The beach of Bredene is one of the most natural and tranquil stretches of coastline along the Belgian North Sea.
Natural & unobstructed sea view:Bredene is the only Belgian seaside resort without a sea wall or promenade. You can walk straight from the village, through the dunes, onto the beach – a rare feature along the coast.
Expansive beach & dune area: The coastline of Bredene stretches for 4 kilometres and is bordered by a wide, continuous line of dunes, some up to 350 metres wide. This natural barrier protects the low-lying hinterland.
Child-friendly beach: The wide, flat and easy-to-navigate beaches make Bredene ideal for families with young children.
Belgium’s only nudist beach: Between lifeguard posts 6 and 7 lies the official nudist beach, well-screened by dunes and discreetly signposted for those seeking peace and freedom.
Nature & walking routes: Various walking trails begin in the dunes, leading to the Paelsteenveld nature reserve and the protected area of Grasduinen – a green oasis for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Award-Winning Beaches
The beaches of Bredene have also received multiple awards for their quality, safety, and environmentally friendly management.
Blue Flag: In 2024, the beach of Bredene was awarded the 8th time with the Blue Flag – an international quality mark for excellent water quality, well-maintained beaches, and responsible beach infrastructure.
The beaches of Bredene are clean, well-maintained, and fully equipped for a relaxing day by the sea.
Daily cleaning: Every summer day, the beaches are cleaned to ensure you can enjoy a fresh and tidy spot on the sand.
Showers: Showers are located throughout the beach to rinse off sand and seawater – perfect after swimming or playing.
Lifeguards & First Aid: During the summer season, the lifeguard service and beach patrols ensure your safety. At the busier beach entrances, first aid stations are available to assist in case of accidents or injuries.
Swimming safety outside patrol hours: When lifeguard stations are closed, a general swimming ban applies. This is clearly indicated by 'no swimming' signs and/or wind socks. For up-to-date information on patrolled zones and safe swimming areas, visit www.ikwv.be.
Comfort for everyone
Whether you're here to sunbathe, walk, play or enjoy water sports – the wide beaches of Bredene offer peace, space, and comfort for all ages.
Accessibility: Many beach entrances are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Nearby car parks make your beach visit even easier.
Food and drinks within reach: Along the beach you'll find inviting pavilions and terraces where you can enjoy an ice cream, lunch, drink or dinner with a sea view.
Nudist beach
However, there are more unique characteristics to Bredene. It has the first and only nudist beach of the Belgian coast. Ever since the opening of this fenced beach, it has been the place to be for nudists. Its location in front of a protected area of dune landscape makes sure you have absolute privacy.
During the summer months, in the phenomenal dune landscape you can enjoy the sea breeze and sun nude. Nudists gather at the part of the beach next to beach post 6.
The nude beach is available annually from the first weekend before Easter to the second weekend of October. During the months of July and August the lifeguards watch over the safety of the bathers. Even in good weather on the weekends of September are the lifeguards present. To achieve smooth and safe access to the nude beach it is best to use the tunnel located at the height of the tram Renbaan is (beach post 6).
Flags and Their Meanings
On the beaches of Bredene, you will find various information signs and beach flags to inform and warn swimmers, water sports enthusiasts, and other beachgoers about the risks associated with swimming in the sea. Below you will find the meanings of these flags:
Green Flag
Normal sea
Swimming is allowed.
Yellow Flag
Be cautious while swimming! Do not use flotation devices!
You may swim, but all floating and inflatable objects are not allowed in the sea due to offshore wind.
Red Flag
Do not swim! Very dangerous sea
Warns of serious danger and is raised when swimming conditions are very dangerous. Swimming, bathing, and other activities in or on the sea are prohibited.
Swimming allowed
Swimming is permitted
In this beach zone, you may swim in the sea between 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM.
Swimming prohibited
Do not swim!
In this beach zone, swimming in the sea is strictly prohibited!
Pay attention to these flags and always follow the instructions of the lifeguards for your safety and the safety of others on the beach.
Dogs on the Beach
For many dogs, the beach is the ultimate place to run, play, and swim. Whether it’s a seaside walk in the fresh sea breeze or a cheerful game with a frisbee or ball – dogs clearly enjoy a day by the sea. But please note: on many beaches, seasonal rules apply regarding dogs.
Dogs are prohibited on the beaches of Bredene during the period 1 juli till 1 September between 10:30 till 18:30.
Outside of the above mentioned period and time are only leased dogs allowed on the beaches of Bredene.
Further, we also recommend reading the information board, with the local beach rules, which is often placed near every beach (entrance).
At low tide there is a strong current towards the sea, than stay close to shore. In case you get pulled in by the current do not try to swim straight against it, but swim slanting to the shore with the current. Also be aware of floating devices like air-beds, boats or other swimming devices.
Do not get to close to the poles, piers or other obstacles.
Watch your children carefully, do not let them alone near the water. Are there recognition signs on the beach, tell it to your children.