Seaside resort As early as the first half of the 18th century, tourists came to Blankenberghe (spelling influenced by French). The Brugsesteenweg was built in 1723. This not only ensured a growing export of fish but also an easy connection for the inhabitants of Bruges who came to the sea for a day of relaxation. There was no such thing as sea bathing at that time. Bathing developed under the influence of English tourism in the 19th century. The first bathing cabins appeared on the beach in 1838. Shortly afterwards, a wooden seawall was built and the first hotels appeared. In 1859 the impressive Casino Kursaal was built.
sEASidE resort as earlY aS The FiRst halF Of tHE 18th cenTuRy, tOurIsTs cAme to bLAnkenbeRgHe (sPelLinG influeNced By frEncH). tHe BRugsesTeenwEG waS buiLt in 1723. tHis Not onLY enSurEd a GRowINg expOrt Of fish bUt also an eAsY connection For the iNhaBitAnts of bRugEs WhO cAme to tHe sea fOR a dAY Of rELaXaTIOn. tHerE WAs no sUch ThinG AS sea batHing At that tiME. bathinG devELopeD unDer ThE inFluEncE oF englIsH tOuRIsm iN ThE 19th centURY. THe firST BathiNG cabIns APpeaRed on the beAch in 1838. shorTLy afTeRWarDs, a WoodEn seAwaLl waS bUilT aNd The fiRst HotelS AppeaRed. iN 1859 THe iMPressiVe casino kUrsaAl WAS BUIlt.