Bredene to Fence Dunes Behind Nude Beach Over Misconduct
The Spanjaardduin dunes in Bredene, a protected nature reserve adjacent to Belgium’s only official naturist beach, will be completely fenced off starting next year in response to nearly 50 police reports for public indecency this season, VRT NWS reported.
Mayor Kelly Spillier (Vooruit) announced the decision to install a full enclosure around the dunes behind the naturist beach, marking a significant escalation from the visual demarcation measures introduced earlier this year.
A Persistent Problem
Since the nude beach opened for its 25th season in early April 2026, police have filed nearly 50 reports for public indecency in the dunes, according to the Bredene/De Haan police zone. The Spanjaardduin, while officially off-limits, has remained accessible from the sea side, making enforcement difficult.
Police spokesperson Andy Boey noted a clear escalation in incidents. “We see a clear increase compared to last year,” he said. “The Spanjaardduin is a demarcated area where access is prohibited.” The police have been conducting extra controls since late July, including drone surveillance.
From Ropes to Full Fencing
In March, the municipality installed new signs, posts, and ropes to demarcate the boundary between the nude beach and the nature reserve, as reported by VRT NWS. That measure proved insufficient.
“That was a first step,” Spillier said. “Next year there will be a complete fence.” The fencing will be installed in collaboration with the Flemish Agency for Nature and Forests (ANB), which manages the protected dune area.
The fence serves a dual purpose. Beyond preventing unauthorized access, the ANB plans to launch a grazing program with cattle or horses in the Spanjaardduin, which requires a proper enclosure. “We must prevent those animals from ending up on the beach,” Spillier explained.
Naturists Welcome the Decision
The naturist federation (FBN) has welcomed the measure. President Frank Janssens expressed hope that the fencing will finally put an end to the unwanted incidents.
“We hope there will finally be an end to the unwanted incidents in the dunes,” Janssens said. “It’s sad that a fence has to be installed and that people can’t just use their common sense. They need to respect nature.”
The frustration is shared by regular visitors to the beach. In late July, naturists complained about sexual activities and voyeurs in the dunes, saying such behavior gives naturism an unclean image. “This is absolutely not what naturism stands for,” one beachgoer told VRT NWS.
Protecting a 25-Year Legacy
The nude beach of Bredene, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in June, holds a special place on the Belgian coast. Opened on July 1, 2001, it was the first official naturist beach in Belgium and can attract 750 to 1,000 visitors on hot days.
Spillier emphasized that the nude beach itself will remain open and unchanged. “It’s a few individuals who spoil it for others,” she said. “That has to stop urgently.”
“The nude beach has existed for 25 years and a lot of work was put into making it happen,” she added. “It would be a shame if that were undone by people who don’t respect the rules.”
A Delicate Balance
The Spanjaardduin is one of the highest marram grass dunes in Belgium, standing at 28.6 meters, and contains valuable plant species. The ANB’s grazing program aims to support the ecological management of the protected area, with the fence enabling both nature conservation and public safety objectives.
The decision reflects the broader challenges coastal municipalities face in managing naturist beaches while protecting both natural habitats and the reputation of naturism. The problem is not new — in 2022, a man was sentenced to seven months in prison for oral sex in the dunes near the nude beach.
As the fencing project moves forward, questions remain about whether physical barriers will effectively deter the behavior or simply displace it. The grazing animals themselves may add a natural deterrent, but the ultimate success of the measure will depend on continued enforcement and public cooperation.
For now, the message from Bredene’s leadership is clear: the nude beach will remain a place for naturists to enjoy nature in peace, and the dunes behind it will no longer serve as a haven for those who abuse that trust.