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De Lange Nelle of Oostende

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7March2012

The famous lighthouse or De Lange Nelle is the fourth one in the history of Oostende and the third one on this location. It was built between 1947 and 1949, rises 65 metres above the sea and guides the fishermen safely in the Ostend harbour. It is one of the four still working lighthouses along the Belgian coast, the others are Nieuwpoort , Blankenberge and Heist .

Rising to a height of 65 meters above the sea, this slender piece of beauty with its striking blue and white colors, has a light frequency of 3 long flashes of light every 10 seconds and a range of 27 nautical miles (50 km) at maximum visibility. The lighthouse got its blue and white colour in the year 1998. Its lamp with Fresnel lenses is located at a height of 70 meters.

The tower of 1860 was heavily damaged during the First World War and the current lighthouse has been in use since 1 November 1948. The tower is able to switch lighting on gas, if the electricity fails. The lighthouse is not accessible to public though.

Leopold Park in Oostende

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6February2012

Oostende, a small city in West Flanders in Belgium, features a large number of places to visit, all of which are located close to each other and can thus be reached on foot. The Leopold Park is one of the major attractions of this small city.

Constructed directly in the centre of the city, this 5 hectare wide park is like a green oasis where all visitors find peace. The beauty of the flowers and greenery around gives everyone a healthy sense. The fresh air, quiet and aesthetic beauty makes this park ideal for a walk.

The most interesting thing about this park is its flower clock, which marks the main entrance. With its massive size and the large number of flowers that have been planted on it, this clock is truly a sight to marvel at! The big pointer weighs around 90kg and is covered with gold foil. The small one weighs 70kg. The total diameter of its flower bed Is around 9 metres and around 15000 flowers are planted on it every year!

Besides the massive size, the clock’s beauty is also striking. The various flowers form a unique combination that strangely appeals to the heart. The usual ponds, flowerbeds and paths that appear in all British style parks can be seen here too.

Leopold Park in Oostende

The Mercator Ship in Oostende

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2February2012

This remarkable ship takes after its creator Adrien de Gerlache, an Antarctic explorer who designed it to serve the purpose of the Belgian merchant fleet’s training. She was launched in the year 1932 and was assembled in Scotland in the city of Leith.

Though the original motive behind building this ship was training of the Belgian fleet, it was also used as an ambassador for Belgium on world fairs and in sailing events as well as to make scientific observations. She even won the Oslo-Oostende tall ships race in 1960. Not only this she was also used to transport many items like statues, bodies etc. she once bought back two Moai or giant statues from Easter Island.  However, these activities were confined only to the time period before the World War II.

For the duration of the war she was commissioned into the Royal Navy as HMS Mercator’. She served the purpose of being a support ship for many submarines in the area of Freetown, Sierra Leone and she managed to survive all this turmoil.

After her time was over, she was converted into a floating museum located in Antwerp, in 1961. Though a museum she is forever ready to sail and is open all through the year.

Children under the age of 6 are allowed free entry while those between 6 years to 14 years need an entry ticket worth €2.00. The cost for adults is €4.00

The North Sea Aquarium in Oostende

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2January2012

Oostende is a Belgian city and municipality located in the Flemish province of West Flanders. It comprises the boroughs of Mariakerke (West Flanders), Stene and Zandvoorde, and the city of Ostend proper – the largest on the Belgian coast. When in Oostende, you can always visit the North Sea Aquarium near the old fishing harbour. It is open from April to September daily from 10am-noon and 2-6pm and October to March weekends from 10am-noon and 2-6pm.

Standing on the quai au poisson (fish quay) the aquarium takes its visitors for a ride through the fauna and flora of the North Sea through its thirteen aquariums on site. Including various fishes, molluscs, and shellfish, there are more than sixty marine animals in the aquarium along with an exhibition of rare stuffed fish, echinoderms and shellfish from the nearby waters of the North Sea. The museum is very popular with the children and the charges are 2 euros for adults and 1 euro for children from 4 to 14 years of age.
The building of the North Sea Aquarium was erected after WW II as a Shrimp Market. As it remained empty during the 1970s and because several successful tropical fish exhibitions had been held there, it was chosen as a site for a North Sea Aquarium. The opening took place on 11th August 1977.

The museum has as many as 13 aquariums of marine animals and fish from the North Sea, the Channel and the Irish Sea. The museum gets its stuff from the fishermen who bring back their collects from their fishing trips. Each year the Friends of the North Sea Aquarium society presents a Gold, Siler and Bronze Fish to the best suppliers.

5 Top Attractions Of Oostende

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7December2011

Located in the Flemish province of West Flanders, Oostende is a Belgian city. The city of Ostend proper is the largest such city on the Belgian coast. It also consists of other boroughs like Stene and Zandvoorde. It also comprises of several tourist attractions. Its location on the coast itself proves to be a great temptation. Besides the scenic beauty of the ocean and the entertainment of a widespread beach, Ostend consists of other sources of entertainment too. Here are a few of those.

If you are a fan of history, you must visit Fort Napoleon, which is the only intact fortress of Napoleon in the whole of Europe. This fortress is the result of the toil of around five hundred Spanish prisoners. Covering a volume of about 8.772 m³, this fort can accommodate 260 soldiers. Originally it was used by the German soldier. Later it was used by local schools and now it is used by climbers as a training ground.

Another fascinating place to visit is the floating museum – the Mercator Ship. It lies in the Yacht harbor. Built by the Belgian navy, it is said to have cost around 3 million Belgian Francs and weighs 778 tons. Though a museum today this ship has had several exciting sea experiences in its early days. Most of these were scientific in nature and not military. It is said to have gone to the Easter Islands, the Marquise Islands, Iceland and the North Pole area etc. Today however, it stands ever ready for a journey out in the waters. Till then everyone is free to visit it all year round.

Raversijde Domain is another place you don’t want to miss. Located between Oostende and Middelkerke, this area lies on the beach. Tourists however are attracted to this area by the Atlantikwall. This is a complex maze of tunnels which was frequented during the World War 2 by the German troops and later by smugglers. Thus, Raversijde is again historically significant. Its significant also because this is where Prince Karel, brother of King Leopold III and regent of Belgium in the aftermath of W.W.II, spent a large part of his life. It is also a very valuable natural reserve. The archeological site of the medieval fishermen village from the 13th and 15th century, present here is also worth a visit.

Vindictive is another historical place. It used to be a war ship in its early days, but today it stands as a war memorial at the end of the ‘De Smet-De Naeyer’ Avenue. Its front part is all that has survived time’s ravages. The sip played a significant role in protecting the harbor from German occupants. It was sunk to close off the entrance to this region.

Andromeda Hotel & Thalassa, 4 Star hotels in Oostende

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29March2011

Overview of the Hotel: The hotel Andromeda & Thalassa located on the beach feature a health club and beauty center with various treatments and facilities. Its spacious accommodations are nicely decorated and may have a sea view or private terrace. The guests enjoy the weather on the terrace or watch the sunset with a drink on sunny days. The hotel provides excellent cuisine with seafood specialties and wine options. A swimming pool, sauna, fitness room, special body treatments or massages are included in The health club and beauty center.

Amenities at the Hotel: Restaurant, bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Terrace, Non-Smoking Rooms, Elevator, Baggage Storage, All Public and Private spaces non-smoking, Designated Smoking Area – are some of the facilities provided. Other facilities include – Room Service, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Shoe Shine. Sauna, Fitness Center, Spa & Health Club, Massage, Jacuzzi, Indoor Swimming Pool.- are provided to entertain the guests. Wi-Fi free of any charge is available. Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not possible) and costs EUR 18 per day.

Hotel Rules: The Check in time for the hotel is from 14:00-23:30 hours and the Check out time is until 12:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. All children under 2 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding. All children under 2 years are charged EUR 25 per night per person for cots. All older children or adults are charged EUR 50 per night per person for extra beds. Maximum capacity of extra beds/baby cots in a room is 1. Pets are allowed on request. Extra charges may be applicable. American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Diners Club, Maestro, Bancontact – are all acceptable. The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorize credit cards prior to arrival.

Hotel Room Types and Rates:

Standard Double Room without sea view: €131
Included in room price: 6% VAT
FREE cancellation


The Royal Ostend

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24March2011

Oostende’s connection with the Belgian Royal Family has caused it to be known as ‘The Queen of the Belgian Sea-side resorts’. King Leopold II added much to the city. Several villas and monuments found here have been built by him. He gave Oostende the royal character that it possesses today.

A long gallery called the ‘Venetian Gallery’ with Belle-Epoque style columns, running from the Royal Villa to the Wellington horse-racing tracks, built by the French architect Charles Girault was also constructed under his patronage. A small but marvelous pavilion marks the end of this gallery.

An equestrian statue of Leopold II is found near the luxurious hotel that used to be a royal villa but was renovated after W.W.II by the architect Dugardijn.

Leopold II Avenue, Maria Hendrika Park, Elisabeth Avenue, Throne street, Albert I Promenade, Queen Astrid Avenue, Leopold III Avenue, Queen’s Avenue, Princess Stephanie Square, Marie José Square etc. are all parks and streets that have been named after members of the royal family.
A statue of King Albert I and his wife Queen Elisabeth is found in front of the St. Peter and St. Paul’s church. These symbolize the resistance of the Belgian people during the First World War. The mausoleum of Queen Louise-Marie, wife of King Leopold I is found in this church. She was the first queen of Belgium and was married to the first king of Belgium at the age of twenty. Her life was short and sad.

Oostende’s connection with the royal family is deep and goes way back into town and this connection has made the city prettier and more important. It provides Oostende with a historical background and gives it a personality of its own.

Mercator Ship – floating museum

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19March2011

Designed by the Antarctic explorer Adrien de Gerlache, The barquentine Mercator is a spectacular device, built for training of the Belgian merchant fleet. A beauty to look at, she was named after Gerardus Mercator, a Flemish cartographer.

This exquisite machine took part in and won many races too. Besides being used for training, she was in the early ages of history used to make many scientific observations or as ambassador for Belgium on world fairs and in sailing events.

However the chief attraction or the importance of this ship is not because of its imposing grandeur, rather it’s because of the meaning it holds in several hearts and the marks that it has left upon the pages of history. She brought back two Moai (giant statues) from Easter Island, she brought home, the remains of Father Damien from Molokai, Hawaii. She was commissioned into the Royal Navy as HMS Mercator, during World War II . Based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, she was the support ship for submarine forces in the area. Her fate ultimately led her to Antwerp and then in the marina of Oostende, just in front of the city hall where she became a floating museum.

Oostende Atlantikwall

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16March2011

The Atlantic was a 2685 km long defense line, built by Nazi Germany between 1942 and 1944 along the western coast of Europe for protection against an anticipated Allied invasion of the mainland continent from Great Britain. The Atlantic ran from Norway, through Denmark, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium to France to the border with Spain. The Atlantic is actually a series of coastal batteries, barriers and support bunkers consisting of cannons and minefields. In some places, the bunkers have been preserved, including in Zandvoort, Katwijk, Noordwijk, Scheveningen, Hook of Holland, various places in Zeeland, Ostend, and in Normandy .

The Atlantic was never completed. After the invasion of Normandy on 6 June, 1944, the Atlantic was broken, the building largely stopped. On the Domain Raversijde in Oostende, a large part of the Atlantic is exceptionally well preserved. It is now an open air museum, containing still-furnished bunkers.

When in Oostende, a visit to this museum is worth the effort. On the Raversijde Domain sixty constructions (bunkers, storage facilities, personnel quarters, machinegun nests) dating from both World Wars, interconnected by two kilometres of trenches, can be found. Two different tours are possible in this open-air museum, each taking approximately 90 minutes. Off-season the tours are guided and during the season you can do the tour on your own with an audio guide.

The first tour, focussing on the First World War, shows the Aachen Battery and the second (Saltzwedel Battery) tour contains the part that was built during the Second World War. The Saltzwedel Battery contains several bunkers with submarine guns, anti-aircraft guns, searchlights and several cannons. The museum also possesses a very large collection of mostly original weapons, uniforms and personal belongings. Since the entire atmosphere along with the objects is life like, a visit to the museum makes you feel as if you are reliving the World War II times.

The popular center of attractions in Oostende

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6January2011

In the city, majority of center of interests are entwined in proximity to each other. As a tourist you can approach them either on foot or by renting a bicycle from the rail station for about nine euro per day. De Lijn bus lines 5, 6, and 39 there go along the seafront as to the west. More, if you wish to get away to points farther along the coast, in either direction, you can have the Coast Train from a stop next to the rail station. There you can pick up a taxi at the rail station, or call Taxibond. Some of the popular spots worth visiting in the city are as following:

•    James Ensorhuis: It is the house where Anglo-Belgian artist James Ensor resided from 1916 and has restored and transformed into a museum of his life.  Studio and lounge on the second floor. There only reproductions are displayed and can be shown away.

•    Kunstmuseum aan Zee (Art Museum by the Sea): It is constructed after the 2008 merger of the Museum voor Moderne Kunst and the Museum voor Schone Kunsten (Museum of Fine Arts). It is popularly also known as Mu.ZEE.

•    Leopold Park: The Leopold Park was made in 1860 about on the old city walls in British style having ponds, paths and flowerbeds. The first park regulations provide free access to tourists, but there local residents had to pay things over. The scenic bandstand was launched there from in 1885. The best-known statue of Oostende, called The Sea is there. But people rather recognize it by its much popular ‘Dikke Mathille’ – ‘Fat Mathilde’. More you can enjoy the “Dikke Mathille” beer that you enjoy at the local pubs. Another interesting thing to be worth viewing there is a Famous Floral Clock that is developed from about 20,000 flowers and plants. It has a diameter of 9 metres, the hands are 3 and 4 metres long and weigh 70 and 90 kilos. The date, made entirely of flowers, is reset every day during the summer months.

•    Sint-Petrus-en Pauluskerk: It is a massive neo-Gothic church about from 1907 and has a suite of stained-glass windows and a memorial chapel as bestowed to Belgium’s first queen, Marie-Louise of Orleans, who died in Ostend in 1850.

•    Driemaster Mercator: it is an earlier retired Belgian merchant marine training ship, with three masted schooners is presently is preserved as a new floating maritime museum. It has about length of more than 78 meters and a width of about 11 meters. This beautiful ship must be visited with along in the company of kids.