Zuienkerke: Cycling Routes, Polders and Heritage

When choosing a destination based on specific interests, Zuienkerke offers opportunities to explore cycling, the polder landscape and architectural history. You can weigh up which focus should guide your travel plans: a cycling route, bird habitats, or historic buildings and townscapes.

Cycling with different route options

The Polder Arrangement is a 43 km tourist and recreational cycling route through Zuienkerke’s four sub-municipalities. It starts and ends in the village of Zuienkerke. Four tasting stops are part of the arrangement, linking the cycling route with culinary stops. If you are travelling by car, parking is available at the church square or in the car park behind the municipal building. Another option is the Blankenbergse Dijk, which provides a cycling connection from Zuienkerke towards Blankenberge or Bruges. This gives you different options to consider when planning: the 43 km route through the sub-municipalities and a connection towards either of the two cities.

Polder landscape and bird habitats

The connected grassland areas, wet soils and bodies of water in the Uitkerkse Polders provide birds with habitats for overwintering, permanent residence and nesting. These features also make the landscape interesting for travellers keen to learn about bird habitats and their different roles throughout the year. Nature is a distinct focus alongside cycling when choosing a destination, encompassing overwintering, permanent residence and nesting.

Walk around the Meetkerkse Moeren

Walking is another possible travel interest: a bridge over the Sint-Andrieszwin makes a circular walking route around the Meetkerkse Moeren possible. The focus here is on the circular route around the nature area, while the Polder Arrangement and the Blankenbergse Dijk are the cycling options mentioned above. This makes it possible to distinguish between the activities without combining them into a single route.

Waterway and transport history

The Blankenbergse Vaart is a 12 km waterway between Bruges and Blankenberge, dating back to the Middle Ages. Historically, it was used as a transport route, including for fish brought from Blankenberge to Bruges. The history of water transport is another topic to consider when choosing a trip, alongside cycling and the landscape.

Hof Cleyhem and the protected village scene

Hof Cleyhem is a rare surviving complex comprising an upper and lower farmstead. The small castle stands on a motte and is surrounded by a moat; the associated farm lies to the east. According to specialist literature, the present buildings date from the 17th century. They were extensively altered in the 18th century and renovated in the 1960s. This dating distinguishes the period when the present buildings were constructed from their later alterations and renovation. The central part of Zuienkerke village centre is also designated as a protected village scene. Those who include cultural history in their choice of where to stay will find both an architectural complex and a protected area of the village, each offering a distinct theme.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Meetkerke, Ingelmunster, Oudenburg, Middelkerke, Blankenberge, Damme, Koekelare, Ruiselede

For the regional travel overview: West Flanders.