Discover Koksijde during a free private walk with a local
Who are the ‘Greeters’?
Greeters welcome visitors and take them on a personal walk for a couple of hours, off the beaten track. They are volunteers who enthusiastically share their knowledge to maximum six guests.
Each Greeter has his own interesting story to share with you, for free.
They welcome you in English, Dutch and French. Give it a try and make new friends!
Where does your Greeter take you?
Our costal village Koksijde offers much more than sea, beaches and dunes. Its four boroughs, Koksijde, Oostduinkerke, Sint-Idesbald and Wulpen each hold their own specificities: medieval history, Unesco World Heritage shrimp fisherman on horseback, historic native Island fisherman, past and present artistic life, World War memories and quiet historic architectural quarters besides a large number of nature reserves. Discover our polders using roads covering medieval dams.
Since ancient times, our seaside village breathes on the rhythm of the sea. Its history has been beautiful, eventful and numerous testimonies are still present for all to experience in a splendid setting. On a lighter note, let not only water sports tempt you but also the 19 holes golf court. Or try all different recipes with North Sea shrimp, the caviar of the sea and enjoy the local fine wining and dining. Your Greeter will point out all the mouth-watering possibilities.
Enjoy the sweetness of life! Our passionate Greeters will gladly take you to all those wonderful places on foot or bike. Isn’t that tempting?
Here are the Koksijde Greeters!
Linda Ticket
As a granddaughter of an Island fisherman, my passion is history, especially the social aspect of it. I love to share my experience on architecture and local heritage, the specifics of local fishing, the wars that raged over here, whilst enjoying a wonderful nature. I also offer specific walks for the visually impaired.
Languages: English, Dutch, French, German.
Trui Herman
Living is sweet in Oostduinkerke! The street where I live reflects a long history just by itself. I will take you for a walk through the magnificent dunes and tell tales of the emergence of our coastal village, of lost villages in the sand, of superstitious fishermen, of a clairvoyant priest, of a third world war and so much more. I also offer specific walks for the visually impaired.
Languages: English, Dutch
Patrick Dusart
My family has been living here since 1912: I am part of the third generation. My childhood was a happy one in our village in a coastal region of outstanding natural beauty. I have many fond memories on Koksijde and a former lifestyle that has evolved so much. I will take you on a walk where culture and history will be the subjects.
Languages: English, French, Dutch
Michel Piérart
Since I was a toddler in the Borinage, my parents took me to Koksijde every weekend and during each school vacation and I have fond memories of all those happy holidays. I am since long a resident. I have delved into the origins of tourism in Koksijde-Bad and especially the extraordinary architecture that accompanied them. I have a particular interest for the local presence of the French army, especially the Zouave regiments during the Great War.
I am happy to share all that knowledge and a lot of tasty anecdotes with you.
Language: French
Marc Villé
Born and bred in Koksijde, I have seen the evolution of our village from a traditional seaside resort with old world shops, places of worship, early architecture, and its seafront that all raise a feeling of nostalgia, to a modern village. I have witnessed incredible events, for instance the beaching of sperm whales on our sands. I have so many amusing anecdotes to tell you while you spend a few hours with me.
Languages: Dutch, French
How do I request a Koksijde Greeter?
Contact and appointments online, using the website internationalgreeter.org or the individual mail of a Koksijde Greeter.
Get started on time, at least two weeks in advance: the Greeters are voluntaries with other activities: they have to plan your Greet.
The walks are for free: keep that in mind and inform your Greeter at once if you cannot be present. There is maximum six participants.
Information to share:
1. Your name, mail address and the telephone number that you will use on the day of the Greet
2. Your age and the age of the other participants
3. The date, and an accessory date for your Greet
4. The language required for the Greet
5. Personal interest during the walk and any other useful information.