Information About Nieuwpoort, Belgium
Next stop: Brügge
Alternative Location: 
Things to do in Nieuwpoort
Back to topWhy do we recommend stopping here?
Nieuwpoort is a lively and cosmopolitan seaside town, popular with families and featuring a 2 km long promenade. There are 2 areas of Nieuwpoort situated on the river IJzer 3km/2miles from the north sea. Nieuwpoort Bad is on the river and Nieuwpoort Stad is a little further away from the shore. The town functions as an marked Belgian fishing port. Six canals, which are regulated by many sluices, join the IJzer in Nieuwpoort. These are situated a little north of the Grote Markt near the IJzer bridge and are an interesting sight. A channel of approximately 2kms runs between the marina and the sea and here a promenade has been built which is very popular with cyclists and walkers.
What is there to see?
The Giant - Jan Turpin II - dates from 1963 and with its 10.60 it is the largest giant from Europe. Prince Mauritspark in over 10 hectares is a development of 18 show gardens all connnected by footpaths. The Children’s farm De Lenspolder, Elf Juliwijk in Nieuwpoort offers the opportunity to see and feed a variety of farm animals.
What can I visit?
Albert I monument, the Fishermen’s monument honouring fishermen who died at sea during the last war and later. The covered fish market with daily fish auctions (Mondays, Weds and Fridays are apparently the best days to visit). Visit the extensive Grote Markt at Nieuwpoort Stad with its belfry, (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and old Renaissance house (rebuilt 1924; containing a small ornithological museum) Behind the town hall stands the Onze-Lieve-Vroukerk which was destroyed in both World Wars but rebuilt in 1922 and 1946 in its original Gothic style. In the detached tower there is a carillon of 67 bells. Between 15/6 - 15/9 there is a carillon concert every Wednesday at 20.30 and on Fridays at 11.15am
Is this place famous for anything?
Flanders Regatta - this year to be held 28th June to 2nd July. The Flandres National Day (Fetes Nationales des Flandres) is 11th July and the Belgian National Day is 21st July (For the holidays, the locks will operate as per Sunday opening hours (10.00 - 17.45)
Insider Information
De IJzer is the only river on Belgian territory running directly into the North Sea.
Is there a market day?
There is a daily fish market.
Is there a public swimming pool?
Yes
Alternative: A lovely sandy beach and the sea!
Is there a tourist office?
Stadhuis, Marktplein 7, B-8620 Nieuwpoort
Is there anything else worth mentioning?
Please bring a mobile phone with you as you will need it to call for some bridges and locks to be opened. Bridges and locks between Nieuwpoort and Bruges are closed on a Sunday before 1st May and after 30th September. If you wish to fish, you will need to purchase a permit form the post office. There are two types of licence depending on whether you wish to fish from the river bank or from your boat. It is considerably more expensive to fish from your boat!!
Eating and Drinking in Nieuwpoort
Back to topUpmarket restaurant
Cosmopolite. Listed in the Belgian restaurant guide. ŕ la carte rate (entrée, main course, dessert, without wine) from €40.00
Address: Albert I laan, 101
Atmosphere: Chic!
Cuisine: French, fish, shellfish
Opening Hours: Open from 12h to 14h30 and from 18h to 21h30, 7 days a week
Contact Details: Tel: 058 23 33 66
Shopping in Nieuwpoort
Back to topSupermarket
Smatch
Kaai 47, 8620 Nieuwpoort
Supermarket
Supermarket Super GB
Kaai 20, 8620 Nieuwpoort
Supermarket 3
Proxi Delhaize at Albert I laan 159, Nieuwpoort, Spar at Albert I laan 273, Nieuwpoort
What other shops are there??
There is a good range of general shoppping in the town, including a bakery, butchers etc
Practicalities at Nieuwpoort
Back to topMooring
Our Base is situated approx 2 kms from the centre of Nieuwpoort, with its restaurants and bars, supermarkets, and a good range of general shopping. The Base opens from 09.00 - 12.00 and 13.00 - 17.00 Monday to Saturday.
Can I get water here?
Yes
Are there any 220v points to plug the boat into?
Yes
Can I get fuel here?
Yes
Are there any public waste bins here?
Yes
Are there toilet/shower facilities here?
Toilets
Is there a bank?
Ing, Marktplein 1 8620 Nieuwpoort. Dexia, Astridlaan 60 8620 Nieuwpoort. Banking hours are generally Monday -Friday 09.00 - 12.00 and 14.00 - 17.00
Is there an ATM?
Yes
Is there a post office?
The post office is 1.5 kms from the base. Fishing licences are sold at the post office.
Is there a taxi company here?
Taxi Merlijn 00 32 (0)475 680 311, Taxi Pierre, 00 32 (0)58 23 56 54,Taxi Nico, 00 32 (0)475 705 704 and Taxi Marc 00 32 (0)486 716 230
