Is there a cafetaria ?

The museum café, our ‘Gasterietje’, is only open in the afternoon during the summer months of July and August (except on Mondays). The café serves a selection of drinks, but no food. All year round, we are also happy to recommend brewery Sint-Idesbald in Koksijde. There, on the site of Ten Bogaerde, a former abbey farm of the Abbey of the Dunes, you will be able to taste our abbey beer. Click here for more tips to make your visit to Koksijde an unforgettable day.

Can I have a picnic at the abbey site ?

Yes, absolutely ! You will find picnic benches outside, on the museum grounds, so feel free to bring your picnic. It is also possible to picnic on the lawn near the visitor centre. Please throw any trash in the provided bins however. Thank you !

Is there a bicycle rack?

You’re coming by bike! Great! A covered bike rack is available near the entrance.

Can I charge my electric bike at the bike rack ?

No, there is no charging station, so it is best to make sure you have enough battery power left when you arrive at the museum.

Is the museum accessible by public transport ?

Yes, from inland, you can reach us by train, tram and/or bus. More information on our page ‘access to the museum’.

Can I charge my electric car during my museum visit ?

A charging station for electric cars is available in the Koninklijke Prinslaan, near the museum. This charging station can only power two cars at a time.

Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users ?

The entire museum is wheelchair accessible.

Is the outdoor area accessible for wheelchair users ?

The abbey site with its garden and ruins is more difficult to access for wheelchair users. An adapted shell path will take you to the ruins. In general, we see that this is possible with some help.

Is it possible to access the museum library?

Yes, the museum library is accessible by appointment. Please contact natascha.nowe@koksijde.be to set a date.

Should I pay with cash or card ?

Please pay electronically if possible.

A visit to the abbey site with its garden and ruins is free. If you want to visit the museum in addition, you can discover our prices here.

Is there free wifi at the museum?

There is free wifi in the visitor centre (the reception building with the shop). However, there is no wifi on the archaeological site or in the museum itself.

Dogs are only allowed outside on the abbey site, not in the museum itself. Assistance dogs however, can accompany their owners to help.

Is it possible to only visit the abbey site with its garden and ruins, and not the museum ?

Yes, that is possible. A visit to the abbey site is free of charge. Please note that the abbey site is only accessible during the opening hours of the museum.

Can I take photos in the museum?

You can, so be sure to bring out your smartphone or camera, but please do not use a flash out of respect for the museum's collection.

I want to organise a professional photo shoot at the mill or the Abbey Museum. Is that possible ?

The ruins of the abbey and the mill have inspired photographers and filmmakers for years. You can film and take photographs freely, but please contact nick.herweyers@koksijde.be in advance.

Is the abbey site always open at the same time as the museum?

It is always open during our opening hours. We only close the abbey site as a precaution in case of strong winds from 6 Beaufort and above : because of the high trees, we do not take any risks for the safety of our visitors.

Approximately how much time do I need to visit the museum and the abbey site?

We recommend allowing about two hours.

Are the Virtual Reality experience and the museum’s film room accessible?

The museum’s film room is accessible again. The Virtual Reality experience, however, has been closed since 13 September 2023 due to ongoing technical problems. However, the 3D images from the VR experience can still be accessed online.

Is there a changing station for my baby/toddler?

Yes, there is a changing table in the museum building’s toilets. There is one as well in the museum café, which is only open during the months of July and August.

Are buggies or prams allowed inside the museum ?

The museum has several glass cases and fragile objects. For this reason, we ask that you leave your buggy inside our visitor centre whenever possible. We also understand that sometimes, this is not possible for families with babies/toddlers. In that case, we do allow it. We trust you to explore the museum with respect and while holding sufficient distance from the cases and objects. A lift is available in the museum.

Can I give my baby or child food or drink in the museum?

It is strictly forbidden to bring food or drink into the museum itself. In the visitor centre (the entrance to the museum) or outside on the abbey site, you can of course eat or drink. Or breastfeed your child. We have not provided a specific corner for this, but there are quieter places to do so.

Is there an audio guide?

No, there is no audio guide. However, in the museum itself, there are several interactive exhibits where you can hear audio.

There is no combo ticket, you have to book two separate tickets.