Blankenberge Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Blankenberge

Blanknberge (West Flemish)

Blankenberghe (French)

Blankenberge beach on a hot summer day

Flag	Coat of arms

Blankenberge

Location in Belgium

Country

Flemish Community

Arrondissement

Bruges

Area

• Total

17.41 km² (6.72 sq mi)

Population

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• Total

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Postal codes

8370

Area codes

050

Website

www.blankenberge.be

Blankenberge is a lively seaside city in the Belgian province of West Flanders. It's a popular spot on the North Sea coast. The city includes the main town of Blankenberge and the nearby area of Uitkerke.

Blankenberge is known for its long sandy beach. It also has a cool Art Deco pier, called the Belgium Pier. This pier stretches about 350 meters into the sea. Many tourists from Belgium and other parts of northern Europe visit Blankenberge every year.

Top - 0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Discover Blankenberge: A Fun Seaside City

Blankenberge is one of the most important seaside resorts in Belgium. It attracts many visitors who come to enjoy the beach and the sea. The city has a population of around 19,897 people. They are called Blankenbergenaars.

Blankenberge's Fishing Past

Fishing started in Blankenberge way back in the 11th century. By the 12th century, there were over 60 fishing boats! Fishermen would bring their catch to shore using small boats.

A proper port wasn't built until 1871. This made it easier for bigger fishing boats. However, fishing slowly stopped in Blankenberge after World War II. The port was destroyed during the war. In 1955, a new port was built for pleasure boats. Today, this port is much bigger and can hold about 1,000 boats.

Blankenberge as a Tourist Hotspot

People started visiting Blankenberge for fun in the early 1700s. A road was built in 1723, making it easier for people from Bruges to visit the sea. At first, people just came to relax by the sea.

Early Days of Sea Bathing

Sea bathing, or swimming in the ocean, became popular in the 1800s. This was thanks to English tourists. The first changing cabins appeared on the beach in 1838. Soon after, a wooden seawall was built, and the first hotels opened. In 1859, the impressive Casino Kursaal was built.

The beach, bathing machines and Kursaal around 1900.

The Railway Arrives

In 1863, a railway line opened with a stop in Blankenberge. This made it much easier for tourists to visit. Wealthier people could now travel comfortably to the coast. By the late 1800s, the seawall was lined with fancy hotels and holiday homes. A cast-iron pier was also built in 1893. It was the first long pier in Europe.

Blankenberge's Golden Age

During a time called the Belle époque, Blankenberge was a favorite holiday spot for rich and famous Belgians. Even royalty, like Archduke Franz Ferdinand, visited often. This growing tourism brought jobs and wealth to the city. The cast-iron pier was replaced by a concrete one in 1933. A new, modern casino was also built.

After World War II

Many hotels and villas were destroyed during World War II. After the war, new buildings were built. They were strong but less fancy. In the 1950s, expensive hotels were replaced by more affordable apartment buildings. This made Blankenberge popular for many more people. Today, it's a favorite spot for families and people from all walks of life. The city gets very busy in the summer!

World War II and Blankenberge

During World War II, Blankenberge was part of the Atlantic Wall. This was a line of defenses built by the German army. Some buildings along the coast were taken down to make way for these defenses. The city also experienced bombings during the war.

Blankenberge was freed on September 9, 1944. The 12th Manitoba Dragoons, a Canadian army unit, helped liberate the city. Every year, this event is remembered with a special ceremony.

Getting Around: Railways

Blankenberge has its own train station, opened in 1863. Trains run from Blankenberge to cities like Brussels. There's also the Kusttram, which is a coastal tram. It runs all along the Belgian coast, connecting many seaside towns.

Fun Facts and Culture

Before World War I, Blankenberge was a very exclusive holiday spot. Royalty, like Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, often stayed there. He enjoyed walking and visiting the local church.

Many famous artists have performed in Blankenberge. In 1979, the city hosted a big event with international stars like Joe Dassin and Boney M. Later, a Flemish TV show called "Tien om te Zien" held musical performances here. Today, a public radio station organizes the yearly "Radio 2 Zomerhit" concert.

Several movies have also been filmed in Blankenberge. These include Franz (1971) and Rimbaud Verlaine (Total Eclipse) (1995) with Leonardo DiCaprio.

Every June, Blankenberge hosts the World's Largest Sand Sculpture Festival. You can see amazing giant sand sculptures on the beach!

Nature and Scenery

Blankenberge is right on the North Sea coast. It has a wide beach and a promenade along the seawall. The town itself is a bit lower than the sea wall. So, you walk up steps to get to the beach.

East of Blankenberge, you can find the Zeebos and De Fonteintjes nature reserves. To the south is the Uitkerkse Polder nature reserve. These are great places to explore nature.

Cool Events in Blankenberge

Blankenberge hosts several fun events throughout the year:

Carnival Parade: A colorful parade with costumes and music.
Two Day Marching event: Held every first weekend of May.
Klankenberge: A music event.
Flower Parade (Bloemencorso): A beautiful parade with floats decorated with flowers, held every last Sunday of August.
Bel’Lumière: A light festival.

Famous People from Blankenberge

Pieter Aspe: A Belgian writer known for his detective stories.
Frans Masereel: A famous Flemish painter and woodcutter.
Leo Van Paemel: An artist who was born and buried in Blankenberge.
Brian Vandenbussche: A Belgian goalkeeper.

Schools in Blankenberge

Blankenberge has two main secondary schools for older students:

Sint-Jozef – Sint-Pieter Blankenberge
Maerlant-Middenschool • Maerlant Atheneum

Both of these schools also have several elementary schools linked to them.

Twin Towns

Blankenberge is twinned with one city:

Minamiboso, Chiba, Japan

Since 1994, students from Minamiboso visit Blankenberge in August. They stay with local families. Later, students from Blankenberge visit Minamiboso for eight days. This exchange is organized by a group called vzw 'Tweedaagse Voettocht van Blankenberge'.