IJslandvaarder Amandine
About This Museum
You'd never guess that this unassuming, rust-streaked hull in Ostend's harbor was once one of the last commercial trawlers to brave the treacherous waters off Iceland. Stepping aboard the Amandine feels less like entering a museum and more like trespassing on a ship that just docked yesterday, its decks still humming with the ghosts of fishermen. The air is thick with the smell of salt and old engine oil, and every inch of the vessel tells a story of grit and survival. It’s a raw, immersive plunge into a world of cod, gales, and men who wrestled their living from a furious sea.
Collection Highlights
The heart of it all is the original engine room, a deafeningly authentic labyrinth of pistons and pipes you can almost hear roaring to life. Don't miss the cramped crew's quarters with their personal photos still pinned to the walls or the wheelhouse with its beautifully preserved navigation equipment—it feels like the skipper just stepped out for a moment.
Visitor Information
It's tucked away on the Vindictivelaan in Ostend, right in the working harbor—look for the big red hull, you can't miss it. Just be sure to check their website for opening times before you go, as they can be seasonal.
Architecture & Building
Forget a fancy building; this is the real deal—the actual 1961 Icelandic trawler itself, permanently moored. It’s all weathered steel, steep gangways, and functional maritime chaos from bow to stern.
Contact & Location
Address: Vindictivelaan, Hazegras, Oostende, West-Vlaanderen, 8400, België / Belgique / Belgien
Phone: +32 59 70 11 99
Website: Visit Website
