Several yachts are moored by a waterfront promenade lined with modern buildings under a clear sky. A yellow brick building façade with a blue sign and several outdoor tables with chairs nearby.
Belgium

Zeebrugge: Plain Front, Pretty Back

A Former Railway Station Turned Community Hub.
 Zeebrugge, Belgium, August 2022

Zeebrugge is Belgium’s second-largest port, after Antwerp. Sounds impressive, but on the day of my visit, there wasn’t much happening—just a few ships, minimal activity. Not that there’s much to see here anyway, aside from the port itself.

I really try to find something worth looking at. I walk to the water, along the promenade, past a few scattered buildings—nothing. No hidden gem, no charming detail, not even a quirky statue to save the day. Normally, I don’t stray from the coast—after all, this project is about exploring waterfront places. But at some point, it becomes clear: this is a photographic emergency.

So, I do some research—and luckily, Zeebrugge is officially considered part of Lissewege. And if that’s the case, then surely I can take a little detour.

And what a difference it makes. A small canal winds through the village, flanked by whitewashed polder houses. Towering over everything stands the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Bezoekingskerk, a monumental 13th-century church that feels far too large for such a small town. It’s a picturesque contrast to the gray dullness of the harbor—and finally, something worth capturing with my camera.

Zeebrugge itself may not have much to offer. But if it’s officially part of a charming village, why not take advantage of that?

Map of Zeebrugge
A sailboat with a tall mast and large white sail glides across calm waters, with port buildings and containers in the background.
A sailing yacht glides past the port of Zeebrugge, where leisure and industry share the coastline.
Large blue cranes are lifting containers at a port; two cargo ships are docked, and the sky is overcast.
A large cargo ship with colorful containers and port cranes in the background, reflecting in the water.
Industrial facility with tall towers, pipes and cranes by the shore, surrounded by water and rocks.
A large container ship is docked, with cranes unloading containers. Wind turbines are visible in the background.
A large cross stands on a sturdy base by the water, surrounded by trees and buildings in the background.
A yellow brick building façade with a blue sign and several outdoor tables with chairs nearby.
D’Oude Stoasie in Zeebrugge, a former railway station now serving as a community center, preserving its historic character with original brickwork and signage.
Raised drawbridge between two towers, with blinking signals and barriers controlling road access.
A cargo ship passes under an open drawbridge, with harbor facilities and a control tower visible in the background.
Several yachts are moored by a waterfront promenade lined with modern buildings under a clear sky.
Moored sailboats line the marina of Zeebrugge, with modern waterfront apartments just beyond the docks.
A tranquil green canal scene with houses, flowers, and a clear sky. Water reflects the surroundings.
A tall brick tower with a clock, surrounded by green trees and shrubs, under a blue sky with light clouds.
A historic church surrounded by green trees, featuring steep roofs and towers, visible under a blue sky.
The Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Bezoekingskerk in Lissewege, a striking medieval church, framed by lush trees.
Bright church with high vaulted ceilings, rows of wooden chairs, and colorful window frames letting light in.
A historic brick building with large windows, surrounded by a cemetery and green grass.
An interior view of a church featuring a high ceiling, visible wooden balustrade, and a large organ in the background.
A narrow canal with green water flanked by houses and flowers along the road under a clear sky.