The Kusttram runs from Knokke-Heist near the Dutch border to De Panne near the French border. This tram connects all places on the Belgian North Sea coast. The tram route is 68 kilometers long and has 68 stops. It almost always leads along the sea. Trains run three to four times an hour in both directions.
The Kusttram
Sightseeing with the Kusttram
One of the 68 stations is Zeebrugge-Kerk. It is less than ½ kilometer from the Zeebrugge cruise terminal. In early April we reach aboard the AIDAcosma the port of Zeebrugge. We have been to Belgium a number of times: in Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels and Ghent. We know from the Belgian seaside resorts Oostende and Zeebrugge. Some should be added today. With the Kusttram we reach the coastal towns in an easy and comfortable way. We start towards De Panne to De Haan and from there towards Knokke with stops in Wenduine, Blankenberge and Knokke-Heist.
On the beach at De Haan
Unfortunately, the weather is only moderately suitable for our trip. It's cool, strong winds and the sun rarely comes out.
Tickets are available in the SPAR market opposite the Zeebrugge-Kerk stop. A day ticket costs EUR 7,50 and is valid for the entire tram route and regional buses.
Timetables can be found at: https://www.delijn.be/de/content/kusttram/
De Haan, Wenduine, Blankenberge and Knokke
All of these coastal towns lie on miles of wide, fine sandy beaches. And all places have a promenade that runs along the sea. Walks by the water or on the promenade are fantastic. Many sporting activities are offered everywhere. In addition, nature reserves and dune areas await visitors.
De Haan – small and fine
De Haan surprises us with beautiful old houses in Belle Epoque style. Even the small station where the Kusttram stops is worth seeing. We walk through the residential area to the sea.
Kusttram station De Haan
On the road in the Belgian seaside resort of De Haan
Wenduine – the dune place
There are unique dune forests in Wenduine. The place is quiet and well suited for relaxing holidays. Despite the strong wind, we walk along the wide beach promenade.
Promenade of Wenduine
Wenduine beach with the Wielingen swimming pool
Blankenberge – the attractive seaside resort
It's busier in Blankenberge than in De Haan or Wenduine. The place is bigger, as is the range of sporting activities. The pier promenade and the pier are particularly beautiful. From the pier we can see as far as the cranes in the port of Zeebrugge.
Blankenberge Pier
Blankenberge Beach
Knokke – the fashionable seaside resort
Knokke has very good shops and the largest number of galleries on Belgium's North Sea coast. Noble hotels and the casino established Knokke's reputation as a fashionable seaside resort. We take a break in the Brasserie Rubens. With a view of the sea, we drink dark chocolate and delicious Belgian beer. We reach the brasserie just in time before a heavy downpour.
High-rise buildings on Knokke beach
Tasty Belgian beer at Brasserie Rubens
Zeebrugge will have to wait
We take the Kusttram back to Zeebrugge. We are postponing a planned walk on the beach promenade. The wind has picked up and it's raining heavily. The harbor master at the terminal says that we will probably not call at our next destination, Rotterdam, because of the bad weather. It really does look like the end of the world.
AIDAcosma in the rain in the port of Zeebrugge
A little later on board comes the announcement from the captain that AIDAcosma will stay in Zeebrugge for another day because of the storm. Too bad, we were looking forward to Rotterdam.
May 2022