Day tour The Zwin

In search of a story of land reclamation, polders, and de-poldering
24.6 km

Due to the change in the route resulting from the relocation of the International Dyke between Belgium and the Netherlands, the name of this day trip was also changed from 'Knokke' to 'Het Zwin'.

You start in the center of Sluis. From there, you are back at the border in no time, and shortly after in Sint-Anna ter Muiden, a lovely village just across the border. Then you briefly re-enter the area of Knokke, and shortly after you can enjoy a magnificent view of the new Zwin estuary from the new International Dyke. In good weather, you can see a shimmering, purple flower carpet in the fresh sea air. Exotic birds flutter in the salty wind. Remnants of fortifications, bastions, and castles are the silent witnesses of a glorious past. A story of mighty ports and world-famous trade centers, but also of naval battles and wars, of land reclamation and decay. Across the Dutch border, you can clearly see the traces of humanity's drive to gain more and more land from the sea. But also the result of how the sea, after years of desalination and monoculture, finally gets its share back: a rich estuary with a unique fauna and flora, the little 'pure nature' that remains. Add to this the marina of Cadzand, the idyllic Retranchement and the proud fortifications of Sluis.

It is definitely possible to shorten the route. If you do not walk to the marina of Cadzand but cross to the right over the first bridge across the canal, the hike is 20.7 km.

The hike will be 4 km longer for those starting from the visitor center Het Zwin.