are wondering whether the town fits your travel plans, you can weigh these highlights against what interests you during your stay.

Nature Conservation and Landscape

The Westhoek nature reserve is the oldest nature reserve in Flanders and was established in 1957. Together, the Houtsaegerduinen and Kerkepannebos form an 86-hectare Flemish nature reserve between De Panne and St.-Idesbald. De Zwarte Hoek is a 20-hectare wetland within the Flemish nature reserve De Duinen en Bossen van De Panne. A 60-hectare area is owned by the municipality and managed by ANB because of its great landscape diversity.

Westerpunt is another distinctive feature of the landscape: it is a geometric, gently ascending staircase connecting the promenade to the beach. The trails and protected areas offer different highlights—from a named wetland to an area comprising two natural spaces.

Trails and Things to Do

The Groene gordel hiking trail connects all the natural areas of De Panne and Adinkerke. De Panne Kerk stop is the closest to the trailhead. As public transport connections may change, check current services before travelling. The Wandeltip De Panne starts at the market square, at the corner of Zeelaan and Kasteelstraat, 8660 De Panne, Belgium.

The routes vary in their mode of transport and length: the local Panneruiterpad horse-riding loop is 12 kilometres long and signposted in both directions. The Fietslus around De Panne is a 39.6-kilometre cycling loop through the surrounding area. Route details may be updated, so check the latest information before setting out.

At Duinpanne’s North Sea Aquarium, you can see some species that live in the North Sea’s surf zone. The species on display may change. A guided discovery tour is offered at the Westhoek nature reserve; booking and programme details may change, so it is worth checking in advance.

Culture, History and Local Highlights

Dumontwijk has been a protected townscape since 1995. The Cabour WOII & 2/4 Lansiers Museum covers the history of the 2nd and 4th Lancers Regiments, as well as events from the Second World War that affected the region. This gives you a choice of two distinct themes for your stay: a protected townscape and regional military history.

The Museum van de Waterwinning displays historic equipment and the old pumping station. The surviving core buildings of the first water extraction plant in the Cabour area form an industrial archaeological ensemble. The Nostalgisch Media Museum displays old projectors, retro radios and mechanical televisions, as well as historical film and image presentations. Retrohuis De Viswinkel illustrates the area’s fishing heritage through ship models, objects and visual material.

Cultuurhuis De Scharbiellie hosts a varied annual exhibition programme covering different themes; individual exhibitions change. Regular rides on historic trams from the 1930s and 1950s depart from the “Stelplaats historische trams”. Timetables may change, so check the latest dates if you are planning a ride.

In De Panne, Musée Promenade is represented by ideograms and meaningful symbols on a 440-metre-long wall. Fresh fish and regional products that you can sample are available at the Saturday market in the centre of De Panne and on Zeelaan. Market offerings and details may change; check the latest information if you are planning a visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Adinkerke, Staden, Anzegem, Damme, Beernem, Blankenberge, Ingelmunster, Roeselare.

Go to the regional travel overview: West Flanders.