The Zwin

The Zwin is a dynamic landscape of marshes, mudflats, and beach plains on the border of Belgium and the Netherlands. With every tide, seawater enters The Zwin, making its way through the sandy beach plains to the muddy marshes. In this harsh environment, unique and rare plants grow. The area is also known for its many birds that breed, rest, and search for food here. The area is bordered by a narrow row of dunes with lush vegetation.

History:

In the 13th and 14th centuries, this arm of the sea - 't Zwyn - was an important waterway to Bruges. This waterway was formed after the sea encroached far inland around the beginning of the Common Era. The cities of Bruges, Damme, and Sluis were located along the Zwin and became thriving trading centers. However, the channel became increasingly shallow and ultimately impassable. Therefore, The Zwin was largely drained later on. Subsequently, nature took over here. Bruges, Damme, and Sluis are now part of the vanished Zwin ports. More info: Bike route of the vanished Zwin ports

The Zwin in change

To preserve The Zwin, large-scale interventions have been made. During this Flemish-Dutch project, the channel has been made wider and deeper. More water now flows, with more force, in and out of the nature reserve. Signs on-site indicate the dangers this brings.

Gastvrij Zeeuws-Vlaanderen