De Haan, municipality in West Flanders, Belgium
De Haan is a coastal town in Belgium with long sandy beaches and wooden houses lining the waterfront, most built in the early 1900s style with white facades and ornamental details. The town enforces building height limits to preserve its intimate scale, with structures never exceeding five floors.
De Haan grew from a fishing village dating to the 12th century into a seaside resort for wealthy visitors in the early 1900s. The architectural style and town layout from that prosperous period define its appearance today.
De Haan carries a name rooted in its past as a small settlement, and locals maintain the town with care for its heritage. The way residents keep their homes decorated with period details and preserve the quiet character of the streets shows how the community values its coastal identity.
The town is easily reached by tram from nearby Ostend or by train from other cities, with a transfer to the tram for final arrival. Most attractions and the beach are within walking distance, making exploration without a car straightforward.
Albert Einstein once stayed in a villa called Savoyarde in De Haan, and though the building is now private, visitors can find a statue of the scientist sitting on a nearby bench. This sculpture has become a favorite photo spot and a reminder of his famous visit.
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