Knokke-Heist is an affluent beach town fringed by white-sand beaches and rolling dunes. The town is perched on the 65-kilometre-long Belgian coast and welcomes throngs of sunseekers throughout the summer. Relax on the beach and browse dozens of upscale boutiques and art galleries in the town centre. You’ll find an array of trendy cafes and bistros strung along Lippenslaan, the town’s pedestrian-friendly promenade.
Zwin Nature Park protects a unique landscape of mudflats, salt marshes and scrub forests strewn with “zwinnebloem” sea lavender. The park is a sanctuary for migrating birds and there’s a good chance to spot oystercatchers, storks, swans and geese.
From art exhibitions to musical performances, the Knokke-Heist Culture Centre hosts a diverse program of events. It’s worth venturing out of town to visit the engaging For Freedom Museum. The museum is a short drive from the resort and features exhibits on how World War II affected Belgians living in the Zwin region. Highlights include the realistic dioramas and an impressive collection of original military vehicles and uniforms.
Getting there
Knokke-Heist is located on the Belgian coast, a one-hour drive from Ghent and 1.5 hours from Antwerp. Knokke-Heist is a five-minute walk from the town centre. Brussels Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.