Westerpunt walk
Walk along the beach (or the seafront promenade) from De Drie Wijsneuzen to the Westerpunt. Along the way, enjoy the sea, dunes and a unique view.
The Westerpunt is, literally and figuratively, the high point of this walk. This architectural showpiece has won several awards and offers a unique view over the dunes and the sea. If you continue west, you reach French territory.
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There is an alternative accessible route along the seafront promenade and walking promenade.
Starting location
Starting location
We recommend starting this walk at De Drie Wijsneuzen. You can also choose to start at the Westerpunt.
8660 De Panne
BE
On your route
The Westerpunt is a geometric, gentle staircase that leads you up from the promenade until you tower above the beach, before bringing you back down towards the lower beach or the sea wall.
Touching to sea you through our extremities: this octopus, with its tentacles, symbolises how Laure Prouvost has to navigate between the different cultures and forms of communication in Belgium.
The Leopold I monument is, alongside the Westerpunt, the best-known monument in De Panne. It was here that Leopold I, the first King of Belgium, first set foot on Belgian soil on 17 July 1831.
Royal Sand Yacht Club (land sailing centre): this is a club for passionate recreational and competitive land sailors in a beautiful location surrounded by nature, sand, dunes and sea. Land sailing originated in De Panne. It was the children of architect Albert Dumont who spent their free time building and developing land yachts. In 1898, the first land yacht arrived on the beach.
Cast Away: Michael Rakowitz explores the history of Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk in May 1940 after an attack by the German army.
Toilets
Need a toilet along the way? There are 4 toilets on your route:
- Schuilhavenlaan
- Seafront promenade near P. Bortierplein
- Zeedijk Centrum, near Zeelaan
- Canadezenplein
Parking
It is best to park in the green long-stay parking zones.
Public transport
Coming by tram? The ‘Canadezenplein’ stop is closest to the start of this walk.
Westerpunt viewpoint
The Westerpunt symbolically connects the sea with the dunes, nature with the coast, and residents with one another. Thanks to its unique location beside the dunes and the Westhoek reserve, it is a monumental viewpoint. Experience a breathtaking 360-degree view and discover the beautiful landscape.
Tip: visit the point at high tide. The entrance on the beach is then washed over by seawater, making the Westerpunt a different experience at every time of day.