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Belgium, Europe, Short Breaks
Fun things to do in Damme | Belgium
09
Jan
Jan
Since I moved to the Belgian coast, I haven’t had much time to discover the area. It was only when I took the wrong turn from Knokke on my way to Bruges that I ended up in Damme through all kinds of winding, small roads. And suddenly I remembered that I had seen this picturesque village before. I didn’t have time to get out, so I decided to go back the weekend after and show Jan my rediscovery. On a sunny winter morning we went on a quest to find the best things to do in Damme. And you can find them all right here …
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Damme
The charming, medieval village of Damme is located near a canal, the Damse Vaart. It’s situated between the beautiful Bruges and the popular seaside town Knokke. That’s why it’s a perfect place for an unforgettable weekend getaway in Belgium. On the one hand you can relax in a beautiful green environment where you can walk and cycle to your heart’s content.
In addition, you can plan some pleasant day trips from Damme such as exploring the historic city of Bruges or a day of water fun at the Belgian North Sea. The other way around is also possible of course. During a city trip in Bruges, a day trip to green and peaceful Damme can bring a nice change in your vacation.
How to get to Damme?
Damme is perfectly accessible by car. In Damme there are two free car parks on the edge of the village, parking South and East. You can also opt to park in the city centre for a fee.
If you travel with the train, it’s best to travel to Bruges first. From the Bruges train station you can take the bus to Damme. Between May and November you can even combine the bus ride with a boat trip on the Lamme Goedzak. Find everything right here about traveling by public transport to Damme.
Because Bruges is only 5 km from Damme, you can also travel with a bike from Bruges to Damme. Renting bicycles in Bruges is possible at Bruges bike rental.
If you want to explore even more of the surrounding area of Bruges besides Damme, I advise you to do a super fun Vespa Trip, with sights such as the picturesque Damme and the nature reserve ‘t Zwin.
When is the best time to travel to Damme?
Traveling to Damme is of course possible during all seasons. But because Damme is mainly a nature destination, good weather is certainly a bonus. That is why I would advise you to visit Damme between May and November. Moreover, some sights in Damme can only be visited during the summer months and then you can also fully enjoy the cozy terraces in the picturesque city centre.
Fun things to do and see in Damme
Explore Damme from on the canal with Lamme Goedzak
During these months, Lamme Goedzak sails four times a day from Damme to Bruges and back. It is the perfect way to admire Damme and its beautiful surrounding countryside. I’m definitely going back this summer to take a trip with Lamme Goedzak.
Discover the history of Damme through a walk in the city
Damme is a medieval town that had its peak in the 13th century. You can still spot many authentic buildings and houses in the city centre. This is what makes Damme picturesque and unique. Stroll through the village and keep your eyes peeled. Start your walk at Kerkstraat. This is the main street of Damme. Here you can also find many local shops and cozy eateries.
At the beginning you can immediately admire the Gothic town hall that dates from the 15th century . Besides authentic elements you can find something very special there. The facade of this beautiful building houses the smallest bookshop in the world. This shop is only open on weekends.
Further down Kerkstraat you will find the Sint Jans Hospital, the oldest building in Damme. Over the centuries, the hospital has continued to expand, making the architectural style look rather eclectic. The infirmary and chapel are still authentic.
Don’t forget to wander around the small streets around Kerkstraat. There you’ll find really beautiful hidden gems.
The last stop in Kerkstraat will be the flat Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe-Hemelvaart kerk (Church of our Lady).
Climb the curious flat church tower
A church without a tower is apparently more common in this region, because the churches of Oostkerke, Lissewege and Sint-Anna-Ter-Muiden don’t have a peak either.
Go book hunting
Taste local candy in the smallest candy store of Belgium
Admire the Schellemolen
You would think that you can only admire windmills in the Netherlands, but no! Belgium also has a few beautiful mills. And the Schellemolen on the banks of the Damse Vaart is certainly one of them. The Schellemolen dates from 1867 and is therefore not the original windmill that stood there from the 15th century.
During the weekends in the summer months you can visit your mill for free. This is certainly something we would come back for. Now we had to settle for the mill’s stunning exterior. Its location on the Damse Vaart with the surrounding fields was truly picture perfect.
Get out into nature
Where to stay near Damme?
If you want to stay in a cosy and authentic setting, then you will love Hotel Ter Polders or Hotel Het Oud Gemeentehuis.
Do you rather prefers a B&B? Then I would recomend the cosy B&B De Swaenhoeck or the elegant B&B Copain Moulin.
More things to do around Damme
Of course there is still a lot to do around Damme. You can also visit the neighboring, beautiful polder villages. A bike ride through this region is definitely on my bucket list.
Would you love to expand your journey to Damme with a trip to Bruges, be sure to check out the best things to do in Bruges and where you can find the most authentic and luxurious places to stay in Bruges.
What sights would you love to explore in Damme? Let me know in the comments below.
Thanks for reading.
Yours truly,
Sarah
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Everything about this just looks beautiful and peaceful!
Indeed, it’s a very peaceful destination!
This place looks like a fairytale! We’re supposed to officiate a wedding for friends in the fall out in Brussels, so I’ve been consuming all of the wonderful Belgium content in preparation. Hope it can happen!
Oh too bad it couldn’t go through, but hopefully we can go back to normal life again very soon… And Damme is a great place to visit, and not far from Bruges!
Wow. The buildings and architecture there look stunning! I would love to visit now! Saving for later!!
Hope you get here someday 🙂
This looks like the perfect place for a walk – and I’m intrigued to check out all the book shops as well.
Yes, it’s definitely a place if you’re looking for peace and tranquility a gorgeous countryside setting.
Damme looks beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! It’s definitely a very unique place! 🙂
Wow awesome guide of Damme! I was actually supposed spend a week travelling around Belgium in summer but had to cancel due to corona! Will definitely add Damme now to my list. I especially love the sound of the big book market! I wish we had some like that here in London. Great post!
Thank you so much! And if you would be able to travel in Belgium in the future don’t forget to visit Damme. If Bruges is on your list, you should definitely escape town for a bit, and Damme is a great place to do that.
What a gorgeous looking place! I definitely want to visit that candy shop!
Haha, me too! I was there a few weeks ago and since it’s not open in winter I’ll have to go back soon!
I loved visiting Damme a few years ago. There was an art exhibition happening when I visited and the artist drew my portrait, it was awesome!
Oh wow, that’s amazing. I’m glad you had a great time there.