Ostend

Ostend, known in Dutch as Oostende, is a Belgian city and municipality in the province of West Flanders. It sits on the North Sea coast at the mouth of the Yser river and is the province’s largest coastal city. The municipality has about 70,000 inhabitants and combines a working port with a long-standing tradition as a seaside resort and tourist destination.

Historically, Ostend developed as a medieval harbor town and later grew into a fashionable coastal resort in the 19th century, aided by improved rail and road access and Belle Époque architecture along the seafront. The Ostend Manifesto, a diplomatic note issued by American ministers stationed there in 1854, is named after the city. Coastal defenses from the early 20th century, such as Fort Napoleon near Raversijde, reflect its strategic position on the North Sea.

Culture and landmarks include the Mu.ZEE museum, which houses Belgian modern art and features works by James Ensor, the painter who spent significant time in Ostend. Ensor’s former home is preserved as the Ensorhuis. The city’s beaches, promenade, and harbor district remain central to its identity, alongside historic fortifications and maritime facilities.

Economy and transport revolve around tourism, fishing, and port activities. Ostend is served by Ostend-Bruges International Airport and Ostend railway station, with rail connections to Bruges, Brussels, and other destinations. The Port of Ostend handles fishing, cargo, and some passenger traffic, reflecting its continued role as a working port as well as a coastal resort. James Ensor remains a notable figure associated with the city, contributing to its cultural legacy.