Oosterstaketsel Pier
Iconic pier offering breathtaking North Sea views and a refreshing coastal experience in vibrant Oostende, Belgium.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Invigorating sea breeze
Oosterstaketsel Pier
Best Time
Invigorating sea breeze
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic pier offering breathtaking North Sea views and a refreshing coastal experience in vibrant Oostende, Belgium.
"Marvelous place to visit. Standing at the edge of North Sea, feeling the breeze and watching the view, it can not be described in mere words."
🧥 Pack for the Wind
Always bring a windbreaker or jacket, as coastal weather can change quickly.
🚊 Easy Train Access
Oostende is just a 2-hour train ride from Brussels, making it a perfect day trip.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oosterstaketsel Pier
Oostende, Belgium
Walk along this iconic pier for breathtaking North Sea vistas and invigorating coastal air. A truly mesmerizing experience.
Ostend Beach
Oostende
A vast, clean, and well-maintained sandy beach perfect for family fun and leisurely walks, even after sunset.
Seal Spotting
North Sea near Oosterstaketsel Pier
Keep an eye out for seals playing in the waves – a delightful surprise for visitors of all ages!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Coastal Breeze
Day Trip from Brussels
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Pack for the Wind
Always bring a windbreaker or jacket, as coastal weather can change quickly.
🚊 Easy Train Access
Oostende is just a 2-hour train ride from Brussels, making it a perfect day trip.
🏖️ Clean Sandy Beaches
Enjoy the well-maintained and clean beaches, great for families.
🍽️ Dining Options Galore
Explore numerous restaurants and eateries around the pier and beach area.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Pack for the Wind
Always bring a windbreaker or jacket, as coastal weather can change quickly.
🚊 Easy Train Access
Oostende is just a 2-hour train ride from Brussels, making it a perfect day trip.
🏖️ Clean Sandy Beaches
Enjoy the well-maintained and clean beaches, great for families.
🍽️ Dining Options Galore
Explore numerous restaurants and eateries around the pier and beach area.
🌊 Seal Sightings
Be patient and observant; you might spot seals near the pier!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Oosterstaketsel Pier for its mesmerizing sea views and the invigorating coastal atmosphere. The pier is a highlight for its beauty and the chance to spot wildlife, while the clean beach and nearby amenities add to the overall positive experience. Some note the unpredictable weather, advising visitors to dress warmly.
"Visited during late March. Sunny but windy. Bring a windbreaker / jacket along. Beautiful place to walk. We even saw a glimpse of a seal!"
Goh BC
"Marvelous place to visit. Standing at the edge of North Sea, feeling the breeze and watching the view, it can not be described in mere words. Reccomend to everyone. This place is not far from Brussels ( just 2 hours in train ) so if you visit Brussels, don't forget to visit oostende."
jai chauhan
"Great place as usual. Lots of restaurants, shopping places, eateries. Very clean sandy beach. Was a little cold at night after 9pm but was still enjoyable. Been here after 5 yrs and is still mesmerizing. Lots of families with children also playing around and having fun."
Dinesh Sharma
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is by train from Brussels to Oostende, which takes approximately 2 hours. From Oostende station, the pier is a short walk or a quick local bus ride away.
Yes, there is parking available near the pier and along the promenade in Oostende. However, public transport is often recommended to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
Oostende has a good network of local buses that connect the train station to the pier and other attractions. Trams also run along the coast.
Absolutely! It's a popular day trip destination from Brussels and other Belgian cities due to its accessibility and attractions.
Yes, the pier is located in Oostende, which boasts a beautiful beach, numerous restaurants, shopping areas, and other coastal attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking on the Oosterstaketsel Pier is free of charge. You can enjoy the views and the sea air without any admission fee.
The pier is accessible 24/7, as it's an outdoor public space. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but it's advisable to be mindful of the weather conditions, especially strong winds.
The beach in Oostende is free to access. You can enjoy the sand and sea without any entry fee.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally recommended to keep pets on a leash and clean up after them, as is standard practice in public areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a leisurely walk, take in panoramic views of the North Sea, feel the sea breeze, and potentially spot seals. It's a great spot for photography.
Yes, families often enjoy the pier for its open space and the chance to see seals. The nearby beach is also excellent for children.
Coastal weather can be unpredictable. Expect sunshine, but also strong winds. It's wise to dress in layers and bring a windbreaker.
While the pier itself is primarily for walking, the surrounding area in Oostende offers plenty of amenities, including restrooms, cafes, and restaurants.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light for photos. Evenings can be cooler but offer a more peaceful experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Oostende has a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries located along the promenade and in the city center, offering various cuisines.
You can find everything from local Belgian specialties to international cuisine. Seafood is a popular choice given the coastal location. +1
Yes, besides sit-down restaurants, you can find more casual eateries, snack bars, and bakeries offering more affordable options.
You can certainly enjoy a picnic on the beach or in designated areas along the promenade. Remember to clean up any waste.
Scopa Focacceria is a recommended spot for focaccia, and there are many other highly-rated eateries for diverse tastes. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The pier itself, with the vast sea and sky, offers dramatic shots. Capture the sunset, the waves, and the unique architecture of the pier. +1
Golden hour, during late afternoons, provides beautiful warm light. Sunrise and sunset can also offer stunning photographic moments.
Walk to the end of the pier for expansive sea views. Experiment with different angles to capture the pier's length against the horizon.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the sea and sky. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
Drone regulations vary by location. It's essential to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in this area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day when the weather is generally more pleasant for younger ones. While the pier is accessible, ensure children are supervised, especially on windy days. The overall atmosphere of Oostende is welcoming to families, with many activities catering to all ages.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Oostende itself provides a charming setting with its array of restaurants and cafes, perfect for a relaxed meal or a coffee break. The city's vibrant yet manageable size makes it easy to explore on foot, offering a blend of coastal beauty and urban amenities.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the full expanse of the seascape and the pier's length. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to create unique shots. The surrounding beach and the city of Oostende also offer diverse photographic opportunities, from beach scenes to urban details.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Belgian Coast
Beyond the pier, Oostende boasts a beautiful, expansive sandy beach that is meticulously maintained and clean, making it ideal for families and leisurely strolls. The city itself offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, shopping opportunities, and eateries, ensuring a well-rounded visit.
For those looking to explore further, nearby towns like Blankenberge offer similar coastal vibes, making Oostende a great base for discovering more of Belgium's seaside attractions.
Navigating Oostende's Coastal Charm
Once in Oostende, navigating the city and its attractions is also convenient. Local buses and coastal trams connect various points of interest, including the train station, the pier, and the beach. While driving is an option, parking can be challenging, making public transport a more relaxed choice for exploring the area.
The pier and its surroundings are designed for pedestrian enjoyment, encouraging visitors to walk and explore at their own pace. The well-maintained pathways and the open nature of the space contribute to a pleasant and accessible experience for most visitors.
Capturing the Essence of Oosterstaketsel Pier
Consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the expansive seascape and the pier's impressive length. A polarizing filter can be a valuable tool to enhance the blues of the sky and sea, adding depth and vibrancy to your images. Experimenting with different viewpoints, from the base of the pier to its very end, will offer diverse photographic perspectives.
While the pier itself is a focal point, don't forget to capture the surrounding beach and the lively atmosphere of Oostende. The changing weather conditions can also add a dynamic element to your photographs, from dramatic stormy skies to serene sunsets.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit