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Hiking trails & Routes

Nieuwpoort Lighthouse – IJzer Estuary Nature Reserve loop from Westende

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Nieuwpoort Lighthouse – IJzer Estuary Nature Reserve loop from Westende

Moderate

3.8

(38)

359

hikers

Nieuwpoort Lighthouse – IJzer Estuary Nature Reserve loop from Westende

03:24

13.3km

40m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The route includes a crossing by ferry. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: June 21, 2026

This route includes a ferry crossing

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.

After 5.13 km for 179 m

Open: • Public holidays & Saturday & Sunday: 9:30 AM-12:40 PM & 1:30 PM-7:40 PM • March-September, School holidays: 9:30 AM-12:40 PM & 1:30 PM-7:40 PM (otherwise closed)

After 6.76 km for 179 m

Open: • Public holidays & Saturday & Sunday: 9:30 AM-12:40 PM & 1:30 PM-7:40 PM • March-September, School holidays: 9:30 AM-12:40 PM & 1:30 PM-7:40 PM (otherwise closed)

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

255 m

Sint-Laureins Beach

Highlight • Beach

Quiet beach that is sometimes closed for military exercises.

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1.52 km

Lombardsijde Beach

Highlight • Beach

Nice wide beach where it is usually not overcrowded.

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4.12 km

Viewing Platform Nieuwpoort Beach and Pier

Highlight • Viewpoint

Many bird species gather on the beach just before the pier and occasionally a seal that you can spot from the platform

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4.18 km

The current lighthouse of Nieuwpoort on the right bank dates from 1949, but had two predecessors on the same site.
The first dated from 1883 and was irreparably damaged during the First World War.
A new tower was built in 1923-1926.
This in turn was destroyed during the Second World War.
The current one was built after the war based on the model of the tower from 1923-1926.

Put into operation in 1949.
Cylindrical concrete tower painted in red and white stripes.
Height: 28m
two red flashes every 14 seconds
Range: 15 nautical miles (1 nautical mile = 1852m)
The light installation made according to the Fresnel principle dates from 1923-1926. This equipment was brought to Paris in 1940 and thus survived the destruction in 1944. It originally worked on gas and was later converted to electricity.
With its red and white paint and its typical silhouette, the tower is a unique beacon in the Nieuwpoort dunes. Its silhouette also serves as a logo for the city of Nieuwpoort.

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4.49 km

VNR De IJzermonding

Nature Reserve

5.42 km

IJzer Estuary Nature Reserve

Highlight • Natural

At Nieuwpoort, the Yser flows directly into the sea. Where salt and fresh water meet, a special biotope developed with mud flats, salt marshes, dunes, beach and polders. Thanks to an extensive network of cycling and walking paths, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the Yser estuary. Handy information panels tell you everything about this wonderful nature reserve along the way.

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