The Hoge Dijken

For nature lovers, the nature preserve “De Hoge Dijken” with a large lake of 40 hectares, a walking area, richness of fauna and flora is a must to explore during a visit to our residence in Jabbeke. It is a unique wintering area behind the Belgian coast for a large number of water birds. In 1986 the domain was expanded into a nature education center with the possibility of quiet recreation (walking and fishing). Guided tours are available as well.

‘De Hoge Dijken’ are best known in Flanders for their importance as a bird area. During the winter it is home to around 6,000 birds in and around the domain. ‘De Hoge Dijken’ are not just a paradise for birds, thanks to the diversity of the area – from dry, acid sandy soil to moist grassland – it is also an excellent habitat for many plants, butterflies, insects and mammals.

It is the perfect place to learn about the fauna and flora that is present thanks to the visitor’s center ‘De Grote Zaagbek’ and the four bird watching huts from which you can observe many of the different birds. The visitor’s center ‘De Grote Zaagbek’ is available for the educational activities around the domain. On the basis of videos, books, magazines and other educational material, people gain insight into the value of ‘De Hoge Dijken’.