28
31 may 2026
Maritime Ostend
Discover Ostend's maritime history throughout the year.
Mercator
From 1932 to 1960, the Mercator served as the training ship for officers of the Belgian merchant navy. It is now anchored in Ostend as a museum ship and can be visited.
Discover the history of the Mercator and its treasure trove of objects collected during long voyages.
Maritime Walk
Join us on a stroll past the most remarkable spots of the fishing culture, the bustling port life, and the unique maritime heritage. It's the maritime character that shapes Ostend into the City by the Sea. This walk takes you to various maritime locations such as the Mercator, the Oosteroever, the Visserskaai, the Vissersplein, and many more spots.
The walk is 7.7 km long. The walking map can be picked up for free at Toerisme Oostende vzw. More information about the walk can be found on the visitoostende.be website.
Captain Panekazak
Ostend has a new city guide: Captain Panekazak of the Mercator! Together with his two shipmates, a 'bow mussel' and a 'maritime know-it-all' fish, he takes you on this unique audio tour to the city's most beautiful and interesting spots. Captain Panekazak is ideal for young sailors between 8 and 12 years old.
The Vistrap
The Vistrap is an open-air fish market, which originated with the expansion of the harbour in the 19th century. Early in the morning, you can already find the freshest North Sea fish and Ostend grey shrimp here. For early birds, it is definitely worth coming to see the fish being brought ashore around 6:30 am.
Oosteroever
The Oosteroever is a lesser-known side of Ostend, but it is at least equally worthwhile. The Oosteroever is the ideal place to enjoy nature and to clear your head. You can see for miles over the sea and other beautiful vistas, and you can walk for hours in the dunes. Some well-known landmarks on the Oosteroever are Fort Napoleon and the Lange Nelle (lighthouse). You will also find remnants of Ostend's wartime past, such as the military structure De Halve Maan and several bunkers.
More information and great tips can be found on visitoostende.be.
The Nele
The Nele was designed after the historical Ostend two-mast smack. She was launched on May 7, 2005, and shortly thereafter made her first sailing trip. The classic lines and seaworthiness evoke nostalgia. You can see the Nele at her berth in the Mercator Dock. Since she occasionally sails out, she may not be at her usual berth at the time of your visit.
The Nele was designed after the historical Ostend two-mast smack. She was launched on May 7, 2005, and shortly thereafter made her first sailing trip. The classic lines and seaworthiness evoke nostalgia.You can see the Nele at her berth in the Mercator Dock. Since she occasionally sails out, she may not be at her usual berth at the time of your visit.
Amandine
The last Iceland trawler has been definitively pulled ashore. The exhibition and the fitted-out Amandine give you a good idea of the rough life aboard an Iceland trawler. Various scenes depict the activities on the boat. An intense experience for all the senses.
The last Iceland trawler has been definitively pulled ashore. The exhibition and the fitted-out Amandine give you a good idea of the rough life aboard an Iceland trawler. Various scenes depict the activities on the boat. An intense experience for all the senses.
