Bredene stands for camping tourism, naturism and a relaxed weekend away. It is the only coastal town without a busy promenade, and its excellent blend of beach and dunes more than makes up for it. No seeing and being seen along a seafront, but chatting on a terrace in the convivial Kapelstraat or enjoying one of the events in 't Paelsteenveld park.
The beach
The beach at Bredene is unlike any other on the Belgian coast, and that comes down to what is not there.
No dike, but dunes: Bredene is the only coastal town without a sea dike to protect it. As a result, the dunes flow uninterrupted into the fine sandy beach, a rare sight in this country.
Flat and child-friendly: the beaches are wide, flat and virtually untouched, with plenty of room for sandcastles, kite flying and paddling.
Plenty to do: Bredene is known for its many play, walking and sports facilities, ideal for anyone who does not want to lie still all day.
Swimming safely: during the bathing season lifeguards watch over the supervised zones, marked by beach flags. Outside those zones, take care: the currents along this coast can be treacherous.
The naturist beach
Bredene has something no other Belgian resort can offer.
The only one in Belgium: this is the first and only naturist beach on the Belgian coast, and since it opened it has been the place to be for naturists.
Where to find it: the fenced section of beach lies by beach post 6, tucked away in a protected stretch of dune landscape that guarantees complete privacy.
In the summer months: during the season you can enjoy the sea breeze, the sun and the phenomenal dune landscape here as nature intended.
Nature in its purest form: it is precisely this combination of unspoilt dunes and unhurried recreation that makes Bredene what it is.
The dunes and nature
Because nature has scarcely been interfered with in Bredene, this is home to one of the finest dune areas on the Belgian coast.
Majestic dunes: in places this dune belt is as much as 400 metres wide, and it still serves as a natural defence against the sea.
Protection for the hinterland: the dune belt of roughly four kilometres keeps the hinterland dry, as the land here lies below sea level.
Walking and cycling: all year round the dunes make an excellent base for walks and bike rides through woodland and dune or along the beach.
Rich in plants and wildlife: enthusiasts can enjoy the distinctive flora and fauna of the dune landscape, from sea buckthorn and marram grass to rabbits and a host of bird species.
Camping and accommodation
Nowhere on the Belgian coast is camping as natural a choice as it is here.
The camping capital: in and around Bredene there are more than 25 campsites, making this the destination for camping holidays on the coast. The area between Bredene-Bad and the Vosseslag district is quite literally dotted with them.
Holiday parks and guest houses: there are also family-friendly holiday parks and lovely guest houses, whose rooms are regularly inspected and classified by level of comfort.
Holiday homes and apartments: anyone wanting more space opts for a holiday home or an apartment, often with a garden and within walking distance of the dunes.
Hotels and B&Bs: from a cosy bed and breakfast to a well-appointed hotel, ideal for a short weekend away. Have a look at the last minutes too for a sharp deal.
Food and drink
With no promenade, the social life here shifts to the street and the park, and that works out surprisingly well.
The Kapelstraat: this is the beating heart of Bredene-Bad, with terraces where an afternoon slips away before you know it.
Fish and seafood: fresh fish, mussels and shrimp form the backbone of the menu in the restaurants in and around the village.
The shrimp croquette: the benchmark of every coastal brasserie, made with grey North Sea shrimp, served here on a terrace among the locals rather than on a seafront.
Belgian classics: give in to beef stew and chips, a waffle or a cone of chips from the frituur, with a Belgian beer alongside.
With children in Bredene
For families Bredene is a find: lots of space, little traffic and the beach right round the corner.
The beach as a playground: the flat, gently sloping beach is perfect for the youngest ones, and at low tide shallow pools are left behind where they can splash about safely.
Romping in the dunes: the wide dune belt is one big adventure ground, with paths running from woodland to sand and back again.
Playing outdoors: in 't Paelsteenveld park and elsewhere in the municipality there are lovely playgrounds, often right beside the campsites.
Events
Bredene celebrates its summers among the greenery rather than on a seafront, and that gives its events a flavour of their own.
't Paelsteenveld: this park is the setting for a large part of the events calendar, from concerts to family activities.
Summer on the beach: in July and August plenty of beach activities and sporting events are on the programme.
Markets and folklore: throughout the year there are markets and village festivals too, where you experience Flemish conviviality at first hand.
Quiet out of season: Bredene is at its loveliest outside the summer, with empty beaches and dunes where you often hear nothing but the wind.
Explore the surroundings
Bredene sits right next to Ostend, which means the whole coast and its hinterland are within reach.
Ostend round the corner: Bredene's built-up area runs almost as far as the harbour and the Lighthouse district of Ostend, the largest seaside town on the coast, with its promenade and maritime atmosphere.
By coastal tram: the coastal tram, the longest tram line in the world, takes you car-free from De Panne to Knokke-Heist, with every resort along the way as a possible stop.
Neighbours with character: to the east the Vosseslag district joins up with De Haan and its belle époque villas, and further along lie Wenduine and Blankenberge.
Towns full of history: ideal day trips include the UNESCO heritage of Bruges, lively Ghent and the moving wartime past of Ypres.
Practical information
A few things are handy to know before you set off for the coast.
Getting there: Bredene is easily reached by car via the E40, taking the exit towards Ostend. From the Netherlands you drive via Antwerp and Bruges, reaching the coast in around two hours.
By public transport: get off the train at Ostend and take the coastal tram or the bus, which drops you in Bredene-Bad within minutes.
Parking: with no seafront, parking here is a little more relaxed than in the neighbouring resorts, though in high season the beach entrances still fill up. Come early, or simply leave the car at the campsite.
Best time to visit: July and August are the busiest and warmest, and that is when the naturist beach is open too. Spring and autumn offer calm, beautiful light and empty dunes.
