About this place
De Fonteintjes is a nature reserve stretched along a narrow belt of dunes between Blankenberge and Zeebrugge, right on Belgium's North Sea coast. The site combines dune ponds, dune scrub and wet dune grasslands, creating a landscape that is unusually rich for such a small stretch of coast.
Where do the ponds in the dunes come from?
The hollows that now hold the reserve's ponds did not appear in their current natural form from the start. Their origin goes back to the 15th century, when artificial pits were dug in the area. Over the following centuries, shaped by dune-forming processes and shifting groundwater levels, these pits evolved into natural dune valleys with their own ecosystem. It is in these valleys that fresh water collects — a striking phenomenon given that it happens barely 100 metres from the salty sea. Beneath the dunes a freshwater lens forms: a layer of rainwater floating on top of the denser seawater, feeding the ponds and allowing vegetation unrelated to a saline environment to thrive.
What can visitors see in the reserve?
De Fonteintjes is best known for its rich flora. Five orchid species have been recorded within the reserve, including the common spotted orchid and the bee orchid, whose flowers mimic an insect resting on the petal, as well as the twayblade. The presence of so many orchid species in such a small area points to the good condition of the dune and wet-grassland habitats these plants depend on. Beyond the orchids, the site is covered with the scrub and grassland typical of coastal dunes, forming a mosaic of habitats that supports a wide range of species.
How can you visit De Fonteintjes?
The reserve is free to enter and can be explored independently or as part of regularly organised guided tours. A popular way to discover the area is via the Coastal Walking Route, which runs in part along the historic Graaf Jansdijk dike, dating back to the 13th century. This old protective dike, originally built in the Middle Ages to defend the land against the sea, today also serves as an attractive walking route, offering a contrast between the shaped coastal landscape and the wild vegetation of the reserve.
Where exactly is De Fonteintjes located?
The reserve lies on the stretch of coast between Blankenberge and Zeebrugge, in the province of West Flanders. Its modest size and proximity to both seaside towns make it easy to fit into a visit to the Belgian coast, whether for nature lovers or for anyone looking for a quiet place to walk away from the busier seaside resorts.
Frequently asked questions
Is entry to the reserve paid? No, visiting De Fonteintjes is free of charge.
What is the main natural highlight of this site? Above all, the presence of five orchid species and the unique freshwater ponds that formed in dune valleys just a short distance from the sea.
What is the best way to explore the area? On foot, following the Coastal Walking Route along the historic Graaf Jansdijk dike, or by joining one of the regularly scheduled guided tours.
Where exactly is De Fonteintjes located? Between the towns of Blankenberge and Zeebrugge, on a narrow belt of dunes along Belgium's North Sea coast.
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