Winter on the Belgian coast. New Year's by the sea. Why would you want to go on a seaside holiday during this colder season? There are plenty of reasons. Because the season after autumn has its own unique charm. We love the wind in our hair, a breath of fresh air, a warm waffle after a walk, and the cozy lights during the dark days. Below, we share why we love spending winter in Ostend. What are your reasons?
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Summer and spring bring many people to the seaside. But did you know that we and our tenants are just as happy to return to our apartments in the winter? And that many holidaymakers rent from us for their New Year's at the seaside?
Because winter is completely different from spring and the feeling you get in this blog about spring is reading.
Table of contents
Wintery, quiet beaches and space for yourself
Winter at the seaside means fewer crowds. The beaches are deserted. You can walk along the high-water mark without seeing a soul. We put on our thick coats and stroll along the water for a few hours. Wonderfully relaxing!
The winter sun warms your face and the salty air works wonders. And did you know that the sea, gazing at the horizon, and the tiny droplets of seawater in the air have a proven positive effect on your mental health?
Scientists call this the blue mind effectVogue wrote this fascinating article about it: What Is Blue Mind Theory, and Where Can You Experience It?.
It's great that it doesn't just remain theoretical. We're experiencing that. We find a winter walk on the beach the perfect antidote to stress.
Healthy sea air and pleasant warmth
A breath of fresh air by the sea wakes you up. The sound of the waves is constant and soothing. (add)
Afterwards, we often pop into a tearoom for a warm pancake or waffle. It's a nice way to end a cold walk warm and sweet.
Still, we snuggle up on the couch in our apartment with a cup of coffee or tea, a pastry... Nice and warm, snug. And yet connected to the often impressive waves outside.
New Year's at the seaside
The holiday season means lots of cheer, hundreds of Christmas trees on the sea wall, and thousands of lights in the shopping streets. New Year's Eve by the sea is a unique experience every year. And for the polar bears among us, the New Year's Dive is highly recommended!
Be sure to read our blog: Christmas holidays, New Year's Eve and New Year by the sea
Winter activities in every seaside resort
Even in winter, there's plenty to do at the seaside. Our kids love riding go-karts along the seawall. Not all rental stalls are open. But if you find one, it's your kids' world. There's plenty of space in winter. They don't have to slalom between walkers. Just bundle up and get going; all that exercise will keep them nice and warm.
If you prefer to enjoy things for free, just keep walking. Start or end your walk, for example, with a visit to the photo exhibition under the galleries in Ostend. Or take the free ferry at the Vistrap. This will take you smoothly to the East Bank for a walk around Fort Napoleon, to Bredene, or De Haan.
What we're doing more and more often? Walking along the coastline with the wind at our backs. And when we've stretched our legs enough? Then the coastal tram afterwards we returned to our apartment with sea view.
Find your winter activity in every coastal municipality here
Nearly every coastal municipality organizes a range of winter activities. Some of our favorites return annually. We'll share the dates we found as much as possible. But please double-check with the municipality itself. Sometimes the location and dates can change:
- Oostende transforms the city with a Light Tunnel in the Adolf Buylstraat and Winter in the park in Leopold Park (ice rink, Christmas market, and winter bar) from December 1st to January 1st. On New Year's Eve, there are fireworks on the main beach. Those who dare can participate in the New Year's DiveThousands of daredevils then jump into the icy seawater.
- Knokke-Heist is organizing Ketnet by the sea from December 23 to January 7, a large ice rink from December 1 to January 7, a ice bar and winter fireworks on January 4th and 6th. There's also an atmospheric fairytale walk with beautiful lighting.
- Blankenberge comes up with winter fun: a winter bar, ice rink and Christmas market from December 1 to January 7.
- De Haan/Wenduine heeft Winter in De Haan in La Potinière park with an ice rink and performances from December 15 to January 7.
- Bredene is organizing Bredene jumps with bouncy castles on December 27 and 28.
- Middelkerke celebrates Magical Middelkerke In Normand Park from December 15th to January 7th. On December 31st, there will be fireworks on the beach at 23:55 PM.
- De Panne is building a Christmas village with entertainment from December 16th to January 7th and will ring in the new year with fireworks on January 1st at 18:30 pm.
- Westend Last year, the fireworks were scheduled for January 1st at 18 p.m. The new time has not yet been announced.
- Nieuwpoort builds an ice rink on the Market Square during Winters Nieuwpoort From December 22nd to January 7th, you can also participate in a winter walk.
- Koksijde spoils hikers with Koksijde by LightA magical light trail through the seaside resort from December 16th to January 7th. There's also an ice rink at the town hall and fireworks on December 30th and 31st. December 30th also features a winter hiking day.
If you don't like the hustle and bustle of winter, choose a quiet week outside the school holidays. There's always something going on somewhere, but most events are centered around the Christmas break. So book your stay in time.
Four practical tips for your winter holiday at the seaside
Tip 1. Book on time. The Christmas holidays are peak season. Our apartments fill up quickly. It's also helpful to make reservations in advance for cozy restaurants. Call or check the booking pages online. Here you'll find the availability. price and available of the apartment en the Loft.
Tip 2. Dress in layers. A warm coat, hat, and scarf are essential. We don't recommend an umbrella. The North Sea wind will blow it to pieces. A raincoat is better. We'll bring our own rain pants. That way, we'll stay completely dry and warm.
Tip 3. Count on the microclimate by the sea. Don't despair if bad weather is forecast. Coastal weather is often better than inland. A gray day at home can be a sunny day at the seaside.
Tip 4. Take the coastal tram. This tram connects all the coastal cities and runs more often in winter than you might think. It's a wonderful way to walk with the wind at your back. For the return trip, we take the tram against the wind.
Enjoy our apartment with sea view
Every winter, we revel in the tranquility and magic of the coast. After a walk through the dunes and a hot chocolate on the dike, we love returning to our apartment with a sea view. There, we listen to the lapping of the waves and watch the lights of the ships.
For us, winter at the seaside is pure luxury: simplicity, nature, coziness and warmth.
Interested in experiencing it yourself? Then check our website to see when the Apartment or Loft is still available and come enjoy an unforgettable winter on the Belgian coast.
And who knows: maybe you'll spot a seal with us or taste the best waffle of your life.
See you soon!