Cycling in and around Nieuwpoort

Nieuwpoort lies where the IJzer flows into the sea, which makes the town a natural hub for cyclists along the coast and the river.

Where river meets sea: the IJzermonding reserve is about 4 km from the centre and quick to reach by bike.
Hire a bike: the bike hire shops on the promenade of Nieuwpoort-Bad and in town get you going quickly.
Coast or countryside: the cycling routes follow the beach, the dunes or the IJzer inland.
Dunes nearby: the nature reserves stretch as far as Oostduinkerke.
Prefer walking? Then take a look at our walking routes around Nieuwpoort.

Bicycle hire

Nieuwpoort has 3 bike hire shops, spread between the promenade and the town.

On the promenade: Bambino and Cyclo-Karts are on the Zeedijk, not far from the lighthouse.
Brabantstraat: you will find RiJoRent in the Brabantstraat.
Book in time: in high season and on long weekends it pays to reserve your rental bike a day in advance.

Bambino

Zeedijk 76
tel. +32 582 364 34
web. Website

RiJoRent

Brabantstraat 13
tel. +32 582 418 98
web. Website

Cyclo-Karts

Zeedijk 90
tel. +32 582 375 23
web. Website

3 Cycling routes

The cycling routes around Nieuwpoort converge on the IJzer, where the Albert I Monument keeps the memory of the First World War alive.

Along the IJzer: follow the river upstream through flat polder country towards Diksmuide.
To the dunes: heading west via Oostduinkerke you reach the Doornpanne, with the visitor centre as a stop along the way.
Heading east: across the IJzer you come to Westende and the Schuddebeurze reserve.
By the water: a short loop takes you past Nieuwpoort Marina and the harbour channels.

19 Nature reserves

Around Nieuwpoort there are 19 nature reserves, from the tidal area on the IJzer to the dunes towards Oostduinkerke.

IJzermonding: the IJzer is the only Belgian river that flows directly into the North Sea; plants such as samphire grow in the salty zones.
Simliduinen: about 30 hectares of young dunes and flower-rich grassland on the edge of Nieuwpoort-Bad, with a wooden viewing platform.
Oostvoorduinen: dunes between Nieuwpoort-Bad and Oostduinkerke, part of the larger Ter Yde area.
Hannecartbos: woodland, meadows and a dune stream in Oostduinkerke, a green change from the dunes.

IJzermonding

In Nieuwpoort, just 4 km from the town centre, lies the nature reserve De IJzermonding, a unique area where fresh and saltwater meet. This beautiful nature reserve, with its rich variety of fauna and flora, offers a special experience for nature lovers. What Can You Expect at De IJzermonding? - Unique Biotope: Discover ...

Oude Zeedijk

More information

Visitor Centre De Doornpanne

The De Doornpanne Visitor Centre in Koksijde is the perfect place to discover the unique combination of nature and water management along the Belgian coast. Located in the De Doornpanne nature reserve, the visitor centre offers an ideal mix of education, adventure, and relaxation for all ages. What can you experience at ...

Doornpannestraat 2, Koksijde
web. Website

More information

Warande Dunes

The Warande Dunes form a narrow nature area along the coast between Middelkerke and Westende. What can you expect in the Warande Dunes? Thanks to the many walking paths, the area is a favourite spot for walkers, nature lovers and photographers. - Narrow but varied dune belt: The Warande Dunes are about 2 kilometres long ...

Warandeduinen, Middelkerke
web. Website

More information

Karthuizerduinen

The Karthuizerduinen nature area lies near Groenendijk and the Noordzeedreef, on the eastern edge of the larger Ter Yde nature area. This small but special dune area is a lovely place for anyone wanting to enjoy peace, coastal nature and a short walk close to the sea. What can you expect in the Karthuizerduinen? - Eastern ...

Noordzeedreef, Oostduinkerke

More information

Zeebermduinen

The Zeebermduinen are a beautiful nature area directly beside the beach, between Oostduinkerke and Groenendijk. What can you expect at the Zeebermduinen? Between the beach and Albert I-laan, you will discover a varied dune landscape with young dunes, moss dunes and open sandy areas. - Protected nature reserve: Of t ...

Dewittelaan, Koksijde

More information

Doornpanne

The De Doornpanne nature area lies between Koksijde and Oostduinkerke and is one of the most beautiful dune areas on the Belgian coast. The area covers around 240 hectares and forms part of the larger Ter Yde nature area. What can you expect in De Doornpanne? - Varied dune landscape: During a walk, you will discover high ...

Doornpannestraat, Koksijde

More information

Sint-Laureinsduinen

The Sint-Laureinsduinen form a beautiful and varied nature area between Westende-Bad and the military domain Kwartier Lombardsijde. The dune area covers just over 45 hectares and is a pleasant place for a short walk close to the coast. What can you expect in the Sint-Laureinsduinen? - Restored dune nature: Where campsites ...

Strandlaan, Westende

More information

Plaatsduinen

The Plaatsduinen are a small but atmospheric nature area on the edge of Oostduinkerke. It is a peaceful spot for anyone who wants to get away from the bustle of the beach, the seafront promenade or the village centre. What can you expect in the Plaatsduinen? - Small but varied dune area: The Plaatsduinen consist of old, o ...

Piet Verhaertstraat, Oostduinkerke

More information

» View our complete 'see & do' list with many more museums, attractions, monuments and other places of interest.