A municipality of Belgium’s West Flanders Flemish Province, Oostende consists of the boroughs of Mariakerke, Zandvoorde, Stene and Oostende proper. Oostende grew from being a small fishing village to a ‘city’ in 1265 after the inhabitants build a market hall and began to hold a market here. Strategically located on the North Sea Coast, Oostende was not only advantageous as a harbor, but it had its problems too. It was continually attacked by foreign armies with its most crucial war taking place with the Spanish army.
However, Oostende overcame these setbacks and after the end of these conquests, it regained its strength and soon became an important economic and trading centre of the country. It further rose to prominence when the Dutch closed entry to the harbors of Antwerp and Westerschelde, leaving Oostende as the only exit route to the sea. A railway connection to Brussels was constructed in 1838 and in 1846; Oostende became a transit harbor to England. Today the harbor is only open to freight and remains an alternative route to Calais, France.
Oostende was highly patronized by Belgian Kings, Leopold I and Leopold II, both of whom liked to vacation here. Receiving royal patronage meant that important buildings and monuments were built to please the royalty. The rest of the Belgian aristocracy followed and Oostende became one of the most favored and prominent seaside resorts. It is well-known for its beaches with locals and Belgians from other parts of the country hitting out to the larger Grootstrand beach, while Europeans from Britain, Germany, France and Netherlands too visit Oostende for its beaches, seaside esplanade and pier.
Other places of interest in Oostende include the Neo-Gothic St Petrus and St Paulus Church, Fort Napoleon, the Mercator, a ship of the Belgian merchant fleet that is now the Maritime Museum, the train station and the Vissersplein, which is a pedestrian zone, great for walks and enjoying a drink in one of the many brasseries located here. You can also view ferries docking in and fishing outlets at a close distance from here. During summer, you can also enjoy some great music festivals at Vissersplein. The Fine Arts Museum and the De Plate Folklore Museum can also be visited and if you have a fondness for modern art, the Provincial Modern Art Museum would be a place to view some exquisite Belgian modern art.
With a temperate climate, Oostende observes warm summers and cold winters. It rains practically throughout the year, but this does not deter tourists from visiting this historical city.
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