Het Zoute

ITINERARY

See the numbers on the map, at the bottom of this page

Start in the heart of the shopping district. Dumortierlaan and Kustlaan merge at Driehoeksplein (6). La Rose des Vents II (6), an artwork by Wim Delvoye also known as the 'peeing angel', is both a fountain and a compass rose. The modern formal garden around this artwork was designed by legendary floral artists Daniël and Nele Ost.

Kustlaan (13), the most exclusive shopping street of Knokke-Heist and perhaps even Belgium, is where all the designer brands like to have a storefront. If you prioritise luxury and quality, you can shop at internationally renowned brands for exclusive designer bags or refined apparel made in Belgium. People are often invited to exclusive events in one of the villas, but personal shoppers also know this street inside out. 

If you prefer more trendy shops, don’t forget to walk down A. Bréartstraat (14). Exclusive tearooms and charming restaurants are tucked away among the shops. Classic cuisine, prepared and served according to the rules of the art, still reigns supreme here. Many a menu includes the traditional line-up of oysters, lobsters and seafood platters. And no meal would be complete without a champagne aperitif. The terraces are a great spot to indulge in some people-watching.

Near Kustlaan, among the white villas, you run into the mini golf course (8) and approach golf of Het Zoute. The British newspaper The Guardian ranked the attraction in its top 10 most beautiful miniature golf courses in the world. The approach golf is unique in that it is a short, accessible version of the regular game.  

Walk down Sparrendreef (1) to reach Oud Zoute, a lovely cobbled street that exudes all the charm of Het Zoute. The main attraction on this street is the diminutive Dominican Church (1). This white church with characteristic orange roof tiles, built in 1925, is also known as ‘t Zoutekerkje. Do go and visit and enjoy the silence in its enchanting courtyard. Or pop in on Sunday morning at 11 am to enjoy the Gregorian Mass.

On the other side of the street and in E. Verhaerenlaan around the corner, you can do your shopping at a bakery, a vegetarian butcher, a fishmonger, a traiteur and a fruit store, all of which guarantee superb quality. Monocle called this street a ‘hidden gem’, and Gault&Millau said that each of these shops are ‘artisans à découvrir’, praising their craftsmanship. You can quench your thirst at Put 19, the last stop after a round of golf. Highly recommended: a Pimms cup, a typical summer cocktail with fresh fruit.

The dead-straight Zoutelaan (10) is lined with the magnificent villas and homes that are so typical of this district, and is also home to the unique St George Anglican Church (5) from 1911. The church was originally built for the many English tourists who visited Het Zoute. During World War I, the German army used it as a horse stable, as did the Belgian army after the war. There is another worldfamous artwork, hidden away at the other end of Zoutelaan, in the grounds of Fort Sint-Pol. Unfortunately, Niki de Saint Phalle’s Le Dragon is on private land, so you cannot visit it. If you ever have the opportunity, however, you should certainly go and see it. The colourful structure, with the dragon’s tongue serving as a slide, was originally a large playhouse. The walls inside were decorated by none other than Keith Haring. In the 1980s, he often spent his summers at Le Dragon.  

At Marie Siska (20), you should definitely order one of their original heart-shaped waffles. These are still baked according to Moeder (Mother) Siska’s recipe from 1882, which remains a wellkept secret to this day. Children will enjoy the imaginative playground, will love getting lost in the maze, and can challenge each other to a game of mini golf. The story of this enterprising mother started up the road, near the well-known Oosthoek Mill (3). She opened a waffle bakery in the tiny miller’s house next to this windmill. The success of her tavern led to the opening of many other restaurants and pubs in the charming houses on the wellshaded Oosthoekplein (3), which are still welcoming customers today. Some of them, like La Sapinière, put on a party after dinner, with music from the past and present.  

Highlights

Classic cars
In Het Zoute you can often spot the very latest car models, but people here also value cars with a long history. Indeed, seductive classic cars with their elegant designs and luxurious finishes are part of the resort's culture. At Marreyt (Driehoeksplein) you can buy perfectly restored classics, at Belrose Classic (Natiënlaan) you can rent classic cars, and Garage Dhondt (Albertlaan) specialises in the servicing and maintenance of these gems. For accessories such as gloves or scarves, head to stores such as Must Have (Kustlaan) and Frans Boone (Sparrendreef). Every October, people’s passion for shiny chrome culminates in the Zoute Grand Prix, one of the largest automotive events in the world. Prestigious brands present their new models, the Concours d'Elégance showcases the most beautiful classic cars in the world and the Bonhams car auction breaks records year after year.

Shopping

Shopping streets
Kustlaan, Zeedijk & side streets (13): High-end shopping
A. Bréartstraat (14)
Sparrendreef & E. Verhaerenlaan (1)
Albertplein (4)
Driehoeksplein (6)

Discover all shops.

Art & culture

Discover all art sculptures & art galleries in Het Zoute.