Discover Wenduine: Windmill, Dunes and Beach

When choosing a stay in Wenduine, a range of interests may come into play: historic buildings, views across dunes and polders, walks, and seasonal beach activities. If you are looking for a hotel in Wenduine, the time of year you travel may be just as important as whether your focus is more on culture, nature or outdoor activities.

History and architecture in Wenduine

Hubert Mill is a wooden grain mill built by Jan Hubert in 1880. It was used commercially until 1934 and then became a tourist attraction. It has been protected as a monument since 1993. Its type of mill is also noteworthy: it is the only surviving example in Flanders of a hybrid type developed from the post mill and the trestle mill. Its fixed and movable parts are completely intact, and can still be used to carry out the successive stages of flour production.

Spioenkop also connects history with a distinctive spot in the dunes. The dune has been used several times as a strategic observation post since 1770. The present-day Spioenkop pavilion dates from 1955. From Spioenkop, the view stretches inland across a wide panorama. In clear weather, you can see the church towers of the polder villages and the city of Bruges.

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross tells the story of several building phases. The first chapel stood on this site in 1135, and it was elevated to a parish church around 1185. The tower served as a sea mark. In 1906, the church was extended to a design by the architect De Pauw; the growth of the seaside resort of Wenduine and the presence of holiday parishioners contributed to this. As a medieval Flemish coastal church in the hall-church style, it is a remarkable example. The entire church building and its cultural heritage have been protected since 20 January 2003; partial protection had already been in place since 19 April 1937 and 3 February 1983.

Dune views, trails and nature

The Duinbossen walking route brings together several different experiences: at the Spioenkop pavilion, it offers a 360-degree view, and it also passes through the de Concessie villa district, with its romantic Anglo-Norman architecture. Beach and dune views are also among the route's highlights. This brings views and architectural history together, without limiting the walk to a single theme.

Several paths lead to Spioenkop; on the seaward side, there is also a staircase built into the dunes. The paths are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, but are steep. Another viewpoint is the de Lepelaar platform, which overlooks the Wenduine clay pits. If you plan to visit this viewpoint, check the current route before setting out.

Near Wenduine lie the Duinbossen of De Haan, a protected natural area covering 157 hectares. It includes both open dune landscapes and extensive wooded dunes with their characteristic flora and fauna. The De Slierberg play forest offers another way to spend time outdoors: it has an 18-metre-long slide and an adventure trail among the trees. From Wenduine, the play forest is accessible via an easy walk of about two kilometres. Bicycle parking is available, and De Slierberg is easily reached by bike via the Driftweg cycle path.

Beach activities and events

The seasonal programme at the sports beach includes beach tennis, beach volleyball and beach soccer every day from 12 noon to 6 pm in July and August. Equipment for other games and sports is also available to rent there. As this is a seasonal offering, check the current dates before travelling. Surfing Elephant is a water sports club on Wenduine beach that offers surfing and kitesurfing lessons; the club also rents out water sports equipment. Check the provider's current information before visiting.

Individual events may also influence your choice of when to travel. Since 1986, the Wenduinse Reuzen have invited their fellow giants to a parade every July. On Whit Monday, the story of the legend is brought to life in a dance and music spectacle on the beach at the Rotonde, followed by a sea blessing. If you are travelling for either of these events, check the specific dates.

Planning your visit

De Lijn's coastal tram serves ten stops in the municipality of De Haan, including Wenduine Centrum, Molen, Manitoba and Harendijke. Routes and stops may change, so check the current connection before travelling. There are also specific parking rules along the seafront promenade: between Demeyhelling and Manitobahelling, parking is only permitted in designated spaces. From the first Saturday of the Easter holidays until 30 September, parking there is limited to one hour and a parking disc is required. Check the rules in force at the location.

Discover more destinations: Vosseslag.

Go to the main travel overview: De Haan.