Sea, sand and sun : the Nieuwpoort west staketsel pier in the wind

Belgian seaside relaxing mood shot and weather stock footage : close view on the Nieuwpoort pier wooden walkway with sand blown by wind

(Browse the collection : West Flanders Province time lapse and video stock footage)

You don’t tend to think of the seaside when you think of Belgium, but don’t overlook the seaside town of Nieuwpoort. It’s a stunning spot with a mixture of its lovely coast (and wonderful beach) as well as its historic centre. If you can draw yourself away from beach days, do make sure you visit the vismijn, marina and staketsel. If you’re feeling mildly energetic then hire a bike and cycle along the Frontzate.

(Pocket Wanderings)

The western mole, built in 1865, has a length of 490 m, whereas the eastern mole, dating from the same year, stands 543 m in the sea. On the heads they carry a signal lantern and a foghorn; they resemble miniature lighthouses. During the two World Wars the moles were heavily damaged, not to say destroyed; each time they were built up again. The two moles are a big attraction and a stopping place for tourists. Get a breath of fresh air. Sea angling or fishing with a crossed net are popular activities.

(Belgian Coast)

Two long wooden piers built in 1865 flank the IJzer River on its way out to the North Sea. Both the Westerstaketsel (west) and the Oosterstaketsel (east) have a foghorn and beacon at their tip designed like a little lighthouse. The east pier is a bit longer than the west one, at 543 metres, compared to 490. Both will be lined with people casting fishing rods and are great if you want a fresh blast of sea air, to watch the seaborne traffic going past and gaze back at Nieuwpoort’s beachfront and dunes.

(Crazy Tourist)