![]()
Ostend Domein Raversijde & WW1 & 2 Atlantic Wall Museum
Tuesday 21 September 2010
The Provincial Domain of Raversijde was started up in1988 and is still expanding.
The former Royal Estate of King Leopold II represents the core of this domain. In 1902 the King acquired most of the terrains and built a wooden residence. This ‘Norwegian Chalet’ , built in 1904, disappeared in 1914, when the Germans turned this Domain into a coastal battery. During the Second World War the Domain was part of the well-known “Atlantic wall”. These episodes have left deep marks in the area. After the Regency, prince Karel settled permanently at Raversijde. In 1981, he sold his Domain to the Belgian State. Thanks to the extraordinary cooperation of the Flemish Community, the Federal Government (Office of Buildings) and the Provincial Government, the former Royal Domain has been saved, significantly expanded and opened to the public.
Since July 2000 the archaeological site of Walraversijde is open for visitors. Special attention is being paid to the life of 15th century fishermen from the village of Walraversijde.
The Domain is situated in the near vicinity of the sea, partially in protected dune lands and has a surface area of almost 50 hectares, providing accommodation to the visitor under all conditions. The focus is mainly on recreation and cultural tourism.
The open-air museum Atlantic Wall.
More than sixty bunkers and trenches, looking exactly as sixty years ago!
In the dunes of the former estate of Prince Karel, a unique historical site of modern fortification has been preserved: sixty constructions dating from both World Wars, interconnected by two kilometers of trenches and galleries. This remarkable site has been extremely well preserved , as prince Karel systematically prevented every demolition attempt.
Includes entrance & return travel by coach.