Ostend at Anchor 2025
Welcome to Oostende voor Anker, the maritime event that celebrates the past, present and future of the sea! With over 150 unique ships setting course for Oostende, from majestic three-masters to smaller sloops, there is something for everyone to discover and experience.
During Oostende at Anchor you can not only admire the impressive ships, but also enjoy fascinating guided tours, demonstrations and lectures.
Admire the authentic ship crafts and taste the delicious smoked fish as you stroll through the streets and squares around the harbour.
For music lovers, there are numerous free performances of classic shanties and caressing folk that provide the necessary atmosphere. This year we welcome 25 groups, good for 40 performances spread over the four days.
Oostende voor Anker is also an ideal excursion for families with children to get to know the wonders of the sea and shipping. Little sailors can enjoy themselves with all kinds of animations and activities that are specially designed for them.
And don't forget to visit the Blue Innovation Village, where you can learn all about the latest developments and innovations on and around the North Sea. You can find more information here
FLAT ACROSS THE WATER
Free ferry between the centre (Visserskaai near the North Sea Aquarium) and the East Bank (Maritime Square).
There are 4 ferries that are used in both Nieuwpoort and Ostend. These were named Roger Raveel, Het Rode Vierkant op de Zee and De Nieuwe Visie. The fourth and newest ferry 'Raveel meets Ensor' is fully electric and can carry a lot more passengers.
The ferry service can currently carry a maximum of 50 people, of which a maximum of 20 are bicycles, and is wheelchair accessible. The new ferry 'Raveel meets Ensor' can currently carry a maximum of 100 people, of which a maximum of 40 are bicycles, and is also fully wheelchair accessible.
It is mandatory to disembark after every crossing!
Timetable from October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025
The ferry runs daily.
From 07:45
Break between 12:30 - 13:00
Last voyage city center > east bank
17:55
Last voyage east bank > city centre
18:05
Maritime walk
This walk takes you to various maritime locations such as the Mercator, the Oosteroever, the Visserskaai, the Vissersplein and so many more locations.
The walk is 7.7 km long. The walking plan can be picked up free of charge from Tourism Oostende vzw.
For more info click here.
Cycling : The Green Ribbon
Ostend is surprisingly green! Discover it by cycling 35 km along the green buffer around Ostend. You can find all information via this link.
The Crystal Ship
In 2016, the Crystal Ship dropped anchor in Ostend for the first time. Since then, the arts festival has transformed the seaside city into Belgium's largest open-air gallery, with the help of dozens of famous street artists. Definitely worth a visit. Plan your visit via this link
KAAP - Arts Centre
Arts centre KAAP is Flanders' first and only regional arts centre, born from a fusion of the former arts centre Vrijstaat O. (Ostend) and De Werf (Bruges). Since 2017, we are one arts centre lucky enough to work in two beautiful cities around music, stage, visual arts and literature. Both with their own dynamics, charm and assets.
When we are not bringing music, dance, performance or literature, you can linger quietly in our extremely cosy kaffee with the most beautiful view of the sea. For the full programme: click here.
Theater aan Zee (TAZ) is the ten-day arts festival in Ostend. Every year, this vibrant event attracts thousands of visitors with a unique mix of performing arts, music, literature and visual arts. The festival takes place at the most special locations in Ostend and offers a stage for young, emerging talent. Further information and the program can be found here
Ostend City Walks
