Loop along the coast from Knokke to Breskens

Super beautiful and very varied tour. Nature reserves, dunes, avenues and the sophisticated 🇧🇪 Knokke.

On the third attempt, it finally worked. We started in Knokke-Heist and cycled through the dunes and along the beach through the Zwin nature reserve to Breskens. Typical Dutch fare, we had kibbeling and soft ice cream for lunch 😋. We cycled back through beautiful little villages and even grabbed some delicious chocolates during a quick stop. Even though the outward journey was busy, this tour is a scenic highlight.

Today we set off from Breskens; the route takes us a bit further into the hinterland of the coast, across the Dutch-Belgian border toward Knokke-Heist. The density of prestigious villas is very high here, and the second most common vehicle in front of the gates of the magnificent houses was the golf cart. The promenade along the coast in Knokke is so different from what we're used to in Zeeland. Interesting to see. I certainly felt completely underdressed in my cycling gear. The route from Cazand-Bad through the dunes to Breskens is a cyclist's dream.

With pleasant temperatures of 20-25 degrees Celsius and a breeze 💨, we're taking the Panorama Route today. The North Sea coast features the Breskens Lighthouse, the fishing village of Breskens, and then the inland area with a charming artists' town (Groede). Groede is a picturesque artists' village in Zeeland-Vlaanderen. Here you'll find quaint houses, cozy restaurants, and beautiful beaches. There are many different activities to enjoy in the surrounding area, from a visit to the Groede Podium to hikes in the beautiful Waterdunen nature reserve. Groede is also an artists' village. Groede is known for its art! Dozens of artists work here. You can also enjoy their exhibitions. When visiting Groede, you should definitely try the Groese paptaart (pasta). How this delicacy ever made its way to the artists' village is unknown, but the pastries are certainly delicious!

Head of Zeeuws Vlaanderen To face the Kop van Zeeuws Vlaanderen, we start at the free parking lot at the Hichmanbrug Retranchement. We quickly say goodbye to the village life. At the standard mill, the wheat is separated from the chaff. Day-trippers show us off and with a stroke of the mill we dive into the reclaimed land on the sea. Gravel roads through open polder landscape quickly bring us to the village of Cadzand. After a 'Peace Message' left behind and a nod to Maria (church) and the World Peace Flame, we quickly make a pit stop at the village blacksmith shop of Cadzand. Well equipped, on over old dikes, to Nieuwvliet where the ground sailer is a landmark in the landscape. The 'Groese polders' and 'Nature area Waterdunen' make our mouth water for the coast. The skyline of Breskens turns out not to be a mirage but becomes reality through the inhaled sea air. Twelve silent Red Penguins attract attention at the marina. The artwork was created by Belgian artist William Sweetlove. The paling stands for structures that sometimes cannot resist the force of nature. The Maritime Artwork has an international appeal and leaves an unforgettable impression on visitors to Breskens. After lunch, delicious kibbeling with remoulade sauce, we hold a minute's silence at the 'Vissersmonument'. This memorial is a nice gesture, the profession of fishermen is not without danger… Attracted by the sea air, we head for the mouth of Scaldis. The octagonal, black and white painted lighthouse at Nieuwsluis is the landmark on the waterfront where Scaldis completely surrenders to the North Sea. The lighthouse from 1868 is the oldest surviving cast iron lighthouse and is part of a series of light beacons that mark the end of the Scheldt and guide shipping traffic between the North Sea and Antwerp. Ships come and ships go… Know that you are looking at one of the arteries of our European economy. With the northeastern country air at our back, we pedal westwards along the Verdronken Zwarte Polder where 'De Zeeuwse Paalridders' (breakwaters) trigger us! From afar they all look alike, but whoever goes from pole to pole immediately sees that no pole is the same. The natural elements have given each pile a different face. The interplay of ebb and flow, the changing weather conditions and the marine life clinging to the wood make them interesting objects to look at. On top of the dune, benches invite us to hit the pause button. With the sound of the rolling waves being broken, we daydream about the steadfast Zeeland Paalridders. To the rhythm of the tides we wind our way to the surf at Cadzand Bad. The lock master ensures a safe passage and we leave the hectic life at the harbor behind us. Swiftly on along nature reserve Het zwin and just short of crossing the border we reach our final destination. We give in, 'Cup of Zeeuws Vlaanderen' has been conquered 😊. The people burner Janus Tamboer beckons, everyone is happy at the Parlevinker (bicycle café), we leave Retranchement with some sentiment.

Nice cycling tour through the Zeeland Polders - wetland area! Also fantastic for walking.

Today we went on our first bike tour of 2025. The 👀 saw a lot of new things again. We cycled along the sea from Cadzand-Bad to Breskens. We ate delicious fish at the harbor there. Then we continued on great bike paths through small villages, nature reserves, and fields back to Cadzand-Bad. It was a fantastic tour. The forecast rain didn't come; in fact, the 🌞 even made an appearance.😀🥰🤗

Arrived yesterday in a storm and rain and woke up today in bright sunshine, that's how I love the North Sea! The first tour went past the Zwin, a nature reserve between Belgium and the Netherlands. Over the beautiful dune cycle path, always with a view of the sea, to Breskens and back on well-maintained cycle paths inland over the dikes. A scenic and enjoyable tour!