Zwin Natuur Park — Attraction in Knokke-Heist

The Nature Reserve is gorgeous, but the visitor experience is just not the same experience. It has been thoroughly sanitized compared to what this was in the 90's.

The Zwin was once the most unique place on earth. One of the special homegrown parks Belgium had to offer.

It had dozens of different species of birds, some of the in endangered breeding programs, and it was kept beautifully clean with few if any cages. There was no comparison on earth, and still isnt today. It was the most pleasant park I remember from my childhood. keyword -WAS-

For starters, they tore down the historical house turned into a restaurant/cafe. Nothing was more relaxing than sitting there enjoying nature and a coffee. They removed the bird park and built some unappealing fake ponds to replicate nature. they built some unsightly concrete buildings to house stuffed specimens. Taking the charm, entertainment, liveliness, and uniqueness right out of existence.

The lack of intimate connection that the previous experience offered with seeing and interacting with (feeding) live birds has greatly distanced the emotions and interests.

Children grow up into adults, and these adults will not develop the same interest in saving these creatures, or understanding their behavior. We have lost a great unique service here.

It's all just plants and scenery now. It is a showcase for a restored part...

Amazing corner of nature, a true oasis of peace and beauty. I've been to Het Zwin many times, in different seasons, i always manage to find a new corner to explore and to wonder at the beauty of nature. This time i opted for a guided visit (the French one, as my Flemish is quite poor...). Pierre, our guide did an amazing job. He is a very funny, warm, and friendly person. More importantly, very knowledgeable when it comes to birds, and not just the ones stopping in Zwin. He took us to the places where we could see many of the birds "landing" in the Zwin "airport" and brought his big monocular and let us used it (as not all of us had binoculars). All in all, whether you are a bird lover or a nature lover, Het Zwin is the place for you. And if you have kids, even better, the park has many cool activities prepared for the...

I recommend this place for the nature walk and neatness. Unfortunately the activity explanations were only in Dutch. We waited for 3 tours of Dutch explanations of the water life and when the lady ( who spoke perfect French ) asked for the 4th time if there was anyone speaking Dutch, although the 10 of us sat right in front of her, we gave up and left ( we're English and French speaking and at that point there was noone else ) . There was an English version on the screens in the exposition, the French didn't work for several stops the day we were there. The restaurant menue and all markings were 100 % Dutch, I found that quite retarded for such a modern place in a country like Belgium. Removing stars for that unfriendly welcoming of...