What to discover before or after your massage at House of Peace
The masseur of House of Peace. Deep-tissue massage
When visitors think of West Flanders, they often picture the canals of Bruges or the busy beaches of the Belgian coast. Between those two destinations, however, lies a quieter world: Zuienkerke.
Zuienkerke is not a place filled with large monuments, shopping streets or crowds. Its charm lies in something less obvious: open fields, distant church towers, winding country roads and the feeling that life has temporarily lowered its voice.
The municipality consists of four rural villages: Zuienkerke, Meetkerke, Houtave and Nieuwmunster. Together, they form a peaceful polder landscape between Bruges and the coast.
One of the churches taken during one of my biking activities
Overview of Zuienkerke.
Walk or cycle through the polders
One of the loveliest ways to discover Zuienkerke is by bicycle. The roads lead through farmland, beside narrow canals and past traditional farmhouses. Because the landscape is so flat and open, you can often see a church tower or village in the distance long before you arrive.
Cyclists looking for a longer outing can explore the Oudland cycling route, a signposted route of approximately 46 kilometres passing through Zuienkerke and the countryside behind De Haan and Bredene.
Walking is equally rewarding. Around Meetkerke, visitors can explore the Meetkerkse Moeren, where quiet paths cross a broad polder landscape. A documented walking route through the area covers approximately 12 kilometres and takes around three hours.
Taken during one of my cycling in the polders, with Sint-Michielskerk in the horizon.
Discover the four village churches
Each of Zuienkerke’s villages has its own church and character. The protected Sint-Michielskerk dominates the centre of Zuienkerke, its tower visible from kilometres away across the flat countryside.
Travelling between the villages becomes a simple form of sightseeing. You pass small cemeteries, old brick houses, farms and landscapes shaped by generations of agriculture. There may not be a famous attraction around every corner, but there is always a view worth noticing.
You can stop by for something to drink or eat at Travalie in Houtave. The restaurant is run by Marino and Veronique, who previously operated a catering business in Ingelmunster. Together with their family and team, they welcome visitors for a drink, a small bite or a full meal. The warm interior and terrace make it a pleasant stopping place for cyclists, walkers and families exploring the countryside.
Travalie serves Belgian and Flemish-style dishes in an informal setting. Guests frequently mention its friendly service, relaxed atmosphere and dishes such as shrimp croquettes, fish preparations and ribs.
Visit the Uitkerkse Polder
Close to Zuienkerke and Nieuwmunster lies the Uitkerkse Polder, a centuries-old meadow landscape between Blankenberge and De Haan. It is known for its wide, largely treeless views, walking paths and birdlife. During winter, thousands of wild geese arrive in the area.
It is an ideal place for people who enjoy photography, birdwatching or simply walking without needing to hurry anywhere.
Walk with Alpacas in Meetkerke
For a peaceful experience with a woolly twist, visit Alpacahof Hagebos in Meetkerke. Owners Luc and Vera organise alpaca walks through the wide polder landscape of Zuienkerke, allowing visitors to move at the gentle pace of the animals.
The farm began after alpacas brought calm and renewed purpose into their own lives. Today, they share that feeling with visitors who want to escape the stress of daily life. The walks combine soft movement, fresh country air and the quietly curious company of alpacas. According to Luc and Vera, visitors often leave feeling relaxed, recharged and smiling.
Stay Overnight in the Countryside
Visitors who want to spend more time in the area can find holiday homes, apartments and bed-and-breakfast accommodation in Zuienkerke, Houtave and Meetkerke. Some properties are located in renovated farms or rural houses overlooking the polders, making them ideal for a quiet weekend between Bruges and the Belgian coast.
Because the villages belong to the municipality of Zuienkerke, accommodation in Houtave or Meetkerke may be listed online simply as Zuienkerke. Availability and prices depend on the travel dates, particularly during summer and holiday weekends.
Some suggestions where you could stay:
Zuienkerke: d’Ereplatse Apartment, a peaceful apartment for up to ten persons, and Bed & Breakfast Otentik, with a room for two persons.
Houtave: Villa Houtave, a villa for up to ten guests with polder views and a hot tub, and De Balloo, a converted farm building with a sauna and Jacuzzi for larger groups.
Meetkerke:B&B ’t Mirakel, a quiet rural apartment with a private kitchen, bathroom and parking, suitable for cycling or walking holidays.
Close to everything, yet wonderfully removed
Zuienkerke is conveniently situated between Bruges and the Belgian coast. You can combine a visit with a morning in historic Bruges, an afternoon beside the sea in Blankenberge or De Haan, and a peaceful journey through the countryside in between. The wider Bruges hinterland is promoted precisely for its quiet polders and rural landscapes behind the coastline.
And perhaps that is what makes Zuienkerke special. It is not a destination that demands your attention. It gently gives your attention back to you.
At House of Peace Massage & Wellness, that same idea is central: slowing down, reconnecting with your body and allowing yourself to rest. A walk through the polders, a bicycle ride between the villages and a relaxing massage can become a small retreat from the noise of everyday life.
Sometimes peace is not found far away.
Sometimes it is waiting between Bruges and the sea.
Below is a video I made of the polders while I was biking around Zuienkerke: