Doornpanne nature reserve

The Doornpanne is an extensive dune area between Koksijde, Oostduinkerke and Sint-Idesbald. The reserve of more than two hundred hectares is managed by the Intercommunale Waterleidingsmaatschappij van Veurne-Ambacht, which extracts fresh water here from the deeper dune layers. The De Doornpanne visitor centre, with its striking modern architecture, tells the story of fresh water extraction and the unique dune flora. Various walking paths, a cycle path and the climbable Hoge Blekker viewpoint, the highest dune in Koksijde, make it a beloved destination.

Accessibility is partial. The visitor centre is fully wheelchair accessible with adapted toilets and a ramp at the entrance. From the centre, a paved walking path has been laid out that runs a few hundred metres into the dunes and ends at a viewpoint; this route is easy to do by wheelchair. Deeper paths through the dunes consist of loose sand or semi-paved material and are harder to navigate. The municipality of Koksijde provides dune wheelchairs on request.

A spacious car park with disabled parking spaces is located right at the visitor centre on Doornpannestraat in Koksijde. The reserve is reachable by Coast Tram (stop Sint-Idesbald) and bus. Combine a visit with the adjacent Schipgatduinen or the Hoge Blekker. Plan your visit during the visitor centre's opening hours for maximum support.