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A nature reserve with a rare wealth of fauna and flora unequaled in Belgium, except in the Zwin nature reserve. The freshwater of the Yser, the only river in Belgium that flows directly into the North Sea, mixes with the salty seawater. Tidal action has created a unique mudflat and salt marsh area, an ideal breeding ground for a rich variety of benthic organisms such as worms, snails, seaweed, shells, and crustaceans. The constant interaction between salt and freshwater in the Yser estuary also creates a unique biotope, characterized by salt-tolerant plants such as samphire, sea plantain, and sea aster. Source: https://www.dekust.be/natuurreservaat-de-ijzermonding

During holidays it is nice to take the ferry that takes you to the other side for free - with or without a bicycle

On the other side of the Havengeulpromenade is a nature reserve of 130 hectares. Due to tidal action, a unique mudflat and salt marsh area has formed here. This nature reserve has a unique fauna and flora due to the mixing of the salty seawater and the fresh water of the IJzer River, which flows into the sea here. You can reach the nature reserve via Halvemaanstraat or via the free ferry service. It is best to check ferry times in advance https://www.kantoormdk.be/nl/veerdiensten/veerdienst-nieuwpoort It is pleasant to cycle or walk.

Welcome to De Hoge Blekker, with its 33 meters the highest dune in the entire Flemish coastal region. A striking appearance and an impressive eye-catcher. The dune used to be a fixed navigation point for sailors. From a distance they could see the white back as a kind of 'flash' ('bleach' is the local dialect for 'flash'). The Hoge Blekker is a drifting dune that has covered some distances over time. The dune now covers an area of approximately 33 hectares. Enough room for a picnic stop!

At this location at Hole 18 of Golf Ter Hille there is a pond in which everything that ends up in it has been disappearing for about a thousand years. According to legend, the "Devil's Well" once swallowed a wealthy farmer, including his horse and carriage. Could it be real? The Devil's Well is a pond with a diameter of about 40 meters. The well has been there since time immemorial and no one seems to know its origins. No matter what was thrown into the well, it was never filled! That used to be different. The well was a mysterious, even feared place for centuries. Is the Devil's Well a sinkhole? A bottomless pit? Nobody knows. Because the phenomenon cannot be explained, this place was quickly given the name 'devil's pit'. It didn't take long before terrifying stories about the well emerged. The precise content of the legends varies, but the basic principle remains intact: the pit is an ominous place that swallows up proud people whole. One of the legends: “A self-righteous farmer insisted on traveling through a swampy area with his horse and cart. The people said, "Don't do that, that's the Devil's Pit! Anyone who goes there never returns." But the farmer didn't want to hear it. "Let the devil come and get me," said the farmer and he rode on. Even when a big thunderstorm broke out, he did not want to return. On the contrary, he even uttered blasphemies. Just before the farmer sank into the mud with his horse and cart, he shouted one last time, "Let the devil come and get me!", and he was gone. The farmer, his horse and his carriage were never seen again.” Other versions of the story show a nobleman or a countess dying in a haughty manner. Some stories even mention "several skeletons", which are said to be at the bottom of the well. In short, an ominous place that you should stay away from That was also the intention of the dark stories: to scare people so that they would not drown. Nowadays you will find the Devil's Well on the Ter Hille golf course in Oostduinkerke. Hole 18 is known there as "The Devil's Hole", a nod to the mysterious history of the place. "The hole fully lives up to its name," agree some golfers working on the course. Triggered? Click through to https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2022/08/19/mysteries-ontrafeld-wat-zit-er-verborgen-in-de-duivelsput-van-o/

Beautiful semi-paved walking path that goes through De Doornpanne. Every season is colored differently here. With a bit of luck, donkeys or ponies will come to greet you.

At 33 meters above sea level, the Hoge Blekker, the dune that gave its name to the domain, is not only the highest dune (ridge) on our Flemish coast, but also a beautiful nature reserve, covering approximately 18 hectares. Blekker or Blinkaart is the common name for a bare dune hill that reflects sunlight (bleaching or shining). It was a permanent beacon for sailors who saw its white crown shining from afar ('bleaching' in the local dialect). At the origin of the Hoge Blekker and the adjacent dune massif are parabolic dunes that formed between the 16th and 19th centuries.

From the top of the Hoge Blekker you have a beautiful view of the lower dunes and landscapes, such as the Doornpanne. You will also find orientation tables that point you in which direction all kinds of places are. Those who are tired of the climb can rest on the benches.