4.7
(200)
973
hikers
Damse Vaart Route
02:57
11.8km
10m
Hiking
Welcome to the gates of Bruges. Here in the Brugse Ommeland, you will find many hidden treasures, historic landscapes and romantic forests. We have put together a hike that contains a bit of everything, with a dollop of culture, a helping of history and a gorgeous slice of nature.
Most of the time it's not clear which of these aspects is most prevalent, as there's a bit of everything in many of the places you discover. For example, the Damse Vaart canal is rich in history and culture, and nature embraces its course too. Similarly, the Kasteel Oostkerke castle and the site of the burnt down Verbrand fort combine these three aspects beautifully.
The proximity to Bruges is perfect, with all its chocolatiers and brasseries, local breweries and cosy hotels. In terms of public transport, you can easily reach the city by train, from where you can connect to the start point by bus.
Last updated: August 9, 2024
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
31 m
Damme Town Center
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.77 km
Damse Vaart
Highlight (Segment) • River
In the meantime the Vaart has lost its strategic and economic importance, since the end of the Second World War only excursion boats have been sailing here. The aesthetic appeal, however, is still there, especially when the weather is clear you can see wonderfully far. If it has been freezing long enough, the canal becomes even more attractive - for friends (more or less) graceful figures. Because when the ice is 12 centimeters thick, the mayor releases the area for ice skating.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5.53 km
Oostkerke Castle
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
9.02 km
The Burnt Fort
Highlight • Historical Site
But back to the history of the place: In 1703, during the War of the Spanish Succession, French troops built a hill here, i.e. a fortification, in order to be able to better defend the larger Fort van Beieren (more of it has survived, by the way - take a look at it !).
The hill belonged to the classic type of a square hill with a ditch, a forecourt and a defensive wall. In the middle was a wooden watchtower that burned down at some point, hence the name "Burned Fort".
Today the area of the former fort is a protected nature reserve with wet meadows. Here you can watch geese, water birds and meadow birds foraging for food.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
11.8 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
4.80 km
3.25 km
2.50 km
869 m
326 m
Surfaces
3.72 km
3.44 km
2.83 km
869 m
745 m
142 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Thursday 9 July
28°C
18°C
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This route was planned by komoot.
Comments
Showing Translation
December 1, 2021
Welcome to the gates of Bruges. Here in the Brugse Ommeland, you will find many hidden treasures, historic landscapes and romantic forests. We have put together a hike that contains a bit of everything, with a dollop of culture, a helping of history and a gorgeous slice of nature.
Most of the time it
Showing Translation
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