Guide · Belgium · Mainly in summer
In Oostduinkerke, fishermen still ride heavy Brabant draught horses into the surf to catch shrimp. The horse pulls a net through the shallows parallel to the shore, and the catch goes into baskets on either side. Since 2013 the tradition has been on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage.
Short answer: see the horseback shrimp fishers on the beach at Oostduinkerke (Koksijde) during their demonstrations, mainly in the summer months around low tide. Check the Oostduinkerke events calendar for dates, and combine it with the NAVIGO fishing museum.
When to see them
| Demonstrations | Mainly in summer on set days, around low tide; see the Oostduinkerke events calendar |
| Shrimp festival | At the end of June, with the Garnaalstoet parade |
| Horses | Always Brabant (Belgian) draught horses |
Taste the catch freshly cooked and peeled, or in a classic tomate-crevette. More on the brown shrimp page.
Frequently asked questions
Horseback shrimp fishing
Where can you see horseback shrimp fishing?
On the beach at Oostduinkerke, in Koksijde on the Belgian coast.
When do they fish?
On set demonstration days, mainly in summer, around low tide.
Also read seal spotting on the Belgian coast.
Habitat · Belgium
