Ferries to Ostende
Ostende Located 110kms northwest of Brussels, Ostende combines a fascinating history with a thriving modern culture. The city boasts sandy beaches, a casino, racetrack, art museums, good shopping, and some great seafood, making it a popular destination for holidaymakers. Ostende is also a busy ferry port, receiving regular ferries from the UK. History Ostende started out as a small village on an island between the North Sea and a beach lake. It attained city status around 1265. After achieving their independence from Spain in the 16th century, the Dutch maintained strongholds in the Southern Netherlands, Ostende being one of them. When the Southern Netherlands (now Belgium) become part of the Austrian Empire, the Emperor Charles VI granted the city the trade monopoly with Africa and the Far-East. The Oostendese Compagnie (Ostende Trade Society) was allowed to found colonies overseas. However, in 1727 the Oostendese Compagnie was forced to stop its activities because of Dutch and British pressure over competition. Later, the harbour of Ostende continued to expand as traffic connections with the hinterland were improved. In 1838 a railway connection with Brussels was constructed. Ostende became a transit harbour to England in 1846 when the first Ferryboat sailed to Dover. Very important for the image of the city was its patronage by the Belgian kings Leopold I and Leopold II. Both liked to spend their vacations in Ostende, and important monuments and villas were built to please them. Ostende became known as Queen of the Belgian Resorts because of its Royal connections. What to See & Do in Ostende
