Fun things to do in Damme | Belgium

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.

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

Discover the history of Damme through a walk in the city

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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Would you like to plan an unforgettable trip? Then be sure to check out this useful overview of my personal travel tips!

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Being a travel blogger I get a lot of questions about which photography equipment I use to photograph my travels.

I shoot with full-frame system camera: Nikon Z6II. I have a few lenses, but these 3 are my absolute favorites when traveling:

• All-round lens: NIKKOR Z 24-70 mm f/2.8. (I shoot almost everything with this. Are you just starting to shoot? Then I would recommend this lens)
• Wide-angle lens: NIKKOR Z 14-24 mm f/2.8. (Architecture, interior, landscapes,...)
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A tripod is also important if you want to take pictures of yourself, or if you want to photograph with a low shutter speed (dark space, night photography, waterfall,...). I use one from Sirui. For videos to post on  my social media channels with I use my iPhone. When I travel alone I take my Joby GripTight GorillaPod PRO 2 with me. It's a small, useful tripod that I can attach to anything. Do you want to learn more about how to take the best vacation photos? Then take a look at my e-book where I share all my photography tips. Would you like to be able to edit your holiday photos quickly and beautifully? Then my Lightroom presets are an absolute must-have.

I wish you an unforgettable time on your next vacation!

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