Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Nieuwpoort, Belgium

Situated at the mouth of the IJzer (Yser), Nieuwpoort combines a historical port with a vibrant beach resort. The local fishing culture remains robust, evident at the Vismijn auction hall and the nearby National Fisheries Museum. In contrast, Nieuwpoort-Bad is rapidly developing, featuring a network of multi-storey apartments surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants. The city is well-connected to the beach resort via the Kusttram public transport system, enabling quick travel between the historic city center and the beach.

Before it merges with the North Sea, the IJzer River flows through an intricate arrangement of spillways and locks located in Nieuwpoort. Known as the Ganzepoot, this innovative 19th-century system was instrumental in flooding the surrounding areas throughout the duration of the First World War.

1. Strand van Nieuwpoort

The beach adjacent to Nieuwpoort Bad features a vast expanse of fine sand that seamlessly connects with Groenindijk Strand a few hundred meters to the west. This beach can reach widths of up to 50 meters, and as the tide recedes, the North Sea can seem to draw back for miles.

Behind the beach stands a substantial array of new apartment buildings, fronted by an expansive promenade where visitors can be seen traveling by bicycle, electric scooter, or Segway. The eastern stretch of beach borders the final reach of the IJzer River, providing pathways for walkers and cyclists to navigate between Nieuwpoort proper and the resort area.

The promenade boasts a boardwalk equipped with benches and piers, allowing visitors to gaze at the estuary and potentially spot diverse bird species such as oystercatchers, curlews, little egrets, and little grebes which inhabit the IJZermonding nature reserve situated across the riverbank.

2. Vismijn

The name Vismijn originates from the pre-electronic auction days, when bidders would shout “mine” (mijn) during the fish auction. Located along the IJzer in the heart of Nieuwpoort proper, this fish auction hall was established in 1952 and expanded in the 1970s. The local trawlers typically remain at sea for no longer than five days before returning to unload their catch, with daily wholesale auctions commencing at 07:00 or 08:00. Observers can watch these events unfold in person on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, or join a guided tour for a more comprehensive experience.

This fresh fish and seafood are sold to local fishmongers and numerous restaurants situated along the Kaai.

3. Staketsel

The IJzer River is flanked by two substantial wooden piers, constructed in 1865, as it flows toward the North Sea. Both piers—Westerstaketsel (west) and Oosterstaketsel (east)—feature foghorns and beacons resembling miniature lighthouses.

The eastern pier is slightly longer, measuring 543 meters compared to the 490 meters of the western pier. Both piers are popular spots for fishing enthusiasts and offer refreshing sea air, opportunities for observing maritime traffic, and scenic views of Nieuwpoort’s beachfront and dunes.

The breathtaking scenery becomes even more enchanting at sunset, providing an excellent setting for observing the illumination of Nieuwpoort-Bad.

4. Ganzepoot

Located near Westfront in the city center of Nieuwpoort is an advanced lock complex where six waterways converge. The Ganzepoot (goose foot), named for its distinctive shape when viewed from above, is part of a 19th-century land management initiative aimed at draining the polder regions surrounding Nieuwpoort and channeling excess water to the North Sea via the IJzer.

The spillways at the Ganzepoot serve to divert surplus water from the polders, while the locks stabilize water levels for vessels. During high water, these spillways are closed and reopened as the tide recedes.

In 1914, the spillways were deliberately left open, leading to the flooding of the polder and effectively halting the German advance; the area remained submerged for the subsequent four years.

5. Westfront Nieuwpoort

The Koning Albert I-Monument, unveiled in 1938, commemorates the recently deceased Albert I of Belgium (1875-1934) and pays tribute to Belgian forces during the First World War. Constructed from the pale bricks native to the IJzer plain, this circular monument stands 25 meters tall and has a diameter of 30 meters.

At its summit, a circular walkway encircles the monument, complete with orientation tables. On a brick plinth within the monument lies an equestrian statue of Albert I, created by sculptor Karel Aubroeck (1894-1986). In 2014, marking the centenary of the onset of the First World War, the monument was renamed Westfront Nieuwpoort and a new visitor center was established, referencing the historical flooding of the Ijzer Plain in 1914.

6. Stadshal met Belfort

The 35-meter tall belfry in Nieuwpoort’s market square is integral to a transnational UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses 56 historic belfries across Belgium and Northern France. Following the destruction of the original town hall and belfry during the First World War, the city took the opportunity to reconstruct the original Gothic monument, which dates back to 1280. This architecturally beautiful building features crocketed pinnacles, corner turrets, and intricately arched recesses along its facade. The belfry rises from the east side and consists of five floors with pairs of narrow lancet windows characteristic of Early Gothic architecture.

7. NAVIGO-Nationaal Visserijmuseum

Located a short distance from Nieuwpoort, Oostduinkerke houses Belgium’s National Fisheries Museum, which has been a prominent attraction since the 1970s. Recently renovated in the 2000s, it offers a rich and multifaceted experience that integrates art, social history, craftsmanship, and natural history. Visitors can learn about the intrepid IJslaandvaarders who undertook bold fishing expeditions to Icelandic waters and explore a local tradition in Oostduinkerke, where shrimp fishermen utilize horseback to drag their nets.

The exhibition features a traditional fishing cottage, an inland fishing vessel named OD.1 “Martha,” and aquarium tanks showcasing the marine life found in the North Sea.

8. Sint-Laureinsduinen

To the east of Nieuwpoort-Bad, extending towards the resort of Westende-Bad, one can stroll or cycle through a coastal dune landscape where nature has been allowed to flourish. Until recently, this expansive 45-hectare reserve was occupied by two campgrounds and still features remnants from both world wars, including bunkers from the German Atlantikwall during WWII. The campgrounds were removed in the 2000s allowing native dune vegetation, such as prickly saltwort, sea spurge, and seaside centaury, to thrive. Orchids are anticipated to proliferate soon.

The reserve is attracting various bird species, including the rare crested lark, grasshopper warbler, and garden warbler, alongside an assortment of butterflies. For those cycling to Sint-Laureinsduinen, the entrance is accessible at junction (knooppunt) 75.

9. Marktplein

One of the most picturesque locations in Nieuwpoort proper is the market square, where visitors can enjoy the view of the town hall and Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk from an outdoor table at one of the nearby bars and restaurants. The Marktplein has been authentically restored to reflect its historic character, with every building constructed from the signature pale IJzer bricks; many feature crow-stepped gables or dormers.

A vibrant weekly market operates on the cobblestones every Friday morning, offering an array of goods including fresh produce, cut flowers, herbs, clothing, confectionery, dairy products, meats, and much more.

10. Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk

A recurring theme throughout Nieuwpoort’s history is the repeated destruction and reconstruction of its three-aisled Gothic hall church. The earliest reference to a church in this location dates back to the 12th century, with the 15th-century building standing until the First World War, which also saw the tower completed in 1735 destroyed. Unfortunately, the next iteration of the church also succumbed to destruction during WWII in 1940. The neo-Gothic reconstruction occurred in 1946, and the separate bell tower was completed by 1952. Inside, visitors can see the painting Slag bij Nieuwpoort in 1600 (Battle of Nieuwpoort) located on the south aisle, attributed to Northern Dutch academic painter Louis Moritz (1773-1850), which was relocated from the town hall’s council chamber post-First World War.

11. Nieuwpoort Lighthouse

Located in the dunes on the right bank of the IJzer at Lombardzijde, Nieuwpoort’s lighthouse stands out with its red and white stripes and emits two flashes every 14 seconds with a reach of 16 nautical miles. While it serves primarily as a navigational marker rather than a tourist destination, its history is noteworthy. This tower represents a long line of lighthouses that have marked Nieuwpoort since at least the 13th century. The first lighthouse on this site was constructed in 1881 but was destroyed during the Battle of the Yser. A replacement was built in 1922, only to be demolished by retreating German forces in 1944. The current lighthouse has been operational since 1949 and was maintained by a lighthouse keeper until it was automated in 1963.

12. Frontzate

Established in 1868, Spoorlijn 74 was a railway measuring 15.8 kilometers connecting Nieuwpoort-Bad to the village of Kaaskerke to the south. During the First World War, it received the name Frontzate, as its embankment served as a primary defensive line during the Battle of the Yser that lay above a flooded landscape. Passenger service ceased in the 1950s, and the line was ultimately dismantled in the 1970s, subsequently converted into a greenway for walkers and cyclists. This route meanders through a verdant polder landscape, where remnants from the First World War, including observation posts, gun emplacements, and bunkers, can still be observed along its periphery.

13. Bommenvrij

Initially constructed between 1818 and 1822, Bommenvrij is the last remaining structure from Nieuwpoort’s early 19th-century fortifications. Recognized as a protected monument in 1994, it is a rare example of Dutch military architecture from that era, complementing the nearby ruins of Duvetorre (discussed further below). This is the sole building that survived the 1914 bombardment intact, and it can be observed from Schoolstraat. The Bommenvrij’s brick vaults have been repurposed into a unique space for art studios and exhibitions, although opening hours may vary.

14. Duvetorre

Situated behind Bommenvrij on Willem de Roolaan are the crumbling ruins of Duvetorre, a site that has witnessed the many phases of Nieuwpoort’s history since the 13th century. Originally a part of the Church of St. Lawrence (1281), it was destroyed in the 14th century and later transformed into a castle around 1400 by Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. During the 16th century, it served as a billet for Spanish forces, before becoming a watchtower for Dutch fortifications in the early 19th century. The structure was heavily damaged by German shelling in 1916 and now stands as a ruin. The name Duvetorre (Devil Tower) is rumored to link to Jeanne Panne (1593-1650), a baker’s wife from Nieuwpoort who was executed for witchcraft.

15. Sunparks Oostduinkerke aan Zee

For instances of inclement weather or those seeking to enjoy leisure activities sheltered from the wind, this holiday resort located just five minutes from Nieuwpoort’s center features a pool complex encased beneath a large glass roof. Visitors can access the facility, named Aquafun, with a day pass, which includes entry to a subtropical pool, a wave pool, a lazy river, and various exciting slides such as the Black Hole. Adults will appreciate the relaxation area, West Coast Wellness, which offers a serene outdoor pool, sauna, baths, and a selection of massages.