Maria Hendrikapark

Maria Hendrikapark is the largest park in Ostend, spreading across roughly 37 hectares right in the heart of the city. It was commissioned at the initiative of King Leopold II and laid out between 1888 and 1892, during the period when Ostend was rapidly developing into a seaside resort favored by Belgian high society. Just a few years after opening, in 1896, the park's grounds were doubled in size, with the expansion plans drawn up by the renowned Parisian landscape architect Elie Lainé. It is thanks to him that the park owes its most recognizable features — the Mirror Lake (Spiegelvijver) and the neighboring Rabbit Pond (Konijnenvijver), which still shape the rhythm of the park's walking paths today.

What happened to the park after the war?

The story of Maria Hendrikapark is not one of uninterrupted growth. After the Second World War, the park lost part of its area to urban development — the Sacred Heart Hospital was built on part of the grounds, United Nations Avenue was laid out, and sections along Green Street were subdivided for housing. The park shrank, but it retained its status as Ostend's main green space. At the turn of the 21st century, the city decided on a thorough renovation: works carried out between 2003 and 2006 aimed to make the park more accessible and appealing to both residents and visitors, while respecting its historical and landscape value.

What can you do in the park today?

Today's Maria Hendrikapark combines relaxation with activity. Paths run alongside the ponds through carefully landscaped greenery and open grassy areas where visitors can spread out a blanket. Families with children will find two playgrounds, and the park also offers attractions less common in typical city green spaces — a traffic park where the youngest visitors can learn road rules on small bikes and pedal cars, and a miniature golf course. Rowing boats and pedal boats are available on the ponds, making the park a popular destination on sunny days. At its center stands the Koninginnehof, a building housing a cafeteria and restaurant where visitors can rest after a walk.

Why is it worth a visit?

The park is valued above all for the scale of greenery it offers in a city best known for its beach and seafront promenade — 37 hectares allow for a peaceful walk away from the coastal bustle. The late-19th-century landscape design, still visible in the layout of the ponds and paths, gives the place a distinct character compared to typical municipal parks. It is also a good stop for a break while sightseeing in Ostend with children, thanks to the playgrounds and traffic park.

Frequently asked questions

How old is Maria Hendrikapark? The park was laid out between 1888 and 1892 at the initiative of King Leopold II, making it over 130 years old.

How large is the park? Its current area is approximately 37 hectares.

Are there attractions for children? Yes, there are two playgrounds and a traffic park teaching safe cycling and road rules.

Can you go boating on the ponds? Yes, rowing boats and pedal boats can be rented within the park.

Who designed the park's expansion? The 1896 expansion plans were drawn up by Parisian landscape architect Elie Lainé, who also designed the Mirror Lake and Rabbit Pond.