Belgium is known for its great GR hiking paths (Grande Randonnée or Grote Routepaden), so when I learned of a new GR Regional Coastal path, covering the entire length of Belgium’s coastline, I had to walk it. The 103-kilometer-long coastal path takes you from the border of France to the border of the Netherlands. You cross coastal natural habitats, mondaine fishermen’s villages, and luxury seaside resorts.
I walked the entire length of the Belgium Coastal Path in 1 go, you can read my experiences below, but first some information about the path.
Where is the Belgium Coastal Path?
The Belgium Coastal Path hugs the Belgium Coast. It runs from De Panne, near the French/Belgium border, to Nature Reserve ‘t Zwin, near the Dutch/Belgium Border. It passed seaside cities and villages like Knokke-Heist, Blankenberge, De Haan, Oostende, and Nieuwpoort.
How long is the Belgium Coastal Path?
The official route is 103 km long. It can easily be divided into 4 long or 5 days of roughly 20 kilometers each.
How to follow the Belgium Coastal Path?
The path is well marked in both directions. As it is a regional path, the markings are Yellow/Red stripes. At some points, it intersects with the GR5(A). This is big route around Belgium, which is marked with red/white stripes.
You can find the Red/Yellow markers on every crossing or intersection. It can be stickers or official shields. You can find them on lamp posts, benches, and specific marker posts in the dunes.
How long does it take to walk the entire Belgian coast?
The path is divided into 4 sections, but due to the very easy-to-use tram line that covers almost the whole entire coast, it is easy to cut things up into say 5 sections of roughly 20 km. Or even 10 parts of 10 kilometers each! Some examples below:
103 km of GR Regio Kustpad in 4 days:
Most people walk South to North (I didn’t), so I’ll give you the stages in that order
- Day 1: start in De Panne (Adinkerke) to Nieuwpoort (30 km)
- Day 2: Nieuwpoort to Oostende (24,5 km)
- Day 3: Oostende to Blankenberge (22 km)
- Day 4: Blankenberge to ‘t Zwin (26,5 km)
103 km of GR Regional Belgium Coastal Path in 5 days:
- Day 1: De Panne (Adinkerke) to Nieuwpoort Bad (Groenenlaan) (25 km)
- Day 2: Nieuwpoort Bad (Groenenlaan) to Middelkerke (Greefplein) (18km)
- Day 3: Middelkerke to De Haan (Vosseslag) (20 km)
- Day 4: De Haan (Vosseslag) to Zeebrugge (Stationswijk) (20 km)
- Day 5: Zeebrugge to ‘t Zwin (20 km)
But really, anything that works for you would work, as at any given time, you can take the Kust tram (KT) Coastal Tramline.
Where to stay on the Coastal Path in Belgium?
You could book accommodation in each of the places where you’ll end your walking days. The Belgian Coast is full with sea side resorts, holiday parks, camping, and luxury hotels. However, you can also pick a spot and stay there for your trip, and use the coastal tram line (KT- Kusttram) to go back and forth to your starting point.
I’ve booked a rental apartment in Oostende, right on the coastal path. I used the tram line each day to bring me to the start point, and I took the tram ‘home’ at each end of the day. Because Oostende is right in the middle of the Belgian Coastal path, distances are easy to manage.
Keep in mind that the coast is very popular on (bank) holiday weekends and during the summer season. Places fill up quickly, and booking ahead is my biggest recommendation.
How to get to the trailhead of the Streek GR Kustpad?
The Coastal Tram (Kusttram – KT) runs between Adinkerke (De Panne) and Knokke-Heist. From Knokke-Heist, you can take the regular bus line 41 to get as close as possible to ‘t Zwin. From there, you can walk the 2.8 km to the starting point.
Running from April 1st to October 18th (2026) is “De Zwinbus“. This is a direct bus service from the train station at Knokke that runs to ‘T Zwin nature park. The bus runs 2 times a day in each direction (10.30 and 11.30 from Knokke to ‘t Zwin, or at 16.15 or 17.15 departing ‘t Zwin. Spaces are limited, so it is advised to book ahead. They cost €3 for a return ticket.
Places along the coast like De Panne (Adinkerke), Nieuwpoort, Oostende, and Knokke-Heist are well-connected train stations with the rest of Belgium. From Dunkerque (France), there is a free bus that ends in Adinkerke (BE).
What to expect when walking along the Belgian Coast
Sand. And I say that with a smile. But you can also walk on the pavement (promenade) or the boardwalk along the shore. And sand dunes. Nature reserve, waving grasses, screeching seagulls.
And lovely seaside marinas, holiday parks, and yes, also a few high rises along the coast. Expect sea shacks selling fish, swanky beach lounge bars, and Belgian fries.
The path tries to stick to nature as much as possible. Sometimes a bit of beach, dunes, or seashell paths. Some bike lanes, pavement, and city walking. But the sea is never far away. There are some ugly buildings, massive harbors, and industry. But the path does a very good job of hiding them, meandering around them, keeping it out of sight.
My personal experiences hiking the full Belgium Coastal Path
I took the long Ascension holiday weekend, from Thursday to Sunday, to walk the 103 kilometers of the Belgian coastal route. This was late May, last year. The route has just been published, and new route markers have been applied.
My alarm went off super early, and before 8 am, I reached the outskirts of Knokke-Heist. I’ve decided to walk north to south, as this way, I’d leave the Netherlands and walk to France. I parked the car in a free parking spot and walked the 2.8 kilometers to the nature reserve ‘t Zwin.
Unfortunately, the path doesn’t start at the actual border between the Netherlands and Belgium, and it was too much hassle for me to take in those extra kilometers. The visitor center at ‘t Zwin was still closed, and I looked for an official marker to mark the start of the trail, but I couldn’t find it.
Day 1 from ‘t Zwin to Blankenberge
Not even 8.30 am and I’m starting! Although I’ve been up for 3 hours, I’m still sleepy. Luckily, the route is easy to follow, and the quiet morning is refreshing. The path makes a loop through Nature Reserve ‘t Zwin, across the beach, and then back to the outskirts of Knokke-Heist. I actually passed my car but continued through a foresty area with luxury villas.
The path crosses the golf course before reaching the busy city center of Knokke-Heist. I lose the markings here a bit, as it is always difficult to navigate busy urban areas. I buy a sandwich at a local bakery and enjoy it at the park with a large pond.
Knokke-Heist
From here, I leave Knokke-Heist behind, and the route meanders through residential areas, woodland paths, and the promenade by the sea. I was a bit apprehensive of walking past the major European harbor of Zeebrugge, but the path does a really good job at hiding the views. I walk on pedestrian walkways, side streets, and before I know it, Zeebrugge Seaport is already behind me.
The path doesn’t follow the beach or the promenade all the time, but seeks out the nature adjacent to the beach. And this is surprisingly diverse and interesting. Although the day started with a bit of drizzle, the sun is out now in full swing. I’m getting hot and very tired after 27 kilometers, so when I hear the tram very close to the path, I abandon the idea of continuing to the center of Blankenberge and decide to call it a day and hop on the tram.
I take the tram all the way to the end station in Knokke-Heist. From there, I take a bus to where I’ve parked my car to pick it up again. I’m staying in Oostende, so I still need to drive there, settle in, get some food, and recover. It’s been a long day.
Stats for day 1 Blankenberge to ‘t Zwin
Distance: 27 km
How to get to ‘t Zwin: Bus 41 and walk 2.8 km or Zwinbus
Where to stay in Blankenberge: Hotel Beach Palace by CW Hotel Collection
Where to stay in Knokke-Heist: Hotel Lugano
Where to stay near ‘t Zwin: Hotel Pavillon du Zoute
Day 2 from Blankenberge to Oostende
I’m never a very early bird, but at 8 am sharp, I’m waiting for the tram from Oostende to bring me back to Blankenberge. The tram takes more than an hour, but it’s fun to see where I’ll be walking today. But it does hit me: it’s going to be a long walk!
I get off the tram where I stopped yesterday, and at 9 am, I have the whole dune area of Blankenberge to myself. The sun is shining, there is a small sea breeze, the sea shelves on the path are chirping underneath my feet, and the grass is waving me welcome. I love this!
I reach the promenade of Blankenberge and walk in the shade again. The high-rise apartment complexes are not really appealing. At this hour of the day, there is nothing going on except some runners and dog walkers. I keep my eyes fixed on the seaside and make my way through Blankenberge. The harbour days are in full swing, and it is a busy hustle and bustle around the harbour.
Once past Blankenberge, the path goes out to the beach for a while before returning to the cycle path just behind the dunes. It is not clear to me why the path chooses only small sections of beach, and why those sections in particular, but it makes for varied walking.
De Haan
I reach the city of Wenduine and its boulevard. It is lovely here, with children eating ice cream, people flying kites, and just that really relaxed seaside vibe. After Wenduine, we leave the seafront and go a bit further into the hinterland. Through forest areas and dune reserves. It is splendid walking. No seaviews here, but relaxed, lush woodland paths, with a variety of flora around me.
Once at De Haan, nature is nowhere to be found. Through the villa neighbourhood, towards the center. I’m really craving some lunch, and I settle at a playground brasserie-style place. I’m stunned by the prices here. I never paid that much for a grilled cheese, and it wasn’t anything special. Unfortunately, I had already removed my shoes and had a drink, otherwise I would have left.
No point in crying over spilled milk, or spent money in this case, so after a long break, I continue. Again, not by the shore, but a path right behind it. Again, woodland and green, so it makes for pleasant walking. At Bredene, the path goes out to sea, and you have like 700 meters of beach walking before the path goes back to the dunes and the easy path behind it.
Oostende
Closer to Oostende, the path follows the edge of the beach on a concrete footpath along the sea. It is super busy now with people enjoying the seaside. But the wind has picked up as well, so on a few occasions, I’m gritting my teeth with beach sand.
The Coastal Path makes a loop around a fort, bunker, and lighthouse, which is quite interesting. You then navigate a harbor area to reach the pedestrian ferry across the water. The ferry is for pedestrians and cyclists only. The ferry takes only 10 minutes to get across, but the loading and unloading of the passengers takes forever. It takes over 1.5 hours and multiple trips back and forth before I can board.
By now, I’m absolutely spent. My legs are hurting, and I’ve eaten all my snacks. I seriously need a rest! But once across, I still have to walk to my accommodation for the night. It is right on the path, and I navigate the streets of Oostende to get there. Past the station, across the park, and then I’m finally home! Over 30 km today.
Stats for day 2 Oostende to Blankenberge
Distance: 30 km
How to get there: Use the KT – Coastal Tram to get to and from Blankenberge and Oostende
Where to stay in Blankenberge: Avenue Hotel by F-Hotels
Where to stay in De Haan: Hotel Canteklaar
Where to stay in Oostende: Hotel Cocoon
Day 3 from Oostende to Nieuwpoort
New day, new hike. I leave my rental flat at 8.30 am, and immediately, I’m back on the Belgium Coastal path. The path takes me along the shore, on the promenade of Oostende. Not the most interesting high-rise buildings, but the views out to sea are great. I love the peace and quiet at this time.
Once past Oostende, the path runs parallel to the tram line and the main road for cars. Also, not the most interesting walking, so it really is a slug. I’m so focused on Middelkerke in the distance that I miss the turn off. The path runs through a nice green, slightly raised area around the Atlantikwall, but I’ve missed it and keep walking on the road.
Once I realize my mistake, I cut inland, back to the path, and it is so much nicer up here. It is only 10-20 meters higher, but it offers sweeping views of the coast and the land behind it. The curved holiday villages and the church towers in the distance.
Middelkerke
Once in Middelkerke, I walk on the promenade again. But this time, it is a wider promenade, so I’m not walking in the shade. It is perfect. Those little beach huts on the beach, the chill vibe of beach clubs, and children darting in and out and in between.
I take a loop around the casino, and then the path heads away from the seaside, through a park and residential area. All of a sudden, I’m walking in the dunes again. I can see the road and the tramline. The backside of those seaside condos, but I’m right in the middle of nature. Dune shrubs, vegetation, and small woodland areas are all connected. It makes for excellent walking.
Once at Westende, the path goes back to the shore and the promenade. Then it returns for some lovely dune area, with a sea shelf path and birds and flowers. Lovely.
Nieuwpoort
Once at Lombardsijde, we leave the coast for a while. Through some back roads, a farmer’s field, a sports complex, a military area, and around the harbor of Nieuwpoort. At this moment, there is a weird smell at the harbor, so I try to get out of there as quickly as possible.
I pass the visitor Center and the giant monument to King Albert. Along the docks, I continue to Nieuwpoort. Pfew, I’ve made it for today. But I want to continue. Things are going very slowly now, but every kilometer I walk today, I don’t have to walk tomorrow. And as tomorrow will be the longest and hardest day yet, I want to chip away at it already.
So I continue through Nieuwpoort. It is mad, crazy busy here. People walk considerably slower (or maybe I walk faster) than me, so I navigate myself through the masses. It is Saturday afternoon, and the sun has come out again. People are flocking in from everywhere. Along the promenade, it is extremely busy. I just grit my teeth, put one foot in front of the other, and keep walking.
At Groenendijk, at the end of Nieuwpoort, the path goes out to the beach again. I decide to call it quits for today. From here, I walk back to the nearest tram stop and ride back to Oostende. Another 27 kilometers, done!
Stats for day 3 Nieuwpoort to Oostende
Distance: 27 km
How to get there: use the KT coastal tram line again
Where to stay in Oostende: Rosa Hotel
Where to stay in Middelkerke: C Hotels Silt
Where to stay in Nieuwpoort: Cosmopolite Hotel
Day 4 from Nieuwpoort to De Panne
Fourth and final day of walking the coastline of Belgium. I leave my apartment in Oostende mega early and take the car to the end station of De Panne. From here, I take one of the first trams back, and at 8.30 am, I’m back on the path.
A small section of beach walking, through the sand dunes, and then one nature area after another. Dunes, grasses, moss, shrubs, and woodland. The path meanders through it. Sometimes through soft sand, then a pine tree-covered path again.
There is civilization everywhere around me, but I don’t see it. The path goes from one natural area to another. Sometimes passing a few houses, but mostly in nature. The highest point is at Hooge Blekker – Doornpanne, and it is lovely. I really enjoy the views, but why is there no cafe, restaurant, or other facility where I can use the restrooms?
De Panne
The day continues quite uneventfully. At some point, I pass an abandoned building site, and I spot a portable toilet. Although technically, I’m trespassing, I decide to take the risk and go for it. Afterwards, I feel much better and continue to De Panne.
The path doesn’t go straight into De Panne, the final settlement before the border with France, but continues using natural paths and a green corridor through urban settlements. Quite tired already, I still have the toughest section ahead: Nature Reserve De Westhoek. The path makes a giant loop through it, and it is really stunning.
I climb one view tower and can see as far as the eye can see. Behind me, Belgium. In front of me: France! Wow. I take a moment to take it all in and admire the views before continuing. Through the soft sand and dune paths. This is some serious hard walking!
I reach a road, and on the map, I spot something. It turns out to be a retirement home or assisted living home, but they are open to the public, and I can have a rest, order a drink, and a snack. Great!
Westerpunt
By now, the wind has picked up, and when I enter the beach, it is blowing with full force right in my face. Now I understand why most people walk south to north. Ugh.
Sand gritting between my teeth, I walk across the vast plane of hard-packed sand. This beach is amazing! There is a futuristic monument, the viewpoint “Westerpunt”, which I have to climb.
I’m ecstatic. I love this beach, I love the sun, and I love the view of France in the distance. It doesn’t look any different from where I came from, but it is there. As I walk closer and closer, I see a flag in the distance. At first, I think: Ah, maybe it is a beach club with a flag. But as I approach, I realize it is the French flag!
I’m at the border! There is no official border, though. It is just sand and beach and the sea. On the Belgian side, it looks exactly the same as on the French side. The only way I know this is the border is because I check my live location on Google Maps, and I see this is the border.
I draw a line in the sand and pass it. I walked from the Netherlands to France! And yes, I know it sounds a lot further than it is, but it still feels special to me.
I cut inland and take a break again. I contemplate continuing into France and taking a bus back to De Panne, to my car. But I have zero reception at this point, so I have no idea if this is feasible at this time on a Sunday. I decide to stick with my plan and continue the Belgium Coastal Route back to De Panne.
De Panne – part 2
The path follows the border through soft sand and dunes. There is a fence for a holiday park, so it is easy to stick to the Belgian side. In hindsight, I could have easily continued to Bray-Dunes in France and taken the bus there. That would have made continuing on the French coastal path so much easier. But here I am, throthing my way through loose sand, trying to move forward.
I am so tired. Over 100 km in 4 days is a lot more than my regular average. Early mornings, loads of walking, and many impressions. I’m ready for this to be over!
The path, however, keeps meandering through dunes, woodland paths, and finally a bench! I empty my shoes, and a ton of sand comes out. That makes walking a bit lighter. I can hear the roller coaster from Plopsaland. It’s not far.
Through some farmland and then I see the train tracks of De Panne. I made it! I pose with the sign of De Panne, and I’m super happy I’ve made it. Tired but happy!
The Belgium Coastal Path is done and dusted. The first complete country crossed off my coastal walking list!
Stats for day 4 De Panne to Nieuwpoort
Distance: 32 km
How to get there: Take the KT Coastal Tram to Niewpoort or Adinkerke. Between those places, the path follows nature trails away from public transport.
Where to stay in Nieuwpoort: Hotel Sandeshoved Zeedijk
Where to stay in De Panne: Hotel Villa Select
Where to stay in Adinkerke: Plopsaland Theater Hotel
Belgium Coastal Path – Hiking along the Belgian Shore
4 days of walking, nothing but sand, dunes, coastal life. It was absolute bliss. It is a great short(er) hike, but still a challenge due to the long days and soft sand. The nature and seaside are stunning. And the path navigates the lesser appealing views very smartly.
Due to the nearby Coastal Tramline (KT- Kusttram), it is very easy to hike this trail in sections. Or pick 1 base and go back and forth with the tram. If you’re looking for a short coastal hike, with loads of nature but still with the convenience of modern life, then head to the Belgian Coast and start hiking!
Belgium Coast Path is part of the E9 European Long Distance Hiking Trail
Did you know the entire Belgian coastal path is part of the bigger European long-distance hiking path, the E9? The section is part of my bigger dream hike, to cover the entire length of Europe on foot, from Gibraltar to Nordkapp. Check out my hiking Europe page for more information and details.
Let me know if you have any specific questions or need help planning your own trip. If you thought this post was helpful or fun to read, let me know in the comment section below. Or share it with your friends or on social media! And make sure to come back for more travel stories next time.