Knokke

Knokke came into existence as a result of the construction of dikes that were to protect the area around the 'Zwin' sea-arm.

Originally a vacation haven for the city folk of Brussels in the early 19th century, artists such as James Ensor, Alfred Verwee and others started to frequent the small hamlet to paint its beautiful vistas.

The town lies at the northern end of the Belgian Coast Tram line and is also served by NMBS trains at Knokke railway station.

In the 1970s the town was the host of the light entertainment competition for the Golden Sea swallow of Knokke.

In 1976 the British entry, BBC's The Norman Wisdom Show, won first prize.