From Zeebrugge to the Seaside: A Coastal Tram Adventure
Just when you thought you may go to Bruges... think again!
When my cruise ship docked in Zeebrugge, I was itching to explore. But here’s the thing: the port itself is hardly glamorous – think cranes, warehouses, and shipping containers as far as the eye can see. The good news? Belgium has a clever solution: the coastal tram.
This tram is the longest in the world, running the entire 68 km stretch of Belgian coastline. Even better, it stops just outside the Zeebrugge cruise terminal. Buy a ticket from the machine or the conductor, hop on board, and in 15 minutes you’ll be in Blankenberge. Stick around for another 10 minutes and you’ll reach De Haan, a postcard-perfect seaside gem. Together, they make the perfect day trip from Zeebrugge.
First Stop: Blankenberge – Belgium’s Beach Playground
Blankenberge is buzzing with seaside energy. Its crowning glory is the pier, a dramatic art-deco walkway stretching proudly into the North Sea, complete with a circular pavilion at the end. Take a stroll here, though be warned: the sea breeze is not kind to carefully styled hair!
A short walk inland brings you to the Belle Époque Center, where you can wander through the history of Blankenberge’s glamorous heyday. Think high collars, parasols, and elegant villas built for wealthy holidaymakers at the turn of the 20th century.
And if you’re an animal lover, SEA LIFE Blankenberge is unmissable. It’s home to seals, penguins, and otters, plus a seal rescue center where injured animals are nursed back to health. Watching them splash about is worth the tram fare alone.
Next Stop: De Haan – Timeless Belgian Charm
Back on the tram, just ten minutes further along, the vibe softens into pure nostalgia. De Haan is a beauty. Unlike its livelier neighbor, this little town has preserved its Belle Époque architecture – elegant villas, leafy lanes, and not a high-rise in sight.
The town even has a brush with genius: Albert Einstein once lived here. In 1933, before moving to the U.S., he rented a villa in De Haan. You can still stroll past it today and imagine the wild-haired physicist pondering the mysteries of the universe over Belgian waffles.
The beach in De Haan is spacious, quiet, and gloriously unspoiled. Families picnic, kids build sandcastles, and cyclists whizz past with baskets of bread. I grabbed a coffee in the main square, sat back, and thought: this is the Belgium most cruise passengers miss.
Why the Coastal Tram Wins as a Zeebrugge Cruise Excursion
What makes this such a brilliant trip is how easy it is. No taxis, no stress – just hop on the tram outside the terminal and in less than half an hour you’re at the beach. It’s cheap, fun, and scenic – and you’ll come away with far richer memories than a stroll around the port.
Tips for Your Coastal Tram Adventure
Tickets: A day ticket costs around €9.00 (great value if you plan to hop on and off). Buy from the ticket machine, conductor, or De Lijn app or from the Spar shop opposite the church where you catch the tram.
Frequency: Trams run every 15 minutes in summer, every 20–30 minutes off-season.
Journey time: Zeebrugge to Blankenberge is about 15 minutes; Blankenberge to De Haan another 10.
Food: Try Belgian fries with mayo in Blankenberge or grab coffee and pastries in De Haan’s square. And yes, you’ll find waffles everywhere.
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, a windproof jacket (North Sea breezes are no joke), and space on your phone for beach photos.
To catch the tram: Turn left after you exit the cruise terminal and continue to the main road. Turn right and walk along the road until you see the Church. The Spar shop where you can buy a day ticket is opposite the Church. You catch the tram on the same side as the Church.
If your cruise docks in Zeebrugge, (skip the cranes and containers), and you can wander the sailing boats and waterfront when you get back from the seaside on your way to rebound your ship. The Belgian Coastal Tram is waiting – and so are Blankenberge and De Haan, with their piers, villas, and sandy stretches that might just surprise you.