Fort Napoleon is a polygonal fort built between 1810 and 1814 on Napoleon's orders, one of a chain of coastal defences along the North Sea and English Channel. The star-shaped earthwork design — typical of late 18th-century military engineering — has survived almost intact, and the interior casemates and central courtyard are well-preserved. After extensive restoration, the fort now houses a visitor centre with exhibitions on its military history, a restaurant, and a viewing terrace over the dunes.
The fort sits at the eastern edge of Ostend near the beach and is accessible on foot from the pier. The setting — earthworks surrounded by dune grasses with the sea visible through the gun emplacements — is one of the more atmospheric places in the city. Open Tuesday to Sunday; the restaurant on the ramparts is useful for lunch.