Blankenberge, Coastal city in West Flanders, Belgium
Blankenberge is a harbor town on the Belgian coast with a wide sandy beach running beside a busy waterfront promenade filled with restaurants and cafés. A modern marina lies right by the water and accommodates sailboats and fishing vessels.
The town began in the 11th century as a small fishing settlement and grew into a busy trade port before industry declined. The harbor built in 1871 marked a turning point when the town shifted toward welcoming visitors and leisure travelers.
The Belle Époque Centre displays artworks and architectural details reflecting the character of this coastal town in the early 1900s. The buildings along the beachfront promenade tell stories of wealthy living and the design tastes of that era.
The town is reachable by direct trains from Brussels, and a coastal tram connects it with nearby beach towns. The beach and waterfront promenade are easy to reach on foot, and parking is available near the main areas.
The Lustige Velodrome, a wooden cycling track from 1933, invites visitors to ride specialized racing bicycles, an unusual experience on the Belgian coast. This historic venue keeps alive a form of entertainment that is rarely found elsewhere.
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