Not far from the popular seaside resort of Blankenberge you find an century-old meadow landscape, the Polder of Uitkerk. Bordering the quiet polder villages of Zuienkerke and Nieuwmunster, this area is an oasis of peace along the busy coastline.
Distance: 8 km.
Time: 2h00.
Grade: Easy.
Type: Circular.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: No.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Allowed.
Height gain: Flat.
Trail: Mostly paved.
Marking: Hexagon with green inscription.
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SINT-JAN-OP-DEN-DIJK.
An open polder landscape of more than 1,400 ha stretches between Blankenberge and Zuienkerke. The area is one of the last open spaces on the Flemish Coast and gives a nice picture of what the coastal polders used to look like. Throughout the year, the Uitkerkse Polder is the ideal biotope for numerous bird species. Meadow birds find a suitable breeding place and thousands of freezing geese from the North come to hibernate. This walk mainly runs on traffic-calmed asphalt roads.
Well marked.
POI 1 - Sint-Jan-Op-Den-Dijk.
This small parish was founded in the 13th century but completely destroyed in 1575. Where there are now three farms and a chapel, the polder village was once located. Behind the chapel is a concrete foundation of a German World War I defense battery that now serves as a flower bed.
No additional information.
POI 2 - Bird watch hut Grutto.
Just before the end of the hike you pass the bird watch hut Grutto where you definitely have to stop. Grassland birds and winter guests scratch the ground in front of you, unsuspectingly.
No additional information.
