Things To Do
in Oudenburg
Oudenburg is a small historic town in West Flanders, Belgium, located in gently rolling polders a short drive from Bruges and the North Sea coast. The town has Roman and medieval roots visible in archaeological remains, a compact market square, and low-slung churches and townhouses that give a relaxed Flemish character. Oudenburg is favored for cycling and quiet countryside walks, with easy access to coastal dunes and the cultural attractions of nearby Bruges and Ostend.
Visitors come for low-key heritage, rural landscapes, and as a calm base for exploring the Belgian coast and West Flanders.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by strolling through Oudenburg's historical center, where you can admire the stunning architecture of the medieval buildings. Stop by the St. Peter and Paul Church, a magnificent structure with intricate details that tells the story of the town's past. Don’t forget to grab a traditional Belgian breakfast at a local café to fuel your adventures.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby Roman ruins, where ancient history comes to life. Engage in an interactive guided tour to deepen your understanding of the significance of these remnants. After your historical exploration, relax at a local park and enjoy a picnic while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
As the sun sets, head to a cozy restaurant in the heart of Oudenburg for a delightful dinner featuring traditional Belgian cuisine. Pair your meal with a locally brewed beer and experience the warm hospitality of the locals. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the charming streets, illuminated by quaint street lamps.
Begin your day at the Oudenburg Museum, where you can dive deeper into the town's rich heritage through fascinating exhibits. The museum offers various displays that cover everything from prehistoric times to modern-day art. Spend a couple of hours immersing yourself in the local culture and history.
Post-museum, make your way to a nearby café for a light lunch, trying a famous Belgian waffle for dessert. Then, take a guided walking tour of the town, highlighting key historical sites and landmarks. Your guide will share captivating stories that bring Oudenburg’s history to life.
Conclude your day with a visit to the local market, where you can browse fresh produce and artisanal goods. Sample some local cheeses and charcuterie while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. If you're lucky, you may catch a live performance by local musicians that will enhance your cultural experience.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $3-5 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🚍Local bus ticket / short train | $2-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic small-town Flemish atmosphere
- Excellent base for cycling and exploring West Flanders and the coast
- Close to Bruges and Ostend for day trips
- Rich local history with Roman and medieval sites
- Limited nightlife and dining options within the town itself
- Public transport can be less frequent than in larger cities
- Weather can be changeable and windy due to proximity to the coast
- "Hallo / Goedendag" - Hello / Good day
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you (formal)
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you are
- "Waar is ... ?" - Where is ... ?
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Oudenburg
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque town centre with historic facades and a church tower — great for street and architectural photography in soft morning or golden hour light.
Wide-open fields, drainage canals and farm tracks provide minimalist, atmospheric compositions, especially in misty mornings or after rain.
Traditional windmills and farmsteads are excellent subjects for classic West Flemish countryside shots.
A short drive brings you to beaches and dune systems for expansive sea-and-sky shots, sunrise imagery, and textured dune grasses.
World-famous medieval canals, bridges and the Belfry provide postcard-perfect scenes; best at dawn or after dusk when crowds are fewer.
Food in Oudenburg
Oudenburg Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-braised beef and onion stew made with Belgian beer, often served with fries or mashed potatoes; find it in most traditional brasseries and family restaurants.
Must-Try!
Mussels cooked in white wine, garlic or cream, served with crispy fries — more common in seaside towns but available in regional restaurants.
A West Flemish specialty when in season, found at regional taverns and restaurants that focus on local freshwater fish.
Small producers around West Flanders make artisan cheeses and breads available at markets and speciality shops near Oudenburg.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small local market on market days selling fresh produce, cheeses, breads and seasonal specialties — ideal for picnic supplies.
Short trips to Bruges or Ostend reward you with stalls and shops selling waffles, fries (frites) and takeaway snacks; expect good quality and regional variations.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dutch (Flemish) is the local language in West Flanders; basic greetings in Dutch (Goedendag / Dank u) are appreciated. People generally greet with a handshake in formal situations.
Belgians tend to value punctuality for appointments and organised tours; arrive on time for reservations and trains.
In small towns like Oudenburg there is respect for quiet neighbourhood life — keep noise down late at night, especially near residential streets.
Safety
Tipping in Oudenburg
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are usually included in restaurant bills; leaving a small tip (5–10%) or rounding up for good service is appreciated but not obligatory.
Cards (chip + PIN and contactless) are widely accepted; carry some euros in cash for small market stalls, remote cafés or buses. Mobile payment is increasingly common in larger venues.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warmest and driest months with long daylight, ideal for cycling, beach visits and outdoor cafés. Expect more tourists at nearby Bruges and the coast; book accommodation in advance during July–August.
Crisp air, golden colours in the countryside and fewer crowds; good for photography and hiking. Occasional windy or rainy days — bring layers and waterproofs.
Chillier, damp and windy conditions with shorter days; cosy indoor dining and museum visits are appealing. Snow is rare but possible; off-season means lower prices and quieter streets.
Wildflowers and blossoming hedgerows appear, temperatures rise and cycling routes reopen fully; a pleasant shoulder season with moderate tourism and comfortable weather for outdoor activities.
Oudenburg at Night
Hiking in Oudenburg
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Locally marked walking routes through the flat polders offering easy, scenic walks along canals and past windmills — ideal for short half-day hikes and birdwatching.
A short drive to coastal dune systems and the long-distance coastal path provides varied terrain and sea views; suitable for longer day hikes or multi-day walking sections.
Wooded trails and parkland close to Bruges for shaded walks, forest photography and family-friendly routes; accessible as a day trip from Oudenburg.
A renowned coastal nature reserve east of Knokke-Heist with salt marshes, bird hides and marked trails — excellent for nature lovers and seasonal migrations.
Airports
How to reach Oudenburg by plane.
Closest regional airport (~20–30 minutes by car). Serves some European charter and low-cost routes; good for quick access to the coast and West Flanders.
Major international airport (~1.25–1.5 hours by car or train). Offers wide international connections; accessible by rail from Bruges with onward local transport to Oudenburg.
An alternative international airport (~1–1.5 hours by car), sometimes convenient for low-cost carriers and connections from northern France.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Dutch-speaking native Flemings who live and work in agriculture, local businesses and services; community-oriented and often involved in local cultural associations.
Families and commuters who travel to larger nearby cities for work (Bruges, Ostend), attracted by quieter residential life in towns like Oudenburg.
Visitors who use Oudenburg as a base to explore Bruges, the Belgian coast and rural West Flanders; numbers spike seasonally.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is hugely popular in West Flanders for commuting, recreation and sport — flat terrain and marked routes make it ideal for all levels.
Local amateur football clubs are common and community-focused, reflecting Belgium’s passion for the sport.
Along the coast, kite surfing and other wind-powered water sports are popular when conditions permit.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Oudenburg.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available at cafés and larger restaurants (salads, vegetable stews, cheese-based dishes). In smaller traditional places, ask staff for meat-free versions; many places will adapt dishes.
Vegan choices are growing but can be limited in tiny towns; Bruges and Ostend have better vegan/veggie-specific cafés. Pack snacks if you rely on strict vegan options.
Gluten-free awareness is common in Belgium; many restaurants can provide gluten-free breads or alternatives — always mention the restriction when ordering and confirm cross-contamination if necessary.