The best cycling routes around Blankenberge

Uitkerkse Polder: the coast's bird airport Binoculars at the ready? Absolutely hit the brakes here! The Uitkerkse Polder is Flanders' most important meadow bird reserve and functions as a busy 'international airport' for migratory birds. In spring, this is a major breeding ground for meadow birds such as the curlew and avocet, while in winter, up to 100,000 geese and ducks land here to overwinter. Cycling here takes place in a blissful oasis of peace on car-free polder roads. Be sure to stop at one of the free hides along the cycle path to spot the unique marsh harriers or birds of prey!

This watercourse, the Blankenbergse Vaart, was already dug in the 14th century to drain the polders. Today, it is the ecological lifeline of the Uitkerkse Polder. The salty water provides unique coastal flora that you won't find anywhere else so deep inland. Keep your binoculars at the ready and scan the reed beds: this is the favourite hunting ground of the rare marsh harrier and numerous unique heron species. A wonderfully soothing and photogenic polder scene!

Uitkerkse Polder: the bird airport of the coast Binoculars at the ready? Absolutely hit the brakes here! The Uitkerkse Polder is the most important meadow bird reserve in Flanders and functions as a busy 'international airport' for migratory birds. In spring, this is a large nursery for meadow birds such as the black-tailed godwit and avocet, while in winter up to 100,000 geese and ducks land here to overwinter. Cycle here in a blissful oasis of peace on low-traffic polder roads. Be sure to stop at one of the free hides along the cycle path to spot the unique marsh harriers or birds of prey!

This chapel was built in 1687 by the then Cistercian abbot of the nearby (Maarten a Colle) abbey Ter Doest, because of his victory in a lawsuit against abbot Terasse. The lawsuit was about the title of abbot of Ter Duinen, and was conducted before King Louis XIV. The coat of arms on the left is that of a Colle, on the right that of Ter Doest and Ter Duinen. In the effigy decorated with volutes above the entrance, there is a statue of Mary and the Child Jesus. Source: information board on site

Brakes for the Roskambrug! From this spot, you have a beautiful view of the impressive Roskambrug bridge over the Boudewijn Canal. This architectural masterpiece on the A11 is the only movable bridge on a motorway route in Belgium! The enormous white bascule bridges (one per direction of travel) open in just 90 seconds for large seagoing vessels sailing into the rear harbour. An imposing piece of modern infrastructure in the middle of the polders.

Kilometers of cycling along a spectacular wall of wildflowers! The steep sound barrier of the A11 motorway transforms into a rolling sea of fiery red poppies and wild flora during the blooming season. This is not only a beautiful visual spectacle for cyclists but also an ecological hotspot for bees and butterflies. While the car traffic is completely hidden from view, you can enjoy a unique piece of 'motorway nature' in peace on this wide, smooth cycle path. An absolute recommendation for a colorful photo stop!

This is an impressive, undulating cycle bridge that safely guides you over the busy cycle highway (F31), with a spectacular panoramic view of the port of Zeebrugge and the historic light lines. Why stop here? The Lichtenlijn cycle bridge is a modern architectural masterpiece. Its unique, undulating shape reflects the dynamics of the sea. As you cycle smoothly upwards, you are treated to an amazing 360-degree view: on one side, the imposing industrial port cranes, and on the other, the vast coastline. Right next to the bridge, you pass the historic light lines and lighthouses of Zeebrugge. These monumental brick towers (the impressive tall white one and the lower red one) have been a visual beacon for over a century. They used to help skippers find the exact right shipping lane to the port by positioning the lights perfectly behind each other. Tips for your photo spot: stop at the very top of the cycle bridge for the ultimate photo of the contrasts between modern port industry and historic coastal architecture. Safety: the bridge is part of the F31 cycle highway. The road surface is wide and perfectly asphalted, allowing you to pick up speed comfortably without crossing car traffic. Wind: keep in mind that it can blow quite strongly here; the bridge is located out in the open in the port landscape!

The historic Visartbrug is a striking bascule bridge in Zeebrugge and inextricably linked to the origin of the port. The bridge spans the seaward side of the Visart lock, the very first sea lock in the port, thus forming the connection between the North Sea and the hinterland. The bridge and lock owe their name to Amedée Visart de Bocarmé, the then mayor of Bruges. Together with baron August de Maere, he was one of the great pioneers of the idea to give Bruges a full-fledged seaport. The first lock already allowed ships through around 1904. The current steel bascule bridge dates from the early 1950s and was built after the destruction of the Second World War. What makes this place extra special? The iconic Coastal Tram and road traffic on the N34 simply drive over the bascule bridge. When a ship needs to pass the lock, the bridge opens, and traffic along the coast comes to a standstill. Especially in the summer, this caused the notorious 'tram jams' for years. A piece of port history that literally passes under your feet here!