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Duinbossen: A Coastal Forest Escape

Discover coastal tranquility at Duinbossen De Haan: Hike, bike, and explore diverse landscapes in this stunning nature preserve.

4.5

Escape to the Duinbossen, a stunning 152-hectare nature preserve along the Belgian coast near De Haan. Explore diverse landscapes of dunes, forests, and grasslands, perfect for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the tranquility of nature.

A brief summary to Duinbossen

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy the best light and avoid crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching; the Duinbossen are home to many unique bird species.
  • Check the local maps for trail options that suit your hiking level.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic spots along the trails.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the De Haan tram station, walk south along Leopoldlaan. Turn left onto Zwarte Kiezel, the main entrance to the Duinbossen is on your right. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take bus line 3 towards Wenduine and get off at the 'Wenduine - Duinbossen' stop. From there, follow the signs to the entrance of Duinbossen, a short walk away. A single bus fare costs approximately €3.

  • Taxi

    From the center of De Haan, a taxi to the Duinbossen entrance at Zwarte Kiezel is a short ride. Expect to pay around €15-€20 for the trip.

Unlock the Best of Duinbossen

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Discover more about Duinbossen

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.

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