Attractions and Places To See in Uitkerkse Polder - Top 13
Best attractions and places to see in Uitkerkse Polder include a significant nature reserve characterized by its expansive, open polder landscape and intricate network of water features. This area is recognized as one of the last open spaces on the Flemish coast, preserving a centuries-old polder environment. The unique "salty biotope" supports rare salt-tolerant plants and makes it a crucial habitat for diverse bird species throughout the year. The region also features historical sites and infrastructure reflecting centuries of human interaction with the tidal landscape.
Best attractions and places to see in Uitkerkse Polder
- The most popular attractions is Uitkerkse Polder, an other natural area that is a significant nature reserve known for its open meadow landscape and diverse birdlife. It is Flanders' most important meadow bird area, attracting many rare species and preserving a centuries-old polder environment.
- Another must-see spot is Blankenbergse Vaart, a 12-kilometer drainage canal between Bruges and Blankenberge. This waterway is part of an intricate network designed to manage water in the coastal plain and represents a significant piece of the region's water management history.
- Visitors also love Grutto Birdwatching Hide, a hut designed for observing the diverse birdlife. It offers a vantage point to see meadow birds and winter visitors in their natural habitat, providing a front-row seat for birdwatching.
- Uitkerkse Polder is known for its nature reserves, historical sites, and dedicated birdwatching spots. Visitors can explore natural landscapes, learn about local history, and observe diverse wildlife.
- The attractions in Uitkerkse Polder are appreciated by the komoot community, with 13 highlights featuring 13 photos and receiving 158 upvotes.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
Uitkerkse Polder Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
More information at natuurpunt.be/natuurgebieden/uitkerkse-polder
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Blankenbergse Vaart
Highlight • River
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Saint Job Chapel
Highlight • Religious Site
The chapel is dedicated to Saint Job. According to tradition, Saint Job, abandoned by his wife and mocked by his children, sat down on a dunghill with his body covered in wounds. According to some, the remarkable crowns of the gables represent manure piles.
Information can be read on site.
For those interested in WWI, a fact you knew: Behind the chapel is a concrete foundation of a German anti-aircraft battery from the First World War that now serves as a flower bed.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
War Memorial Crash WACO - Glider WWII
Highlight • Historical Site
Information panel on the bank of the Blankenbergse Vaart provides historical information:
On Tuesday, September 19, 1944, 10 days after the liberation of Blankenberge, a Waco CG-4A Glider of the American army crashed here. This glider with number 42-79442 was part of a formation of four C47A aircraft with gliders of the 101st airborne division that was on its way to Arnhem as part of Operation Market Garden (capture of bridges in Nijmegen and Arnhem in the Netherlands).
Historical facts on 19/09/1944: 'When the formation flew above Blankenberge, the tow cable of the glider suddenly broke. The glider separated from its tow device and collided with the tip of its wing against the tow cable of another aircraft in the formation. A wing broke after which the aircraft began to spin and crashed without control in a meadow near the Scharebrug, which the Germans had recently flooded to slow down the advance of the Allied liberation army.
The seven occupants did not survive the crash. Six bodies were recovered from the wreckage. Another body was found under the wreckage shortly afterwards. the remains were repatriated to their homeland or given a final resting place at the American Military Cemetery in Neupre (Neuville-en-Condroz, Belgium).
The victims who died are:
Robert E. Brown 1916-19/09/1944
James J. Szur 1917-19/09/1944
Caroll D. Simmons 1918-19/09/1944
John. J. Vetter 1921-19/09/1944
William A. Sowell, Jr. 1924-19/09/1944
Earnest H. Smith 1924-19/09/1944
Arthur A. Hutchins 1925-19/09/1944
We Will Remember Them
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Grutto Birdwatching Hide
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions in Uitkerkse Polder.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Birdwatching hut Grutto is the highlight of the Uitkerkse Polder. Admire and marvel at the unsuspecting meadow birds and winter guests that forage in the ground right in front of you. Here you have a front row seat. Secretly enjoy
3
0
At this location is a Memorial Crash Waco CG-4A Glider WWII. Information panel on the bank of the Blankenbergse Vaart provides historical information: On Tuesday 19 September 1944, 10 days after the liberation of Blankenberge, a Waco CG-4A Glider of the American army crashed here. This glider with number 42-79442 was part of a formation of four C47A aircraft with gliders of the 101st airborne division that was on its way to Arnhem as part of Operation Market Garden (capture of bridges in the Dutch Nijmegen and Arnhem). Historical facts on 19/09/1944: 'When the formation flew over Blankenberge, the tow cable of the glider suddenly broke. The glider came loose from its tow plane and collided with the tip of its wing against the tow cable of another aircraft in the formation. A wing broke, after which the aircraft began to spin and crashed without control in a meadow near the Schare Bridge, which the Germans had flooded shortly before to slow down the advance of the Allied liberation army. The seven occupants did not survive the crash. Six bodies were recovered from the wreckage. Another body was found under the wreckage shortly afterwards. The remains were repatriated to their homeland or given a final resting place at the American Military Cemetery in Neupre (Neuville-en-Condroz, Belgium). The victims who died are: Robert E. Brown 1916-19/09/1944 James J. Szur 1917-19/09/1944 Caroll D. Simmons 1918-19/09/1944 John. J.Vetter 1921-19/09/1944 William A. Sowell, Jr. 1924-19/09/1944 Earnest H. Smith 1924-19/09/1944 Arthur A. Hutchins 1925-19/09/1944 We Will Remember Them
1
0
Are you on holiday at the coast and do you want to enjoy nature in addition to the beach? Then head to the Uitkerkse Polder for a family walk or a bike ride. This European Natura 2000 nature reserve of 1400 ha can be found between Blankenberge, Wenduine, Nieuwmunster and Zuienkerke, in the province of West Flanders. In the meantime, Natuurpunt already manages 650 ha of meadow bird reserve here. It is the most important meadow bird area in Flanders. Enjoy this attraction for many rare birds in both summer and winter! Read on and find out how to book a guide, what children can do here and who our partners are. More information at https://www.natuurpunt.be/natuurgebieden/uitkerkse-polder
3
0
This chapel was built in the first half of the 19th century near the site of the church of Sint-Jans-op-den-dijk, which was destroyed in 1575. The chapel is dedicated to Saint Job. According to tradition, Saint Job, abandoned by his wife and mocked by his children, sat down on a dunghill with his body covered in wounds. According to some, the remarkable crowns of the gables represent dunghills. Information can be read on site. For those interested in WWI, a fun fact: Behind the chapel lies a concrete foundation of a German anti-aircraft battery from the First World War that now serves as a flower bed.
3
0
In the hinterland of Blankenberge you will find a picturesque network of narrow, quiet roads that meander through the flat Flemish landscape. As you cycle, you will see vast meadows, characteristic farms and the iconic, low horizons that make this region so typical.
0
0
The Blankenbergse Vaart is one of the drainage canals of the Nieuwe Polder van Blankenberge, which runs from the Bruges district of Sint-Pieters-op-den-Dijk via Meetkerke and Zuienkerke to Blankenberge, where it flows into the marina. Until the beginning of the 20th century, this canal was still used for transport purposes, but eventually this turned out to be unprofitable due to improved roads.
5
0
Pretty corners of quiet nature where you can observe birds in their natural environment...nice spots for photographers
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features make Uitkerkse Polder unique?
The Uitkerkse Polder is characterized by its vast, open meadow landscape, crisscrossed by numerous ponds, canals, and ditches. It boasts a unique "salty biotope" resulting from historical seawater floods, which supports rare salt-tolerant plants like milk spice and salicornia. This environment is crucial for its diverse wildlife.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Uitkerkse Polder?
Uitkerkse Polder is Flanders' most important meadow bird area, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. You can observe breeding birds such as the black-tailed godwit, redshank, oystercatcher, avocet, and lapwing. In winter, thousands of geese, including wigeon, teal, and greylag geese, flock to the area, and short-eared owls can also be spotted. For excellent viewing, visit the Grutto Birdwatching Hide.
Are there historical sites to explore in Uitkerkse Polder?
Yes, the polder has a rich history tied to its formation and human interaction. You can visit the Saint Job Chapel, a 19th-century chapel built near the site of a destroyed medieval church, with a WWI anti-aircraft battery foundation behind it. Additionally, the War Memorial Crash WACO - Glider WWII commemorates a significant historical event from 1944.
What activities are available for families with children?
Uitkerkse Polder offers several family-friendly options. The Visitor Center Uitkerkse Polder is a great starting point with an interactive exhibition. Children can enjoy the Nature Play Zone with climbing logs and ropes, or explore the 1 km Kievitspad Nature Experience Trail. Many highlights, including the Uitkerkse Polder Nature Reserve itself, are marked as family-friendly.
What are the best ways to explore the Uitkerkse Polder on foot or by bike?
The area offers several well-marked walking and cycling routes. From the Visitor Center, you can choose from three walking routes ranging between 4.8 km and 7.7 km, leading past viewing huts and a lookout tower. A dedicated 8.2 km route provides a comprehensive experience of the polder. The mostly paved agricultural roads are suitable for cycling, and you can find more detailed routes in the Easy hikes in Uitkerkse Polder guide or the Gravel biking in Uitkerkse Polder guide.
Is Uitkerkse Polder accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
Yes, many parts of the Uitkerkse Polder are accessible. The area's mostly paved agricultural roads make it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. There is also a renovated picnic area along Scharebrugstraat with wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and birdwatching walls.
Where is the best place to start my visit to Uitkerkse Polder?
The ideal starting point for exploring the reserve is the Visitor Center Uitkerkse Polder. It offers an interactive exhibition, information, a shop, a library, a bar, and free parking. From here, you can easily access various walking and cycling routes.
What is the Blankenbergse Vaart and its significance?
The Blankenbergse Vaart is a 12-kilometer drainage canal connecting Bruges and Blankenberge. It's a vital part of the intricate water management network in the coastal plain, designed to drain excess rainwater and protect against flooding. Historically, it was also used for transport until the early 20th century.
When is the best time to visit Uitkerkse Polder for birdwatching?
Uitkerkse Polder offers excellent birdwatching opportunities year-round. During spring and summer, you can observe breeding meadow birds. In winter, the area becomes a crucial habitat for thousands of wintering geese and other waders. Short-eared owls are also visible in autumn and winter.
Are there specific viewpoints or hides for observing birds?
Yes, strategically placed birdwatching cabins and a lookout tower are located throughout the polder to provide excellent vantage points without disturbing the wildlife. The Grutto Birdwatching Hide is particularly noted for offering close-up views of meadow birds and winter visitors.
What kind of running trails are available near Uitkerkse Polder?
For runners, there are several trails in and around the Uitkerkse Polder. You can find routes like the 'Kluut bird hide – Wrakhout Bridge loop' or the 'Blankenbergse Vaart – Kluut bird hide loop' which offer moderate difficulty. More options are detailed in the Running Trails in Uitkerkse Polder guide.
What is the historical context of the Uitkerkse Polder landscape?
The Uitkerkse Polder, a 1,400-hectare coastal polder, originated from a mudflat and salt marsh area about 1,500 years ago. Its current landscape, with an intricate network of ditches and canals, is a testament to centuries of human efforts to manage water and reclaim land from the sea, transforming the tidal environment into fertile polder land.
Most popular routes in Uitkerkse Polder
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
