Zwin Dunes and Polders – The Zwin loop from Het Zoute
Zwin Dunes and Polders – The Zwin loop from Het Zoute
4.1
(12)
101
hikers
Zwin Dunes and Polders – The Zwin loop from Het Zoute
01:51
7.36km
10m
Hiking
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 20, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
1.09 km
Zwin Dunes and Polders
Highlight • Natural
Until the end of the 19th century, these dunes, forests, pastures and meadows were constantly changing under the influence of the sea. The area looked like today's Zwin; with mudflats, salt marshes and gullies closed off on the sea side by a belt of dunes. The Zwin dunes and polders only got their present form in 1872-1873, when the international dike was built to protect the area from the sea.
Since then, man has left clear traces here again and again: in the summer of 1929 the area was a golf course (although you had to putt and hit between sheep, because it was still used as pasture), shortly afterwards a horse racing track and riding arena were built. International show jumping competitions were held on it until the 1960s. The Kleyne Vlakte next door was even converted into a 40-acre airport in the early 1930s.
Even the world wars left their mark on this tactically important area. Large areas were concreted over.
In 2002 the Flemish government bought the area and from 2004 it was restored. Today you can experience it in "natural", if not really original splendor, with fauna and flora, which ultimately can only survive here thanks to careful human intervention.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.04 km
Tobruk (Zwinduinen en -polders)
Nature Reserve
2.57 km
Forest-Rich Hiking Trail
Highlight • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.99 km
Four stone pillars
Highlight • Monument
You can still see the traces of his work. Let your associations flow: Does the ensemble remind you of part of Stonehenge? Or to a portal? The special thing about this work: Even though everything is so raw, it seems perfect. This is probably because the proportions follow mathematical principles and the work of art fits into the surrounding nature.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.26 km
Public Picnic Area and E-bike Charging Point Zwin
Highlight • Rest Area
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.32 km
Zwin hiking route
Highlight • Trail
Before you start your adventure, take a look at the exhibition space.
Your Zwin experience starts here.
Hiking trails take you along the hut trail. The information in the cabins makes your visit a total experience. Enjoy the beautiful views in the watchtower. Every season has different protagonists here.
Tip, plan a visit during school holidays or during the weekends, then guides will be happy to give you a word of explanation along the hut trail.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.98 km
Large birdwatching hut
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Translated by Google •
Tip by
4.28 km
Stork Observation Tower
Highlight • Viewpoint
Mirror glass ensures that visitors are invisible to the storks.
Take your time and enjoy these moments.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
4.57 km
The Zwin
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
7.36 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
4.92 km
1.27 km
849 m
306 m
Surfaces
3.97 km
1.69 km
888 m
573 m
134 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Tuesday 14 July
25°C
20°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 32.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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