Bruges-Damme-Bruges. 24km hike along the canals and walk in the two cities
Details
I repropose here a beautiful and easy hike along the canals from Bruges to Damme and return to Bruges, with departure and arrival in Bruges train station. On our way we will cross the city center passing through the gothic Market Square, dominated by the 12th century 83 metres-high Belfry, which is the city’s most prominent building. We will then go around the east of the city by taking the pleasant urban path along the Ghent-Bruges canal. We will follow the Zuidervaartje (drainage channel) to the North West to reach the touristic and historical city of Damme, which in 13th century was one of the major ports of Europe and the outlet to the sea for the trading city of Bruges. In Damme we will visit the early gothic Catholic Church of Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe-Hemelvaart (Church of the Assumption of our Lady), dating all the way back to the year 1300, have a stroll in the historical city center and a half an hour stop for a beer. We will then follow the Bruges-Sluis canal returning to Bruges, have a walk in the city center and a farewell drink. Some of us may also remain for dinner in Bruges.
The path is full of historical and artistic sites. Bruges historic city centre is a prominent World Heritage Site of UNESCO. Damme is a historic fortified town that grew up in Medieval times as a trading outpost for nearby Bruges.
Bruges is known for its picturesque streets, stunning architecture, delicious food, and famous Christmas market
This hike will be partly on paved roads.
By train: coming from Brussels you can board the IC 1530 in direction of Gand-Saint-Pierre & Blankenberge leaving at 09:20 from Brussels Central Station, platform 4, arriving in Bruges at 10:26.
By car: being a loop you can also come by car, in theory. But be aware that parking situation is very complicate in Bruges. Plan your parking beforehand.
Meeting point is at 9:00 at Starbucks Café in Brussels Central Station (I will be there), or at 10:30 just outside the main entrance of Bruges train station.
- Meeting point
9:00 at Starbucks Café in Brussels Central Station - Walking starting point
10:30 just outside the main entrance of Bruges train station. - Lunch
During the hike, please bring and at least 1.5 L of water and some food to eat pic-nic.
- Weather
Weather will have flashes of sunshine, some clouds and maybe some drops of rain around 14:00 (some 0.1mm expected with 20% probability). You can check the updates on weather at [Buienradar.be Brugge](https://www.buienradar.be/weer/brugge/be/2800931/5daagse).
Expect temperatures around 10-12°C. Dress accordingly.
- What to bring
Good walking shoes, 1.5L of water, snack, your lunch. Have your GSM 100% charged, better if you have a spare battery pack. A torch which may be helpful if we are late.
- A reminder on the event etiquette (and on good manners in general)
Register only if you are reasonably motivated to participate. As a matter of courtesy towards the people on the waiting list, if you are unable to come, cancel as soon as possible.
- Any questions?
Post a comment or send me a message. If you don't find us or if you are late call me at 0476 79 60 26 (Vincenzo), I will then share live location on WhatsApp.
- WhatsApp "share live location"
When partecipating in the hike, you should understand how to use the WhatsApp function "share live location". If you don't know what I am talking about, just google for it and practice at home.
- "Walking in Bruxelles" WhatsApp group.
If you want to be part of the "Walking in Bruxelles" WhatsApp group (requirements: to have at least hiked once with us in the past, or be subscribed and intend to participate to this hike), just send a WhatsApp message to 0476 796026 with your name and the text “subscribe”. Moreover, if you want to be added also to “Brussels (cultural) events” group, which is a subgroup of Walking in Bruxelles, but more dedicated to social activities, please specify it in the message.
- Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability
You should be fit enough if you want to take part, and you are responsible for yourself and your safety. Know your limits and choose to participate or not accordingly. The organizers in this group are all volunteers, they are not experts or guides, and are just gathering like-minded people for the only purpose to walk/hike/enjoy together. By partecipating in this event, you agree to release the organizers/hosts from any responsibility/liability, and by signing up for the hike you fully agree with these terms.