Walking in Het Zwin

The origin of the Zwin channel dates back to the 12th century. A superstorm then punched a hole in the then dune belt. Through that breakthrough of the sea, a channel was created, which ran via Sluis to the current Damme. Gradually, the Zwin silted up and also due to the poldering, the Zwin channel became narrower and the Zwin smaller. In 1872, the Internationale Dijk was constructed around the remaining tidal area to keep the sea away from the land for good. For almost 150 years, a dynamic area of just over 210 hectares remained. Gradually, the channel became narrower and shallower, causing less and less seawater to enter. Mudflats and salt marshes silted up and became overgrown with beach couch grass, an aggressive grass species that overgrew everything. There was little food left to be found for birds. The ideal start of a visit to the Zwin is a walk, the hut tour, of about 1.7km long which takes about an hour and a half, This walk is suitable for walker and wheelchair. In addition, an exploration of the visitor center with the viewing platform is also interesting If you want to ride along, that is possible for the price of 9 euros, Of course, registration in advance is mandatory with possibly mentioning wanting to ride along, at the latest by September 3, 2026 by deposit of 16 euros to account BE63 4752 0289 4108 of Flemish active seniors - Bruges Beenhouwersstraat 37, 8000 Bruges