't Zwin (Knokke-Heist, Belgium)
Het Zwin is a nature reserve located in the North of the province of West Flanders. It is known for its mudflats and salt marshes. Periodically, the North Sea floods certain parts of this nature reserve. Zwin actually means "sea arm": it used to connect Bruges with the North Sea.It is a paradise for the bird lover and nature photographer. Many hikers and cyclists also visit it.
In the southern part of the domain you will find the so-called Kleyne Vlakte. Once this area was ... an airfield! It is part of the Zwinduinen en -polders, a Flemish nature reserve (right next to the actual Zwin) of 222 hectares. There was a project (2006-2010) to restore nature in this area. From the general access road you have a nice view of the water birds, horses and cows.
Het Zwin Natuur Park is an educational center with catering facilities located right next to the actual estuary. Be careful: Mondays are closing day. Then you cannot enter certain things. You can, however, reach points at all times where you have a full view of the flood plain. There are information panels in several places. You can also walk around the Zwin for example to adjacent Zwinduinen. From there you have a view of Cadzand and the port of Zeebrugge.
Tip: If you want to see the typical plant of the salt marsh area "sea lavender" (also called "limewort" or "swinneblomme") in bloom, visit (normally) between July 15 and August 15. You will then get to see a purple carpet of flowers. Note that this variety of lamb's ear is not edible; it is another variety that can be bought as a vegetable in the regular trade.
Indication of the location on the tourist map of Top.Vlaanderen .
Indication of the location on Google Maps .
Internet media of the Zwin Nature Park: Website – Facebook – Instagram
Information about Zwin Nature Park in Wikipedia .
Information about Zwin in Wi kipedia : Dutch - French
Information about sea lavender in Wikipedia: Dutch – French – English
- 360-180° panoramic photo of the Zwin Dunes
- Photos of the nature reserve 't Zwin and its immediate surroundings:
