NAVIGO Visitor Centre Oostduinkerke
NAVIGO, the National Fisheries Museum in Oostduinkerke, tells the story of Flemish fishing history, with particular attention to the traditional horseback shrimp fishermen, the only ones in the world to catch shrimp from horseback. This centuries-old practice is on the UNESCO list of intangible heritage and is kept alive here through film, first-hand testimony and an interactive trail. Around the museum is the fishermen's square with an authentic Ostend fishing vessel.
NAVIGO has been fully designed as a barrier-free environment. The main entrance, the reception and all exhibition floors are wheelchair accessible via generous ramps and a panoramic lift. Accessible toilets are provided on every floor with support bars, a lowered washbasin and sufficient turning space. The audiovisual presentations are subtitled and equipped with hearing loops for hearing-aid users. With support, wheelchair users can also experience the outdoor section with ship rigging.
The spacious paved car park in front of the museum offers several reserved spaces. The museum café and garden are barrier-free. NAVIGO connects to the fully accessible coastal walking path and the Coast Tram, which has an adapted stop right outside. Combine your visit with a demonstration by the horseback fishermen on the beach or with a stop at the accessible Duinpanne visitor centre in De Panne.
Good to know
- Reservation
- Buy tickets online or at the desk; for the guided tour during the horseback shrimp fishermen demonstrations on the beach, book in advance via the website.
- Busy and quiet times
- In July and August the museum is busy; during the horseback fishermen demonstrations (calendar on the website) large crowds gather on the beach.
- Things to note
- The entire museum has been designed to be fully barrier-free; for the outdoor activities on the beach, the soft sand areas are not independently passable.
- Visit tip
- Combine your visit with a horseback fishermen demonstration on the beach or with the Coast Tram to Duinpanne in De Panne, both fully accessible.