De Panne is a breath of fresh air. We have many square kilometres of dunes and trees where you can go walking and get back to nature. A short stroll or a hefty hike? Explore our unique nature reserves at your own pace.
Step one: a walking route
Reservations for Westhoek nature reserve? No need. But we do advise downloading your walking route. Our routes show you the diversity of our local nature in all its glory. Dust off your walking shoes, grab your birdspotting guide, and – voilà – you are ready to set off.
Tips for trips
Sea and beach pollution
There are many different types of pollution. During this beach walk, we will be studying the negative effects of noise pollution, chemical pollution, and microplastics and macroplastics on the organisms living in the sea and on the beach.
Guided walk in the Houtsaeger nature reserve
The Flemish nature reserve of Houtsaeger Dunes and Kerkepanne Forest (covering 86 hectares in total) is enclosed between De Panne and St. Idesbald.
Turn wild plants into your detox salad
During this walk you'll learn to recognise edible and usable ingredients found in nature. In need of some extra vitamins? Do you want to battle your springtime fatigue or ‘heal’ a painful knee or scraped arm?
Westhoek walk
The guide will take you around the 340 hectares Westhoek reserve. This is the oldest Flemish nature reserve (established in 1957). The beach ridge, walking dunes, and parabolic dunes, dune slacks, grey and blond dunes, dune grasslands, and lime swamps reveal this vivid landscape.