This chic town on the coast of West Flanders is one of Belgium's most famous and popular seaside resorts.
Knokke-Heist is the ideal destination for a holiday at the seaside. Relax at the beach with the kids, try some babelutte (a kind of long toffee flavoured with honey or vergeoise (demerara sugar)) or spend the day shopping in nearby Bruges.
Knokke-Heist was established in 1971 by combining the boroughs of Knokke, Heist-aan-Zee, Westkapelle and Ramskapelle. The towns were all very modest villages until the mid-19th century when the railway was laid very near Heist. Today, Knokke-Heist is a trendy seaside resort which is very popular among locals and international tourists.
Its main attraction is, of course, the beach. Knokke-Heist's impressive beach is 12 kilometres long, so you won't be too hard-pressed to find a quiet spot. Enjoy the great weather and drinks at the many restaurants.
History lovers will enjoy the Sincfala heritage museum in Knokke-Heist. The For Freedom Museum on Ramskapellestraat with exhibits on the regional aftermath of World War II is well worth a visit. Combine your visit to the museum with a day out in nature reserve Het Zwin. This diverse environment is on the Dutch border and is a great place for spotting birds and other wildlife.
You can also go shopping in the charming town of Bruges or take in some culture in Oostende, for example, Fort Napoleon.
Knokke-Heist is a small town and therefore easy to explore on foot. If you would like to explore a bit more of the area, you can hire a bicycle or take the coast tram (kusttram), which connects all of the cities along the Belgian coast.
Knokke-Heist is easiest reached by car. If you're coming from Calais, follow the signs to Dunkirk, Bruges and Knokke-Heist. If you're coming from the Netherlands, follow the signs to Antwerp. If you're travelling by public transport, take the train from St Pancras to Bruxelles Midi, where you can catch a local train or hire a car. Should you be in Antwerp, you can do the same but will have to change trains in Bruges.
Enjoy a great stay in chic Knokke-Heist, where the sun, the sea and the long beach are waiting just for you!
