Zeebrugge: Beach, Port and Maritime History

If you’re looking for a hotel in Zeebrugge, you can start by basing your travel decision on specific interests in the area: the beach, port views or maritime history. The following places and routes give these themes a local connection; when choosing a hotel, it’s important to find a location that suits your plans.

The beach and port as points of interest

In summer, people from Bruges use the wide, safe sandy beach to sunbathe, swim and relax. In July and August, beach wheelchairs, good access to the beach, adapted sanitary facilities and assistance are available in Zeebrugge. Before your trip, check whether the beach services you need will be available during the months of your visit.

The renovated marina includes new walking areas, stepped seating, ramps and meeting places for residents, visitors and water sports enthusiasts. As port works continue, the arrangements may still change. Zeebrugge-Dorp railway station is a 15-minute walk from the marina. This walk helps you gauge the time needed to get between the station and the port.

The viewpoint at the foot of the Zweedse Kaai also offers a view of the port. It is located on a peninsula at the transition between the outer and inner harbours. Along the St George’s Day walk, two viewing platforms offer panoramic views of the sea, beach and port; the route follows the western harbour breakwater almost out to sea.

Walks with different points of interest

The Erfgoedwandeling is 5.8 kilometres long and starts near Seafront. Studs set into the ground, marked with a port crane symbol, show the way. Together with its stated length, this ground marker provides a concrete reference point for finding your way along the walk.

The western harbour breakwater and the two viewing platforms are the main features of the St George’s Day walk. This makes it possible to compare the 5.8-kilometre Erfgoedwandeling, with its ground markers, and the route along the breakwater according to different interests: the former is a measured route, while the latter offers panoramic views of the sea, beach and port.

The history of the seaside resort and maritime remembrance

The former Palace Hotel is a protected monument. Before the First World War, it was built as a luxurious seaside hotel in an exclusive holiday architectural style unique to Zeebrugge. Anyone interested in the coastal town’s hotel history can find a tangible connection here to the development of the seaside resort.

Sint-Donaaskerk is a parish church built in a simplified Neo-Gothic style. It was originally built around 1910 and rebuilt in 1951. An English military cemetery lies right next to the church, where German and British soldiers from the First World War are buried.

The 16-metre-high concrete Visserskruis was erected in 1936 in memory of fishermen who lost their lives at sea. Marble plaques at the foot of the cross bear the names of these fishermen. The monument connects the remembrance of individuals with the town’s maritime history.

Since 1926, the Zeewijding has brought together residents, fishing families and visitors to honour the sea and remember sailors who have died. The maritime procession is recognised as intangible cultural heritage and takes place every year on the last Sunday in June; the exact date varies from year to year. If you’re planning your trip around it, check the date for the year you’ll be travelling.

Nature and planning your visit

In the area around Zeebrugge, De Fonteintjes stretches between Blankenberge and Zeebrugge, covering 20 hectares of dunes. The area includes lakes, wet grasslands and many rare orchids. These landscape features give this natural area a different character from the port views and beach attractions in town.

The visitor centre in the ABC building in Zeebrugge is only accessible to groups visiting the port with a tour guide association. If you’re planning to visit, bear this access requirement in mind.

Discover more destinations: Sint-Michiels Brugge, Sint-Andries, Sint-Kruis, Assebroek, Lissewege, Dudzele

Go to the main travel overview: Bruges.