Damme is an idyllic town located on the Zwin River between Zeebrugge and Bruges. It’s about four miles northeast of Bruges, and it’s a nice, quiet place to stay if you prefer to stay in a small town; You can visit Bruges by small boat. The river and silt played a large role in the rise and fall of Damme between the 1180s and today.
Damme as a traveler’s port today
Damme has many nice outdoor cafes, as well as adequate restaurants and accommodation. The walk along the canal is wonderful, and our pictures show some of the views along the canal walk, including an old windmill that you can visit. You will need a car to visit Damme.
But, this is what I would do on the next visit. Use Damme as your hub, especially for visiting Bruges and its surroundings. Here’s the thing: most tourists want to see Bruges, and driving there isn’t really that bad, but parking can be worse. But, for those of you who like the tranquility of rural lodgings, I suggest you stay in Damme and take the boat from Damme to Bruges. Have the best of both worlds. You will find plenty of parking in Damme.
Lamme Goedzak Schedule
- The ship runs from April to the end of September.
- Departure from Damme: 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17:00
- Depart from Bruges: 10. 12. 14. 16, 18:00
You can make a reservation for the boat at the tourist office.
Damme Architecture
The town hall stands as a sign of Damme’s former economic strength. Built in 1464-68 by Gottfried de Bosschere, it is an excellent example of late Gothic architecture.
The most famous structure in the city may be the Damme Church, Onze Lieve Vrouw, whose tower is roughly three times taller than anything else in the city. You can go up and get great views of the countryside.
St. John’s Hospital, founded before 1249, has a museum inside with furniture, paintings, religious artifacts, and household effects from centuries ago, worth seeing.
The herring market, Haringmarkt, is a square with small houses, which were once poor houses. Damme had a herring market here in the Middle Ages.
Where to stay
Damme offers hotels and bed and breakfast. A good value for money hotel is Hotel Het Oud Gemeentehuis, which has a bar and restaurant.
Ladies Art
You will see several sculptures around Damme. The artist is Charles Delporte, and he’s big in the head (see our photo gallery below). He has a museum in Damme in what was an old school building.
Damme is a town of books. Every second Sunday of the month, there is a book market on the Market Square in the city center.
