but lively art and culture scenes make this Belgian seaside city a year-round destination Walk the length of Ostend's harbour arm to a human-size whelk statue for the best vantage point for city views.Photograph by Getty Images; SL PhotographyMay 3, 2025This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).The seaside city of Ostend is something of a curiosity It was heavily bombed in the Second World War and now its architecture juxtaposes Belle Époque-era townhouses and mid-century apartment blocks Take the Spanish Inn This is one of the city’s earliest buildings Flemish crooners perform to a crowd of locals from young couples huddled in corners to older regulars slow-dancing The bar’s the perfect introduction to the many faces of the city One of its defining features is the Albert I Promenade alive with bars in the summer and lined with artworks rumpled statues at the promenade’s western end walk the length of the harbour arm to a human-size whelk statue It’s the best vantage point for city views Around the corner is Visserskaai, the fishermen’s quarter. Seafood stalls line its quayside, selling rollmops, small shrimps and fat pink prawns. You’ll also find one of the best restaurants in town, Mange Tout but you might enjoy smooth crayfish bisque poured over asparagus and watercress or beef tenderloin served rare alongside artichoke puree Another must is the ‘petite bouillabaisse’ with croutons and rouille (a sauce with garlic, saffron and cayenne pepper) at the long-standing Bistro Mathilda Its location is glorious — directly opposite central Leopold Park For a more contemporary take on Belgian cuisine It’s the first restaurant to open in the new Sky District just past the rattling masts of the marina Much is made of the city’s association with 19th-century painter James Ensor, a key figure in Belgian modernism. He’s celebrated at Mu.ZEE the only museum documenting Belgian art from 1880 to the present day with a chocolate mousse and fresh fruit cremeux You’ll also see the neo-gothic church of Sint-Petrus-en-Pauluskerk Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology BELGIUM: Daikin Europe’s Ostend factory has been visited by EU Greens MEP Sara Matthieu enabling the company to highlight its contributions to Europe’s Clean Industrial Deal Matthieu was given a comprehensive tour of the 26,000m2 facility a key site for Daikin’s European operations and at the forefront of the company’s efforts to integrate sustainability into its manufacturing processes.  which produces domestic and commercial heat pumps employs a number of new technologies and processes One of the highlights is Daikin’s hybrid painting line which can switch from 100% gas to 100% electricity allowing the factory to balance energy sources based on availability and cost as well as saving up to 230 tons of CO2 per year the factory can operate the painting line for free the factory is rolling out additional investments in solar energy to accelerate the emission reductions even further The Ostend factory’s new R7X heat exchanger line is another example The R7X line integrates best practices from other Daikin factories which lead to a 54% increase in productivity and significant improvements in ergonomics and quality Sara Matthieu emphasised the importance of collaboration between policymakers and workers to achieve the goals of the Clean Industrial Deal.  The Clean Industrial Deal targets green manufacturing with the aim of cutting emissions by 90% by 2040 Cooling Post is the leading online resource covering latest news and developments in the cooling industry air conditioning news and the latest heat pump developments Privacy & Cookie Policy © Copyright 2025, Cooling Post Ltd - All Rights Reserved | Website by Capital Web Eurovoix will organise public viewings of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 During a visit by Red Sebastian to Ostend City Hall the local government of Ostend announced that they will organise public viewings for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 then the final will be shown live in the VIP room in the stadium of local football club KVD Oostende on May 17 Tickets for both events cost €5. Tickets for the final screening will go on sale from 08:00 CET on May 14. You can buy tickets here Red Sebastian thanked his hometown for their support: “I moved to Ghent because it’s more convinient for my job and it’s more central I’m still an Ostend guy through and through It’s the city where I grew up and where my family still lives.” Find out more about the Belgian representative below: Red Sebastian won Eurosong 2025 as the favourite of both the jury and the public vote He will represent Belgium in Basel with “Strobe Lights” We had the chance to speak with Red Sebastian at the London Eurovision Party Red Sebastian will perform in slot number 9 in the first semi-final on May 13 Image source: Taike De Wilde / VRT | Source: VRT Belgium was one of the seven nations who participated in the first edition of the Eurovision Song Contest in 1956 the country has won the contest only once in 1986 Sandra Kim won the contest with the song “J’aime la vie” Her victory was not without controversy when it emerged that Sandra was just 13 years old two years younger than the age restriction at the time failing to reach the final annually from 2005 until 2010 when Tom Dice finished 6th in the final with 143 points Belgium has finished last at the contest eight times Neil is from Ireland but has lived in several countries around Europe He has has been an editor for Eurovoix since May 2017 He has been following the Eurovision Song Contest since 2005 and attended every contest as press since 2019 such as the Junior Eurovision Song Contest which he has watched since the very first edition in 2003 Bruno De Saegher will become the new CEO of Antwerp and Ostend-Bruges airports from 1 September Mr De Saegher is currently chairman of airport development company Flanders (LOM Flanders) where he has worked since 2015 Following its clearance by competition regulators to complete its acquisition of DB Schenker the less-than-container load (LCL) consolidator owned by India’s Allcargo Logistics Lithuanian road freight and logistics firm Girteka Group appointed Edvardas Liachovi?ius (above) as its new .. Freight forwarding veteran Marco Nazarri (above) has been appointed chief commercial officer (CCO) of German .. German logistics group deugro has promoted Steffen Behrens (above) to the position of chief commercial .. Awery Aviation Software announced today it had appointed Wayne Phelan as business growth and product .. UK freight forwarder Unsworth Global Logistics has made three key management appointments at its new .. email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected] ​CategoriesCategoriesEnglishCULTURECultural Compass: Crystal Ship returns to Ostend iconic photos and adventurous new expos6 April 2025 The Crystal Ship festival has once again transformed Ostend into an open-air gallery, with 15 national and international artists creating striking street art throughout the city. Visitors can watch artists like Fanakapan (UK), JDL (Netherlands), Super A (Netherlands) and Lindert Steegen (Belgium) bring their visions to life during the lead up to the festival’s official opening. This year’s theme, Change, threads through every mural, reflecting transformation, growth and hope. © PHOTO THE CHRYSTAL SHIPAs Europe’s largest public art festival The Crystal Ship has introduced over 80 large-scale murals to Ostend since its inception the festival embraces fresh perspectives through an open call for emerging talents Finnish artist Anetta Lukjanova merges digital imagery with traditional techniques while Indonesian muralist Yessiow infuses walls with vibrant energy a grand vernissage will mark the completion of the new artworks bringing all participating artists together for the official opening the festival’s sculpture route will feature around 90 pieces reaffirming The Crystal Ship as a dynamic platform for storytelling Steve McCurry: Icons, 3 April - 15 June, Grand Place, Brussels
 A major retrospective of renowned photographer Steve McCurry opened in Brussels on Thursday, showcasing over 100 images from his 40-year career. ICONS features some of his most groundbreaking works, including the famous 1984 portrait of Sharbat Gula, the Afghan girl with piercing green eyes that appeared on National Geographic’s cover. Afghan Girl © PHOTO STEVE MCCURRYMcCurry’s photography captures cultures, traditions and contemporary life while maintaining a human focus. His work spans global conflicts and disappearing ways of life, always highlighting the resilience and beauty of his subjects. The exhibition offers an immersive experience with videos of his travels and an audio guide narrated by McCurry himself, providing deeper insights into his work. Previously shown in Lisbon, Madrid and Chicago, Icons now arrives at 5 Grand Place in Brussels. Mitja Tušek’s work has been described as “unclassifiable”. His paintings navigate the boundaries between figuration, a form of art that depicts figures from life and abstraction. Drawing inspiration from European art history, ranging from the Middle Ages to Ensor and Rorschach tests, his layering techniques often reveal hidden portraits or landscapes. Mitja Tušek © PHOTO CENTRALE BSUSSELSHis use of materials like wax, lead and interference pigments creates surfaces that absorb and reflect light, making images appear and disappear- a proverbial hide-and-see for viewers. For this exhibition at Centrale, Tušek has invited Bertille Bak, a video artist whose work examines personal and collective narratives. Like Tušek’s penchant hiding in plain sight, Bak’s installations expose the hidden mechanisms of representation, playfully reminding viewers that “art is only make-believe.” Together, Tušek and Bak engage in a dialogue about perception, illusion and the constructed nature of images. In this installation-performance merging art and bio-art, the artists use polluted excavated soil to drive home the message that humanity’s environmental impact has contributed to 75 per cent of the planet’s soil being contaminated. Isabella Soupart, dance performance © PHOTO DANNY WILLEMS - DANCER ELSA TAGAWALe Méhauté explores phytoremediation, where plants absorb pollutants, framing creation as care and restoration. Soupart adds a physical dimension, with dancers shaping and transforming the earth in an endurance-driven performance. Audiences immerse themselves in this evolving choreography, engaging freely with the work. Tellus Project reveals our connection to the land, making visible what is often ignored. Maëlle Dufour explores humanity’s control over nature by focusing on Brussels’ buried river, the Senne. Once vital, the river was covered and turned into an underground sewer, reflecting urban efforts to control and conceal water. 2023 © PHOTO ITHIER HELDAs cities face climate challenges projects like Max-en-Senne seek to restore rivers but raise social concerns like gentrification and access to water Performers carry its water in sculptural vessels through Brussels Porteuses revives the river in public consciousness Copy linkGet updates in your mailboxYour email addressSubscribeBy clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy rapid and high-quality information 24 hours a day from Belgium and abroad to all Belgian media not to mention entertainment and lifestyle our journalists and press photographers produce hundreds of photos and news stories Since the end of March 2022 English has been added as a language businesses and various organisations that need reliable information Belga News Agency also offers a comprehensive range of corporate services to meet all their communication needs www.belganewsagency.eu Ostend is the epicenter of the air cargo sector More than 300 leaders and experts are gathering at the Kursaal for a leading international cargo conference Ostend-Bruges Airport is host partner of the event highlighting its important role as a logistics player in Flanders and reaffirming its vision for growth and innovative solutions for the future of air cargo The presence of prominent players from the air cargo industry offers a unique opportunity to promote both the airport and the region as a dynamic logistics hub Ostend-Bruges Airport emphasizes its strategic location near seaports with direct access to an efficient network towards Flanders Ostend-Bruges Airport has been given the space to further expand its cargo activities,” says CEO Eric Dumas “Our airport already plays a significant logistical role today and this role will only grow in the coming years Major airports are increasingly facing oversaturation making regional cargo airports like Ostend-Bruges Airport ideally positioned and equipped to accommodate a larger share of cargo volumes and highly flexible cargo handling.” One of Ostend-Bruges Airport’s key projects is the development of a new cargo village a logistics zone with over 48,000 m² of warehouses built in collaboration with Versluys Logistics These facilities are designed to meet the growing demand for efficient solutions for perishable goods The first warehouse was recently completed Ostend-Bruges Airport is committed to sustainable growth Investments are being made in the electrification of the vehicle fleet and handling equipment the construction of the second-largest solar park in the country and exploring opportunities with into-plane supplier UPLIFT to offer Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the short term digitalization through the OST Cloud platform enhances operational efficiency by optimizing cargo flows and supporting customers in improving their logistical needs With the new environmental permit and the introduction of the Quota Count system the airport can optimize night operations while minimizing the impact on the surrounding community by allowing quieter and modern aircraft during nighttime hours To get the latest air cargo news and industry trends delivered directly to your inbox Get the ACW Daily Newsletter for up-to-the-minute news on everything important in the airfreight industry you agree to the use of cookies in order to offer you content and services that are tailored to your interests Sommaire de la ficheShareFacebookMailFavoriteFermerContents SOON! competition - Special Mention : Winter in Sokcho Sorry, your search returned no results.View more(1)FermerOstend Film Festival (FFO)Awards(1)AwardsSOON! competition - Special Mention : Winter in Sokcho Are you a member? Please login to view content. as well as representatives based in the U.S The organisation currently brings together more than 1,000 French cinema and TV content professionals (producers etc.) working together to promote French films and TV programmes among foreign audiences Powered by Hocalwire Please Login or Register to save the story Please Login or Register to delete saved story You sure want to delete bookmarked item ? Sign up to receive newsletters and communications from Renew Europe We are the pro-European and centrist political group in the European Parliament. ​CategoriesCategoriesEnglishCULTURE, SOCIETY, INNOVATIONBritish-Guyanese artist Hew Locke to provide context to statue King Leopold II in Ostend18 November 2024 An art project by British-Guyanese artist Hew Locke will provide extra context to the statue of King Leopold II on the seafront at Ostend The equestrian statue is controversial because of the role of the Belgian king in Congo The statue of King Leopold II on Ostend’s promenade is controversial because of the Belgian king's colonial past large numbers of Congolese were killed and abused daubed with red paint and vandalised several times in the past Ostend decided to keep the monument in place but to provide extra context Curator Pieter Boons selected 11 artists with African roots working around the legacy of colonialism They were each allowed to propose an art project The winning design is an art project by British-Guyanese sculptor Hew Locke “Five masts will be placed in front of the statue,” explained outgoing alderwoman Silke Beirens to Flemish public broadcaster VRT there will be a symbol linked to colonial history.” Which symbols they will be The selection will be made together with the residents of Ostend The artist has provided several suggestions for potential symbols on the masts which is an international symbol of resistance,” stated Beirens “Locke also wants rubber trees to be depicted on the masts as this refers to resource extraction in Congo.” The winning design was chosen by the city authorities with input from residents of Ostend The city hopes to have the masts in place by the end of 2025 #FlandersNewsService | Statue of King Leopold II of Belgium in Ostend © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER The Leading Journal for the Tyre Recycling Sector Tyre and Rubber Recycling provides the global tyre recycling sector with a regular free e-newsletter service At least 50 newsletters are produced each year detailing all the latest news and features from our pages To make sure you don’t miss out on the latest news stories from around the world please submit your details via the form below and we’ll happily add you to our circulation list a company focused on the recycling of end-of-life tyres is planning to move into a 2-hectare site on the former UCB site in the port area of ​​Ostend The start-up will use advanced technologies to process tyres in a sustainable way. Tyros is investing in an electric pyrolysis reactor with the support of the Flemish government (1 million euros in strategic ecology support) This reactor will convert 9,125 tons of rubber granulate annually into valuable primary components such as recovered Carbon Black These raw materials find their way to various sectors The use of this technology is claimed to prevent the emission of almost 21,000 tons of CO2 annually compared to the traditional combustion of rubber granulate there could be some interesting developments if both come to fruition Tyros will directly and indirectly create dozens of new jobs. ​CategoriesCategoriesEnglishGENERAL, JUSTICEPort of Ostend files police complaint after cyberattack12 February 2025 The Port of Ostend has filed a complaint with the federal police after falling victim to a cyberattack on Monday night and a team of internal and external cybersecurity experts led by the Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium (CCB) servers and systems will gradually be restored The port has stressed its commitment to protecting crew identity and personal data we have no indication of any data breaches," it said we apologise for any uncertainty this may cause for crew members we will contact those affected as soon as possible.” The Ensor system holds data related to ship movements and maritime traffic has not been disrupted While the motives behind the attack are still under investigation experts suspect the attackers may have attempted to extort the port #FlandersNewsService | A vessel of dredging company Jan De Nul in the port of Ostend © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE An 80-year-old woman has been physically attacked and sexually assaulted while she was walking through a cemetery in the West Flemish coastal city of Ostend He has been apprehended and has already appeared before a juvenile magistrate The pensioner was taking the route she took every day to the shops This involves taking a short cut through the cemetery on the Stuiverstraat Suddenly she felt a hard blow to the head and briefly lost consciousness she saw that there was a boy on top of her and that he had removed her underwear The woman tried to fight off her attacker but was unable to do so The boy ran off when he saw a group of cyclists approach The woman went to a friend’s house nearby and her friend called the police The pensioner was taken to hospital for treatment She sustained bruising to her elbows and her neck and has a large bump on her head where she was struck The West Flemish prosecutor’s office says that “The suspect has since appeared before a juvenile magistrate As this concerns a minor were are not going to communicate any further about the investigation” Students at the Maritime Institute Mercator in Ostend can now gain additional practical experience thanks to a new maritime simulator Unveiled this week in the presence of Flemish Minister of Fisheries Hilde Crevits this innovative simulator enables students to practice navigating in poor weather conditions as well as other challenging scenarios without having to actually go out to sea The simulator represents a valuable addition for students in the maritime navigation students from the Maritime Institute in Ostend will get to experience realistic scenarios and should immediately be able to improve their skills in terms of navigation In addition to gaining practical experience the students will also earn partial certificates that will assist them in their future careers the simulator will allow them to practice both simple scenarios for learning basic skills and complex situations that will help them master crisis management and navigation This project was partially made possible thanks to the support of DEME which is one of the sponsors of this advanced maritime simulator “Supporting this initiative is crucial for us at DEME because it aligns with our commitment to fostering the next generation of maritime professionals By providing students with access to cutting-edge technologies we are helping to ensure they are well-prepared for the challenges of the maritime industry and that they can contribute to its future success,” said Hans Casier (Chief HR Officer) Top News,Events CSN is excited to announce the launch of a new high-level event that will be happening yearly ‘The 1st CSN Greece Shipping Debate’ Top News,Cyprus C.M.C.L Cyprus Marine Club Limited (CMC) hosted Members Get Together with a presentation from Mr Top News,Greece In the face of unpredictable provisioning costs and longer lead times MCTC has reinforced its commitment to supporting vessel… World,Word newsletter The British International Freight Association has launched a cargo community advisory body which will undertake a lot of the activity previously… Design & Development by P.KAN.DESIGNER Design & Development by P.KAN.DESIGNER travelled to Ostend (Belgium) to celebrate six decades of the towns’ twinning arrangement enabled the elected representatives to see how the emblematic Belgian city has evolved Invited by Bourgmestre Bart Tommelein and Silke Beirens Alderman in charge of international cooperation the visit enable the elected officials to discover the cultural and artistic treasures of the Belgian coastal town The programme included several official visits and a reception at City Hall where the Monegasque representatives signed the visitors’ book Aldermen Silke Beirens and Maxime Donck had visited Monaco in January These meetings have strengthened the ties between the two cities and given rise to concrete partnerships The Monegasque delegation to Belgium was made up of Camille Svara 1st Deputy Mayor representing Mayor Marsan is the Principality’s first and oldest twinning partner The two towns share not only a coastal location but also a historical link: the wife of Charles III which came into being after the Second World War illustrates a commitment to reconciliation and cooperation in Europe The delegation visited emblematic sites such as the Place de Monaco Other highlights included the statue of Saint Devota and Museum of Modern Art not forgetting the Fête de la croquette aux crevettes (prawn croquette festival) The Ostend conservatory provided a musical touch to the visit The elected officials took part in an informative meeting with Karyn Ardisson Salopek handing over albums of Monegasque songs Conservatory pupils performed Monaco’s national anthem the delegation also attended a reception at the Consulate to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the twinning arrangement The trip not only strengthened existing ties but also opened the way to future cooperation between the two towns The 46-year-old man suspected of the murder of a 53-year-old woman in Ostend (West Flanders) last week wrote a message in the stairwell of the block of flats where both he and the woman lived The woman's body was found last week on top of the “De Nieuwe Stad” (The New Town) social housing block on the Guldensporenlaan The woman had been reported missing last Thursday and her body was found on the roof of the block of flats where she lived It is still not clear what exactly happened on the evening she died The woman’s 46-year-old neighbour was detained and he has since been formally arrested on suspicion of murder In the stairwell that leads to the roof of De Nieuwe Stad detectives found a somewhat garbled text written on the wall The text appears to provide further evidence against the man that is currently in custody He wrote that he had not had any opportunities in life He also appeared to appologise for what he had done He wrote “I am coming” to a girlfriend that died last year He was in good health when he was detained The suspect has a string of previous convictions for offences including arson On Tuesday magistrates remanded him in custody for a further month There was no objection to this from the man’s lawyer Anyone with questions regarding suicide can contact the Community Help Service on 02/648 40 14 or by clicking on this link.  Bruno De Saegher will become the new CEO of Antwerp International Airport and Ostend-Bruges International Airport as of September 1, 2024. De Saegher brings years of experience, including his role as chairman of the Airport Development Company Flanders (LOM Flanders) since 2015. In this position, he has gained extensive knowledge about both airports and their operations. His appointment comes at a strategic time, following the granting of a new environmental permit for Antwerp Airport and during the advanced stage of the application for Ostend-Bruges Airport. De Saegher has an immediate plan to implement the new environmental permit and build on the future development of both airports: “I look forward to working with my colleagues and all involved parties on the further development of Antwerp Airport and Ostend-Bruges Airport. Both airports have great potential and are essential for supporting the economy. I am confident that we can develop the airports in a sustainably responsible manner.” ​CategoriesCategoriesEnglishECONOMY, CLIMATEStart-up scraps recycling investment in Ostend Port due to cheap Chinese plastics7 January 2025 Belgian-Dutch start-up Advanced Plastic Purification International has cancelled plans to establish a plastic recycling facility in the port of Ostend The influx of cheap “virgin plastics” from China has made the project financially unviable which specialises in recycling plastic waste had planned to process plastic waste into new plastic applications and products but cited an influx of cheap plastics from China as the main reason for scrapping the project environmental permits were applied for and everything was ready to begin,” said port CEO Dirk Declerck The project aimed to handle 500,000 tons of plastic waste a year via maritime transport and was set to create 110 jobs in Ostend the arrival of low-cost “virgin plastics” from China undermined the business model “The market was flooded with these cheap materials When recycled products become more expensive than virgin plastics the port has already secured a deal with another company in the same sector Declerck: “We’ve signed an agreement with a new business ​#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER ​CategoriesCategoriesEnglishSPORTSBart Swings ready to shine at European Inline Skating Championships in Ostend19 July 2024 Belgium's inline skaters are starting the European Inline Speed Skating Championships in Ostend a living legend in the world of inline skating is ready to shine in front of his home crowd Europe's best inline skaters gather at the coast in West Flanders for the European Inline Speed Skating Championships the European Championships take place in Zandvoorde The spearhead of the Belgian team is Bart Swings who not only is a living legend in the world of inline skating but also an Olympic champion in ice speed skating ‘It's always a tad more special when such a big tournament takes place in your own country,” said Swings He is in shape and not suffering from any ailments but I want to show that I can still get medals.” Swings focuses on the 5km points race and the marathon in the heart of Ostend the Belgian team won nine medals at the European Championships in Valence d'Agen Jason Suttels then won the gold in the marathon with an impressive performance #FlandersNewsService | Bart Swings leading an inline skating race in Berlin in 2016 © BELGA PHOTO IMAGO The page you requested could not be found There could be an error in the URL you entered into your browser why not take a look at some of the other great sections on the Express website: If it’s still a mystery don’t hesitate to contact us here. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Daily Express uses notifications to keep you updated ​CategoriesCategoriesEnglishECONOMY, INNOVATIONBelgian and Dutch navies invest 60m euros in underwater drones to disarm mines2 August 2024 The Belgian and Dutch navies have ordered nearly 60 million euros worth of underwater drones from French group Exail Technologies The order involves "several hundred K-STER drones enabling the navies to carry out comprehensive demining missions" Exail Technologies said in a press release K-STER drones operate in the final phase of missions to neutralise underwater threats previously identified by other drones made by Exail The "consumable" drones are equipped with an explosive device and a rotating warhead which are destroyed during the process of neutralising a mine The small underwater robots will be mass-produced at the drone assembly site in Ostend The order includes the supply of drones and spare parts #FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM Ostend mayor Bart Tommelein has launched the construction of Belgium’s second-largest solar park which is to be located at Ostend-Bruges Airport This project will be executed by the energy company EnergyVision The solar park in West Flanders will cover a total area of 303,864m2 The annual solar energy production will save approximately 9,600 tons of CO2 Over the next two years, the energy company plans to install several tens of megawatts of solar panels. Over the next few months, 60,000 solar panels will be installed next to the runway, providing the airport and Ostend households with their first green energy all panels will be installed and connected enabling 10,000 households to receive green energy Nearly 37MWp is planned for Ostend-Bruges Airport Eric Dumas, CEO of Ostend-Bruges Airport “Construction of the solar park on our airport site has just begun when all the panels are installed and connected more than 37,000MWh of electricity will be produced annually the generated energy will be used to power the entire airport site the airport will operate on 100% green energy This is an important step toward our goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050 The remaining electricity will supply 10,000 nearby households It is crucial for us that our neighbors benefit from locally generated energy the first households can enjoy green energy starting in September there will be enough operational solar panels at the airport to generate 10MWp of power.” the location of the new solar park is ideal Most of the land along the runway is unusable for other purposes and the coastal area offers the best solar insolation in the country Higher wind speeds at the coast result in less cloud cover and more hours of sunshine The solar insolation – the amount of solar energy reaching the Earth’s surface – is about 10% higher than in [the Belgian province of] Limburg “As long as the Ventilus project is not realized we can install more solar panels than the current grid connection would allow Overproduction will be temporarily stored in the batteries the stored energy will be fed into the grid and distributed to customers Ostend residents can still enjoy solar energy.” Bart Tommelein, Mayor of Ostend, said, “It is no coincidence that the largest solar park in West Flanders, and also the largest in recent years in our country, is being built in Ostend. Our city has been a leader in the essential transition to sustainable energy for years we are the offshore wind hub of the southern part of the North Sea and the Princess Elisabeth energy island – the world’s first artificial energy island – will be built off our coast The unique aspect of this project at the airport is that Ostend residents can directly benefit and be part of a sustainable story we need to involve citizens as much as possible and give them the opportunity to contribute.” The project at the airport not only significantly increases the green energy supply in Ostend but also enables Ostend residents to earn money from it. Through EnergyVision’s website households can register to purchase generated electricity at fixed prices and choose to invest we have launched a platform for citizen participation This means that if an Ostend resident wants to invest in the installation they can do so through an eight-year loan with a gross interest rate of 5% before withholding tax With a minimum investment of €250 (US$267) we aim to make this opportunity accessible to as broad an audience as possible allowing people to invest their savings consciously and sustainably local energy more accessible and achievable for everyone.” To find out more about EnergyVision’s solar panel project at Ostend-Bruges Airport, click here. not very romantic apartment blocks looking out over the sea because Oostende has one of the most pleasant beaches on the Belgian coastline Swimming in the North Sea on sunny days is bliss and Oostende’s seaside has enough ice cream stalls and go-cart rental shops to keep the children happy even if the weather isn’t all that Watch out for: the best ice creams when looking out over the sand and the sea Oostende is known for its mussels and its shrimps It is divine to taste the freshly made shrimp croquettes of Bij Moustache the smallest fish shop in Belgium and the best one They are crispy on the outside while the filling is deliciously smooth Their sandwiches with homemade fish salads are so appetizing as well especially when you take out and savor it on the beach while hearing the waves break on the pier and smelling the salty sea breeze Watch out for: the fresh catch of the day Every year in August the TAZ Festival takes place in Oostende. Translating to “Theatre by the Sea”, this event is unmissable for art lovers and culture adept. Theatre made by Belgium’s finest, modern dance and ballet performances, music by obscure bands and alternative singer-songwriters, plays for children and literary debates across the parks of Oostende and on the beach this festival is entwined with the city and makes it extra vibrant during ten beautiful days Watch out for: the artsy but welcoming vibe Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy Cycling around Oostende There are many options to discover the area surrounding Oostende, but one of the best routes is the newly available Groen Lint trajectory. 32 kilometers alongside sand and sea, through dunes and forest, passing by the harbor and meadowland. It’s amazing and totally free. You can download the map here remember to prepare a picnic and off you go Light and shadows | Merve Sehirli Nnasir | Unsplash | Unsplash | Merve Sehirli Nnasir This museum celebrating Oostende’s most famous painter is located in his former house and atelier and provides a unique insight into the slightly macabre brain of the artist The first floor holds a regularly changing collection of Ensor’s paintings and drawings while the salon and living room on the second floor are beautifully decorated as if the painter were still living there and could enter the room any minute Watch out for: the house’s architecture and interior A trip with a fishing boat is not for the faint-hearted and only for early birds Embark the ship at 6 in the morning and return to the port of Oostende by 5pm so you will have fish for dinner for many days after This trip is possible both in summer and winter children (over 6 years old) will love it as well and you will discover the North Sea on an entirely different level Watch out for: the winter’s sunrise over the ocean Roasted Chicken | Anshu A | Unsplash | Unsplash | Anshu A A unique tavern-restaurant where with a menu limited solely to roasted chicken, accompanied by bread, apple compote, and mayo, Koekoek is a must-go when in Oostende Eating half a chicken with your hands (they don’t do cutlery) is just so much better and the interior of the restaurant reminds you of long lost times The truly serious art connoisseurs should head out to Mu.ZEE, where contemporary artists are represented alongside big names from Belgian art history A unique collection of artworks from 1830 to the present day Constant Permeke and Léon Spilliaert hang side by side with work by Luc Tuymans The city of Oostende has plenty of venues and streets where you can shop until you drop, but the coziest events to spend money are the markets. Spend the weekend strolling around the flower market or the fish market, and the Christmas market in winter What else could be more fun than returning home with bags full of cheese shrimps and a flower tucked away behind your ear Forego the typical chain boutiques and head to these unique spots instead Watch out for: the colors of the flower market To commemorate what happened 100 years ago Oostende offers a city walk based on the life of a tram conductor during the Great War His story is entwined with the city’s war history the coast as a part of the German defense system and the harbor with its deadly submarines there are many stories to tell and places to discover Just remember the audio guide should be reserved beforehand at the tourism office Watch out for: all the information that will blow your mind Check out these tours in Ostend. See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Summer Guides & Tips Beat the Crowds with these Alternative Summer Destinations Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in December Guides & Tips This Is Europe's Ultimate Road Trip See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in July See & Do Lesser-Known Summer Destinations to Visit in Europe See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in October See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in September See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Spring Guides & Tips The Best Places to Travel in August Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in November See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Autumn US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd The city of Ostend is at a critical juncture in how it approaches its historical heritage The equestrian statue of Leopold II on the Zeedijk is a source of division and controversy Many residents and visitors associate the statue with the colonial atrocities committed during Leopold II’s rule over Congo leading to repeated defacement and vandalism in recent years the city of Ostend has chosen not to remove the statue but to provide it with a new and critical context the city issued a call for an artistic intervention that aims to push this discussion further In 2019 the city decided to keep the monument not to glorify the past but rather to recontextualize it but it will now be accompanied by a contemporary artwork that highlights the complexities of the colonial past and encourages reflection There was a curator appointed to lead the process Pieter Boons selected eleven contemporary artists with African descent The artists have all developed an art project that engages with the legacy of colonialism Their works will be exhibited from September 14 until the end of October 2024 during the temporary exhibition titled “What about Leopold II???” in the Royal Galleries The city underscores the importance of shifting perspectives in this dialogue giving a voice to those directly affected by colonialism This project is part of a larger global movement to rethink monuments that honour colonial figures Following the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests statues linked to colonialism and racism including those of Leopold II became targets of activism and public outrage In cities across Europe and the United States statues of figures like Christopher Columbus and Cecil Rhodes were removed or defaced as symbols of oppression this movement is particularly powerful as the country confronts the brutal history of Leopold II’s rule in Congo using art to reflect on colonialism’s legacy and educate the public The project aims to turn the site into a space for re-examining history rather than forgetting it A key part of this project is the input from the citizens of Ostend themselves. Through the online platform ‘ons.oostende.be’ and special postcards available at various locations in the city such as the library and city hall residents can share their opinions on the eleven proposed artworks The feedback will be considered by the city in its final selection of the artwork The ultimate goal of this project is to realize one of the selected artworks by the end of 2025 at the site of the Leopold II statue This new artwork will not be a simple statement but a place of reflection and education The square will become a space where people can pause to reflect on colonial history and its lasting impact What’s News Bijna Klaar The Port of Ostend has confirmed that recycling firm Tyros BV is establishing a facility for processing end-of-life tyres on a two-hectare site within the port area Supported by Belgium’s Flanders regional government which has granted one million euros in strategic ecological support Tyros is investing in an electric pyrolysis reactor with an annual capacity to convert 9,125 tonnes of rubber granulate from discarded tyres into raw materials such as carbon black Tyrepress and Tyres & Accessories subscribers can log in below to read the full article If you are not yet a Tyrepress or Tyres & Accessories subscriber Subscribe now If you would like the latest news from the Chinese tyre industry in Chinese, visit our partner site TyrepressChina.com A 46-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a 53-year-old woman whose body was found on the roof of a block of flats in the West Flemish coastal city of Ostend The West Flemish prosecutor’s office confirms that the woman’s remains were found on the roof of the building in which she lived just before 7am Ostend police received a report concerning the woman’s disappearance A search was launched to trace the whereabouts of the 53-year-old Her body was discovered on the roof of the building in which lived On Saturday a 46-year-old man was detained On Monday the Bruges examining magistrate that is leading the investigation decided to formally arrest the man on suspicion of murder The prosecutor’s office is not giving any further details about the progress of the investigation for the time being It is as yet unclear whether the suspect has made a confession The man will appear before magistrates today (Tuesday 8 April) They will decide whether he will remain in custody