This 40-mile Stretch of the Belgian Coast Is Often Overlooked — and It's Home to the World's Longest Tram

A love letter to the Belgian coast charming towns, fine-dining restaurants, and tranquil nature reserves included.

And yet, the 40-mile North Sea coastline accounts for most of the countrys domestic arrivals.

So, why do foreign travelers still favor nearby Bruges, Brussels, and Ghent?

Credit:Sander Van Den Broecke

Theres one thing that connects all Belgiancoastal destinationseven more than their geographical proximity: a common identity.

I wondered, will the sand in my sneakers evoke memories of days gone by?

In its early days, a single tram carriage was pulled by sheer, undiluted horsepower.

Sander Van Den Broecke

I passed the impressive marina andWorld War I memorialof up-and-coming Nieuwpoort.

Eventually, I arrived at my old homeland of Ostend, nicknamed the “Queen of the Coast.”

Moreover, the food and drink scene in Ostend deserves an article of its own.

Sander Van Den Broecke

Here, I met Donald Deschagt, known around town as theseaweed chef.

“For me, Bredene is among the finest coastal towns in existence.

Pure, wild, untamed nature that’s heavenly.

Sander Van Den Broecke

“Every week, people bring in things they found in their attic.

Sander Van Den Broecke

Sander Van Den Broecke

Sander Van Den Broecke