The commune of Veurne is located on the border of France and 6 kilometers inland from the North Sea. Veurne has been settled continuously since the 9th century; the site was originally fortified in an effort to defend against Viking invaders. The golden age of Veurne was the 17th century, when it was favored by Archdukes Albert and Isabella. Many of the town's landmark buildings and monuments date from that time period. Veurne's large market square is well preserved; adjacent or nearby are the Town Hall, a former meat market which is now the town library, the Landhuis (Old Law Courts), several excellent old residences, and two marvelous churches.
Avekapelle (Ave-Kapelle), Beauvoorde, Booitshoeke, Bulskamp, De Moeren, Eggewaartskapelle, Houtem, Steenkerke, Vinkem, Wulveringem, and Zoutenaaie are boroughs within the municipal district of Veurne.