Duinbossen: A Coastal Forest Escape

The Duinbossen of De Haan, a green gem on the Belgian coast, offers a refreshing escape into nature. Spanning 152 hectares, this nature preserve features a diverse landscape of open dunes, dense forests, and grasslands. The area is divided into three main sections: the Duinbossen of Klemskerke, Vlissegem, and Wenduine. These sections connect with the nature reserves of De Zandpanne and De Kijkuit, creating a large, varied dune area. Formed after the 11th century, the dunes were created by significant sand drifts. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, elm trees were planted to prevent the fertile agricultural land from disappearing under the drifting sand. Later afforestation efforts introduced Scots pine and hardwood trees. Today, the forest is evolving into a more natural, structurally rich environment with native tree and shrub species. The Duinbossen is home to unique plant and animal species adapted to the dune environment. Keep an eye out for protected red wood ants, which can live in mounds housing up to 700,000 ants. The area offers various recreational activities, including hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. Several trails cater to different fitness levels, including a 22 km mountain bike path and walking routes. Families can enjoy the three play zones: Wonderbos, Vossenhol, and De Slierberg.