Knokke-Heist, municipality in West Flanders, Belgium
Knokke-Heist is a seaside resort on Belgium's North Sea coast with wide sandy beaches and manicured promenades. The town combines residential neighborhoods of villas with modern facilities for shopping, sports, and leisure activities.
The place grew from a small village into a popular beach resort during the 1800s for wealthy Belgian families. Its development was shaped by railway connections and Belle Epoque architecture of that era.
The name comes from Flemish geography: Knokke refers to a spit of land, while Heist means forest in an old dialect. Today, elegant villas and manicured beaches shape how the place looks and feels, where affluent visitors and residents stroll and dine in waterfront restaurants.
The beach is easy to access with lifeguard areas during the swimming season. Hotels, restaurants, and shops are clustered together, making it easy to explore on foot.
The place is known for its modern art museum housed in a striking building that displays contemporary works. The museum draws art lovers from across the wider region.
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