Summertime is a time for culture! Discover Flanders’ splendid open-air museums
Story created on Jul 13, 2022
Shrimp fishing Oostduinkerke
ToerismeOostduinkerke_Westtoer_crop480x192_tcm13-7669.jpg "Horse Fishermen in Oostduinkerke ©Toerisme Oostduinkerke, Westtoer")
A special tradition that combines the power of horses and the will of men, to bring us a tiny, sweet gift from the sea – the Belgian Grey Shrimp.
Shrimp Fishing on Horseback at Oostduinkerke, Belgium
ToerismeOostduinkerke-Westtoer_tcm13-7660.jpg "Horse Fishermen in Oostduinkerke - ©Toerisme Oostduinkerke, Westtoer")
Andrew and I joined the small group of tourists and locals gathered along the boardwalk of the small Belgian coastal town of Oostduinkerke. We were all there to see a sight once common along the Belgian and Northern French coast, which has now all but died out; except for here. We were waiting for the arrival of the Oostduinkerke Shrimp Fishermen, or paardenvissers, and their horses.
You may be wondering what horses have to do with shrimp fishing. The reason is exactly why our group was waiting on the beach. This unique tradition pairs man and beast against the sea (and the shrimp) and we were excited to see it happen .....
Story created on May 13, 2013
