Het Zwaluwnest

Middelkerke is a municipality located in the Belgian province of West Flanders, on the North Sea, west of Ostend. The municipality comprises the villages of Leffinge, Lombardsijde, Mannekensvere, Middelkerke proper, Schore, Sint-Pieters-Kapelle, Slijpe, Westende and Wilskerke. On January 1, 2006, Middelkerke had a total population of 17,841. The total area is 75.65 km2 which gives a population density of 236 inhabitants per km2.

Upon arriving in Middelkerke, you'll be greeted by miles of sandy beaches and crystal clear waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. But the town has much more to offer beyond its beautiful coastline. Take a stroll down the lively promenade, where you'll find an array of shops, restaurants, and bars. Indulge in some traditional Belgian cuisine, such as moules-frites (mussels and fries) or waffles with chocolate sauce.

For those interested in history, Middelkerke has a rich past dating back to the Roman era. Visit the nearby Westfront Nieuwpoort museum, which tells the story of World War I and the role that Belgian soldiers played in the conflict. Or take a trip to the nearby town of Ostend, where you can explore the impressive Fort Napoleon, built by Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 19th century.