The Belgian Coast is the least hot place in Belgium. It records up to 30 degrees under a bright sun. It’s high, but more livable than inland. This is why our seaside resorts are very popular for this long weekend, probably one of the busiest of the year.
Those who want to avoid traffic jams on the highways and the hassle of parking prefer the train. One of our teams accompanied the travelers in the morning. From Brussels-Central, there are many on the quay. The train in which we embark is specially planned for the Coast.
It left for 1h16 journey. Problem: the train is crowded. We meet Patricia. With her granddaughter, she spends the trip standing. “I am often in the car. It’s the first time I take the train in fact, so it’s more complicated“, tells us the young girl.
Fortunately, the train empties little by little on the way, over the stops. And then, the air conditioning makes the trip very pleasant, and the passengers avoid traffic jams. For those who have a seat, it’s time to prepare for the rest of the day, or simply to rest.
We arrive at the scheduled time, 12:08 precisely. It only remains to walk about twenty minutes to reach the beach. “It’s perfect. The weather is nice, there is sun. With the water, the temperature, it’s incredible“, confides a young woman at the edge of the water.
SNCB adapts its offer
SNCB has scheduled additional trains to the coast. During the long weekend (Saturday, Sunday and Monday), five additional trains are scheduled in return on the Leuven-Ostend, Welkenraedt-Ostend, Louvain-Blankenberge (two trains) and Hasselt-Blankenberge lines. SNCB insists that these additional trains are scheduled in addition to the Côte-Express, this fast train to the coast which will run until Sunday 28 August. A total of 284 trains therefore serve the Coast (there and back).
It is advisable to plan your trip well and to consult the SNCB mobile application, which indicates the expected crowds on board the trains.
A High Tide Weekend: Here’s What It Means
There are many people on the beaches and lifeguards are calling for vigilance. 350,000 one-day visitors are expected at the Coast this weekend, including Monday. It’s a bit of a special weekend because it’s a high tide weekend: the water will rise and it will rise precisely during peak hours. This Saturday afternoon, for example, we should find ourselves with a lot of people on a beach that is relatively shortened by water. Add to that a very powerful wind effect to justify the call for caution if you go into the water. Lifeguards warn: the sea will be particularly tricky.