Zoersel(Belgium) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Zuiderkerke, the top boutique hotel with sea views is Hotel de Brouwerij, housed in a restored 19th-century brewery overlooking the North Sea. Its industrial-chic design features exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and large floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic ocean vistas. Each room includes a private balcony perfect for morning coffee or sunset watching. The hotel’s rooftop terrace hosts seasonal seafood dinners featuring locally caught North Sea cod and artisanal Belgian beers. Located just steps from Zuiderstrand Beach, it’s ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and coastal authenticity.

The most scenic and convenient area to stay is along Zuiderstrand Beach, where Zuiderstrand Hotel offers direct beach access. This modern seaside retreat features minimalist Scandinavian-style rooms with glass doors opening onto private terraces facing the Atlantic waves. Guests enjoy easy access to soft sand, tidal pools, and the nearby Lichttorenpark, a protected dune reserve perfect for morning walks. The area is quiet yet vibrant—frequent art installations appear on the boardwalk, and local fishermen often gather at dusk. For an immersive experience, book a sunrise yoga session on the beach, followed by a fresh oyster breakfast at the hotel’s seaside café.

Visitors to Zuiderkerke should attend the annual Lichttorenfeest, a maritime celebration held at the Lichttorenpark that combines live folk music, traditional Flemish boat dances, and a symbolic lantern release into the sea. Another must-try is a day-long fishing trip aboard a historic trawler, where guests learn ancient net-casting techniques from local fishermen and sample freshly caught North Sea herring. In the evenings, visit De Vissershuis, a cozy harbor tavern where elders sing old seafaring ballads in dialect—a rare glimpse into West Flanders’ living heritage. These experiences offer deep immersion into the town’s maritime soul.

Must-try dishes include grilled oysters from the North Sea, served hot with lemon butter and fresh herbs—best enjoyed at De Zeevogel Restaurant, where they’re harvested daily. Another highlight is smoked salmon on rye bread, prepared using traditional wood-fired methods passed down through generations. Don’t miss the Zuiderkerke wheat beer, a light, crisp brew brewed with local barley and aged in oak barrels. Pair it with pickled herring and caramelized onions for a classic Flemish taste. For dessert, try sea salt chocolate tart, made with ingredients sourced from nearby coastal farms.

Familiehotel De Visserswoning is the top family-friendly hotel in Zuiderkerke, located in a converted 1800s fisherman’s house. It offers spacious rooms with bunk beds, a dedicated children’s play zone, and free access to the private beach with shallow water and shaded areas. Daily activities include shell-collecting scavenger hunts, building sandcastles with molds, and crafting seashell necklaces. A mini-farm allows kids to feed goats and rabbits. The hotel also provides stroller rentals and offers guided night tours of the Lichttoren Park, where families learn about lighthouse history under the stars.

The prime photo spot is the Zuiderkerke Lighthouse, a striking white cylindrical tower standing atop the sea wall, especially stunning during golden hour when sunlight reflects off the waves. Capture the reflection in the wet sand for dramatic symmetry. Another iconic location is the Murals of the Old Harbor, a 60-meter-long street art installation depicting fishing legends and maritime myths—ideal for creative angles and vibrant colors. For intimate shots, use the iron benches in Lichttorenpark as foreground elements, framed by the vast sky and distant sea. Bring a wide-angle lens for the full coastal panorama.

Yes, Zuiderkerke is well-connected via public transit. Take the S90 regional train from Antwerp Central Station—just 25 minutes—to Zuiderkerke Station, with frequent departures throughout the day. From there, a 10-minute walk leads to the beach and town center. Electric bike rentals are available near the station for exploring the coast. Ferry services run daily between Zuiderkerke Harbor and Antwerp Port, ideal for short trips. For drivers, the A13 highway connects directly; free parking is available at major hotels and the beach promenade.

For couples, De Zeehond Boutique Hotel offers unmatched romance: private balconies with ocean views, starlit dinners on the rooftop terrace, and in-room hot tubs overlooking the North Sea. Book a couples’ fishing charter at sunset, where you’ll cast nets together and enjoy a chilled glass of Zuiderkerke wheat beer while watching the sky turn gold. Later, return to your room for a candlelit dinner featuring smoked mussels and Belgian chocolate. The hotel also arranges private moonlight walks along the beach, complete with a thermos of warm cider and a handmade map of constellations.

Near Zuiderkerke, the Scheldt Estuary Wetlands are a haven for birdwatchers, home to species like Eurasian curlews and great crested grebes. During migration season, over 10,000 birds pass through—perfect for photography. The Lichttorenpark features salt marshes, reed beds, and elevated wooden trails that wind through untouched nature. At low tide, mudflats reveal intricate patterns shaped by tides—ideal for exploration. Winter brings a rare phenomenon: thin ice forms on the sea surface, catching sunlight like crystal glass. Guided eco-tours are offered weekly in Dutch and English.

Top hiking routes include the Zeezijdepad Coastal Path, a 6-kilometer trail stretching from the Lighthouse to the Zeeland border, passing through dunes, abandoned fish huts, and tidal zones. The Lichttorenpark Loop, a 2.5-kilometer ecological circuit, features wooden boardwalks, bird hides, and interpretive signs. For a longer adventure, hike the Scheldt Dike Trail, a 10-kilometer route connecting Zuiderkerke to Antwerp’s outer port—offering views of shipping vessels and industrial landscapes. All paths are clearly marked, wheelchair-accessible in parts, and equipped with rest stops. Wear waterproof boots and check tide times before setting out.