The resort of Knokke-Heist, on the Belgian coast, is once again the place to be this summer. Renée Cordes previews the season’s hottest events in this idyllic spot
Belgium’s answer to France’s Saint-Tropez, Knokke-Heist on the North Sea coast is the playground of the country’s well-heeled. Many of them spend all summer in their villas, but one need not own expensive real estate to enjoy this upmarket resort. Located near the Dutch border, it’s an easy trip from Brussels by train or car.
Dubbed the pearl of the North Sea coast, Knokke-Heist boasts long sandy beaches, an 11km promenade with a separate, wide path for bicycles and other pedal vehicles, as well as golf courses and water sports – not to mention 40 art galleries, 1,400 shops (designer boutiques and others) and some 200 restaurants.
Whether you’re into sunbathing or sports, there’s always plenty to do. One of the summer’s top events is Kneistival, a six-day party of free, open-air concerts in central Heist. This year iit takes place on 14-19 July (kneistival.be).
“Most locals go to the festival. We hang out with our friends before and after the concerts – it’s a great party atmosphere,” says Mieke Remmerie of Knokke-Heist’s tourist office (knokkeheist.be). As we went to press, the organisers were still putting the finishing touches to the programme, but they told us it will definitely include Belgian indie group Zita Swoon (15 July), English 60s rock group The Animals (18 July) and American alternative rockers Fun Lovin’ Criminals (19 July).
While you’re in Heist, check out the folklore market on Thursdays and Fridays in July and August. Here one can see demonstrations of all sorts of crafts, from pancake making to basket weaving, and buy farm-fresh fruit and vegetables from local growers.
The season’s other top event is the renowned International Fireworks Festival – five nights of fireworks synchronised to music on Duinbergen beach (10pm on 19, 21, 23, 25, 26 and 27 August) – which attracts more than 30,000 visitors each year.
Fireworks artists from five countries compete with each other and, on the final evening, the winner of the professional and audience jury award is announced. Organisers recommend arriving to watch the sound and light show from the new amphitheatre on the revamped De Wandelaar Square – a perfect way to end the summer with a bang.
Don’t miss…
There’s an attraction for every taste in Knokke-Heist
1 Het Zwin
www.zwin.be
A sanctuary of birdlife and diverse ecosystems, Het Zwin is a protected nature reserve stretching across 2.3km of Belgian and Dutch coastline. From about mid-July through late August, the entire area is transformed into a lush purple carpet of lavender blossoms. Wear sturdy hiking boots as you trek across the marshes and dunes – and bring a camera.
2 Casino
509 Zeedijk-Albertstrand, www.casinoknokke.be
Even if you’re not fond of gambling, it’s worth visiting Knokke Casino just to see Europe’s largest Murano crystal chandelier and wall paintings by Belgian masters René Magritte and Paul Delvaux. On the gambling floor, there’s Caribbean stud poker, blackjack, roulette and more.
3 Moeder Siska
177 Zoutelaan
This renowned family-run establishment – these days with a playground, hotel and mini-golf course – has been selling heart-shaped waffles (reputedly Belgium’s finest) for over a century. Legend has it that Moeder Siska, the mother of 16 children, was inspired by a painting of a waffle with five small hearts while on a trip to Amsterdam. Her blacksmith brother-in-law forged a new iron, she invented a recipe and a delicacy was born.
4 Sincfala Folklore Museum
140 Pannenstraat, www.sincfala.be
Housed in a beautiful neo-gothic school building, this museum offers an historical insight into the old fishing communities of the Zwin region.
5 Royal Zoute Golf Club
14 Caddiespad, www.zoute.be
Nestled in an idyll of pine, hawthorn, silver birch and poplar trees, the Royal Zoute Golf Club boasts two 18-hole courses noted for their quality and a large, comfortable clubhouse. While Royal Zoute was founded after World War II, Knokke has actually been attracting golf players since 1899. Brussels Airlines flies to Belgium from more than 50 premium airports across Europe, with fares starting at €49,99.
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