The attentive tourist sees superb old buildings that testify of a glorious past in De Haan. The tourist driving force of De Haan Centre is situated in one of the most beautiful architectural constructions: the "Concessie", that was leased by the state in 1889 for a period of 90 years. The street plan of this district was drawn by the famous German architect-urbanist Joseph Stubben for king Leopold II. De Haan town centre does not only owe its grace to its construction style and layout, because of a strict urban development policy it has been protected from high-rise buildings. And that makes this bathing resort unique. In the past, important people such as Ensor, Einstein, Blomme, the Austrian author Stefan Zweig and politician Paul-Henri Spaak resided here. Their houses, restaurants and favourite places are still open for the public.
The agreeable and welcoming town of Wenduine thanks its quiet family character to the long tradition of children's colonies, which found in Wenduine their favourite spot. What started in the 13th century as a small fishing village has since 1900 developed into a tourist bathing resort. Quiet witnesses of this are the church of the Heilige-Kruisverheffing and the Hubert mill. The giants Louw and Wanne have been made to the image of a fisherman's family that lived close to the mill. After the First World War, the Austrian empress Zita lived for many years in a villa along the promenade, and Wenduine was the favourite holiday resort for writers such as Gerard Walschap and Emile Verhaeren.
Harendijke used to be a village, but was obliterated by the forces of nature. The Blankenberge Canal was once called Vertinga, and was an important water way for the shipping industry. Harendijke was also one of the favourite places of art painter Valerius De Sadeleer.
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< history -- De Haan
< history -- Wenduine
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