Together with Ostend, Knokke-Heist, situated near the Dutch border in an attractive landscape of dunes, is probably the most elegant seaside resort in Belgium. The broad beach is 12km/8miles long and comprises approximately one fifth of the Belgian coastline.
Since 1880 the present tourist resort has developed very rapidly from the small fishing village of Knokke to merge with the residential suburb Het Zoute and the newer suburb of Albertstrand, and until the Thirties was one of the leading seaside resorts in Europe, patronized by the British.
In recent years the coastal towns of Heist and Duinbergen have been absorbed into the growing built-up area. The entire agglomeration can accommodate five times its population in several thousand appartments, 120 hotels and guest houses and five campsites, which, during the high season, is not unproblematic. To the large amount of accommodation available in the town can be added an unusually wide range of entertainment and recreational facilities, with something to offer every visitor.
The Het Zwin Nature Reserve is home to over 100 species of birds. This silted inlet is best visited in the Spring months when the flowers blossom and cover the ground in a colourful display.
As well as the permanent choice of entertainment there are occasional important fairs and festivals which are mainly held in the Scharpoord cultural center. These include the Kartoenale (World Cartoon Exhibition), the Knokke European Song Contest and the folk festival in July and August.
Het Zoute, with its elegant villas set back in the dunes and the evening meeting place of Albertplein, owes its reputation as a fashionable seaside resort to Knokke-Heist. The Royal Golf Club de Zoute, with two 18-hole courses, one of the largest in Europe, and the grounds of the Riding Club add to this.
This museum is located in a restored 19th century schoolhouse. It displays exhibits on the fishing industry in Knokke-Heist and area. Visitors can also see a model of an old-time school classroom.
Among the best walks in and around Knokke-Heist are the "Bloemenwandeling" through the residential suburb of Het Zoute, the "Landelijke Knokke" and the "Polderwandeling" through the attractive dune landscape. The 7km/4miles long Zeedijk which stretches from Heist past Duinbergen to Het Zoute across the wide beach is lined with numerous hotels and villas. The tourist information office has brochures with a total of 10 cycle tours in the surroundings of Knokke-Heist.
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Knokke - Heist - Het Zwin Nature Reserve
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Het Zoute, Belgium
Knokke - Heist - Het Zwin Nature Reserve, Knokke-Heist
Knokke - Heist - Het Zwin Nature Reserve, Knokke-Heist
Knokke-Heist, Zeebrugge
