the brochure

WELCOME IN
THE HINTERLAND
OF BRUGES
1
2
3
Welcome in the hinterland of Bruges!
Do you know another green region with the Flemish
04 The region
coast and a city of world heritage standard as its
06 Stay in a green oasis
immediate neighbours? Only the hinterland of Bruges
fits that bill. Besides its ideal location, the region offers
08 Cycling
a wide array of diverse possibilities: picturesque polder
14 Walk in the green outskirts of Bruges
villages, charming cities, medieval castles and abbeys,
nature reserves and delicious local produce.
This brochure is an ideal source of inspiration to
discover this superb region. Stay in the green outskirts
of Bruges, visit a tourist site or take part in an amusing
18 By boat
20 In style on a scooter
22 Minibus tours
24 Charming cities
event. Feel like escaping over populated cities? Explore
28 The six prettiest villages
green oases on your bike, on foot or on a scooter. Stop
32 Tourist sites
in an authentic public house to taste a local beer and
www.brugseommeland.be
Index
a typical regional dish. You will definitely have an
38 Bon appétit!
unforgettable holiday!
42 Events and markets
46 In the region
47Accessibility
49 Tourist information centres
See you soon !
50 Map of the hinterland of Bruges
4
5
resque villages and you will find the villages of Gistel and Oudenburg at the end.
The green outskirts of Bruges
In the south you will find the most woody
region of West Flanders. Use the network
of walking paths of Bulskampveld or follow the Bruges-Ghent canal on your bike.
Besides nature, the region has elegant
castles like that of Loppem and Wijnendale, with magnificent gardens.
The region
It is sometimes said that the Hinterland of Bruges is the backyard of
the seaside and the frontyard of Bruges*, in other words, the ideal
The polders
The region of Tielt
combination! The region has three splendid landscapes to discover!
North of Bruges, the damages landscape
with seawalls, canals, ditches and ponds
gives you superb views. The region of the
Zwin is a paradise for ornithologists and it
is great to enjoy nature along the Damme
canal. The polders are dotted with pictu-
Between Bruges and Ghent you will discover the rural charms of the fields and
prairies in Tielt. The visitors’ centre in the
fabulous Mulle de Terschueren house is
the ideal starting point to discover the city
and its surroundings.
*Gistel, Oudenburg, Jabbeke, Zuienkerke, Damme, Beernem, Oostkamp, Zedelgem, Ichtegem, Torhout,
Lichtervelde, wingene, Ruiselede, Tielt, Pittem, Ardooie, Bruges and the polders of Knokke-Heist,
Blankenberge, De Haan, Bredene and Ostend.
6
Stay
in a green
oasis
7
Feel like leaving the daily routine, looking
for the unusual or simply to take a break?
In the Hinterland of Bruges, you will always stay amidst nature, the ideal place
for a relaxing weekend in Belgium. You
will find prestigious hotels, atmospheric
gites and charming B&Bs, sometimes
housed in a castle or farmhouse. In short,
accomodation in the countryside in a unique and nostalgic decor!
Find your ideal accommodation on our
website: www.brugeswoodland.be
8
9
Cycling
The green region of the Hinterland of Bruges is the ideal backdrop
Network of cycling routes
for active holidays. The art city is surrounded by green zones,
It provides you with almost 900 km of
cycling fun in one of the most beautiful
tourist regions in Flanders. Useful maps
enable you to create your own circuit by
cycling from junction to junction. The network links the most interesting and secure cycling paths of the region. It takes
you to small picturesque towns, unique
straight canals, polders and forests. During your walk you will
definitely discover picturesque villages, historic buildings and
charming pubs. Cycling maps are available from the online shop
(https://shop.westtoer.be/en) and the tourist information centres.
landscapes and interesting local attractions. Tip: You will find a list of the cycle
hire outlets on the website.
10
11
Following the canals
The landscape of the hinterland of Bruges is strongly defined by its canals: from
Bruges to Damme, from Ostend to Ghent,
via Bruges and the marina of Beernem,
the Baudouin, Leopold and Schipdonk
canals. The straight canals are flanked by
beautiful rows of trees and house a very
diverse fauna and flora. Enjoy nature,
tranquillity and the passing boats during
your trip.
Along the Groene 62,
the former railtrack
De Groene 62 is one of the best known
green axes of the region. Until 1976 a train
connected Torhout to Ostend here. Today
it is a cyclists’ paradise and the ideal connection between the Hinterland and the
coast. During your 22 km trip you can stop
at the Aertrycke and Wijnendale castles
or the Statieput, a peaceful pond used as
a leisure park. The Groene 62 runs from
Stene (Ostend) to Torhout.
Green Belt Bruges
Follow the signs and cycle through the
green surroundings around Bruges. The
route (53.2 km) takes you through forests,
castle landscapes, along canals, the culinary centre of Damme and along numerous charming villages.
Consult the map on www. groenegordelbrugge.be or order the map on https://
shop.westtoer.be/en. You can cycle the
route in both directions and start in various places. A short version along the
ramparts is also possible.
Start 1:
Damme: car park east: Oude Sluissedijk
Start 2:
Ryckevelde: car park Ryckeveldestraat
Start 3:
Tillegem castle: car park Tillegemstraat
Start 4:
Varsenare: sports centre Hof ter Straeten
Green Ribbon Ostend
This waking and cycling path (30 km) connects existing and new green areas in the
outskirts of Ostend, like a necklace with
15 beads. De Green Ribbon unlocks the
city with the coastline and the sea as carrier.
You can park and start at the Provincial
domain Raversijde. You will find the itinerary map on www.oostende.be/groenlint.
12
13
Themed cycling trips
Properties,
summer residences of the Bruges elite
This cyclotourism circuit takes you to the
green zone south of Bruges via numerous
summer castles and magnificent farm­
yards. The route unveils the rich history
of many aristocratic families and their
residences and also several green oases,
a few pearls of serenity in the region of
Bruges.
Fortresses and seawalls between Bruges
and Damme
Almost all the roads you use on your trip
were installed on cleared dykes that in
the past protected the polders recently
reclaimed from the sea. Man also had to
battle enemy armies here. The polders
house numerous remnants of those confrontations. From Bruges you follow the
Damme canal, you pass the siphons and
explore the localities of Oostkerke and
Hoeke.
canals. The Green Bike Tour also goes in
the direction of the polders and stops in
Damme to sample local specialties. Advance booking recommended.
Guided trips
Green Bike Tour (+32 (0)50 61 26 67):
10 am at the Concertgebouw. € 15.
Feel like getting on your bike, but you hate
looking at a map? Take part in one of the
guided trips starting in Bruges, the ideal
starting point to discover the Hinterland
of Bruges. The Pink Bear Bike Tours will
show you the prettiest spots in the polders.
You will follow the banks of poplar-lined
Pink Bear Bike Tours
www.pinkbear.freeservers.com:
10.15 am at the Belfry. € 25
QuasiMundo
daily at 1pm on the Burg. € 26/28
www.quasimundo.com
14
15
Walk
in the
green outskirts
of Bruges
You will find forests, gardens, woody domains, peaceful fields,
and protected nature zones. This green zone is the ideal backdrop
to escape the busy city of Bruges. From Zuienkerke to Damme,
via Jabbeke, Zedelgem and Oostkamp, you will undoubtedly
discover beautiful green secrets! Walking maps are available
from the online shop (https://shop.westtoer.be/en) and the tourist
information centres.
Network of walking paths
Walk in the castle parks
In Bulskampveld for example, located
between Bruges and Ghent, the network
of walking paths provides 150 km of fun
in one of the largest plains of Flanders.
Numerous country roads
and limited traffic roads
guide you through the
forests and fields where you can enjoy nature. Useful maps enable
you to create your own
circuit by cycling from
junction to junction.
The hinterland of Bruges is one of the
most extensively woody areas in Flanders. You will discover numerous forests
with castles! The Aertrycke and Wijnendale castles are located not too far from
the city of Torhout and the castles of
Loppem, Ryckevelde, Tillegem and Beisbroek are located in the proximity of Bruges. It is pleasant to stroll in the parks
and the gardens that surround them.
Heritage walk Damme
The small polder town of Damme was the
busy front harbour of Bruges in medieval
times. The merchants built impressive
residences with sufficient warehouses.
During the war between Spain and The
Netherlands the town has become a military fortress. This walk takes you through
the traces of more than 800 years of history, a story of which the merchants and the
military engineers are the protagonists.
16
17
Discover the forests of the
Bulskampveld
The Landscape park Bulskampveld is
the largest connecting forest area in
the province and covers no less than 90
km². And all that near Bruges! The walking network offers more than 150 km
for your walking pleasure and that makes
it the walking area par excellence in the
region. The castle domain Bulskampveld
is located at the centre of the area with a
visitors’ centre. You will obtain all info and
routes there.
Walking network Bulskampveld
The junctions help you to create your own
walking route and to define the length of
your walk. Write down the numbers of the
junctions and follow the signs indicated in
two directions along the way.
Loop-shaped walking routes
Here you follow the signs with the arrows.
A number of routes start at the Bulskampveld castle. They are indicated in
various colours.
Bulskampveld walking route:
vicinity Beernem, 8.9 km, start: car park
Driekoningen, Bulscampveld 9, Beernem.
Kampveld walking route:
vicinity Oostkamp, 9.1 km, start: Market
Square Waardamme.
Parochieveld walking route:
vicinity Ruiselede. 8.5 k, starting point:
Sint-Carolus church, Brandstraat, Doomkerke.
Wildenburg walking route:
vicinity Wingene, 6.7 km, start: Area Wildenburg, Beernemsteenweg, Wingene.
Cycling
Of course you can also cycle in the area
via the cycling network (see p. 9) Or follow the Bulskampveld cycling route, 43
km, start: Car park Het Aanwijs, Reigerlostraat/Wingenesteenweg Beernem
All the routes are available from https://
shop.westtoer.be/en
The Zwin,
greenery at the Coast
The Zwin region is one of the major mud
flat and salt marsh areas on the Coast and
is engulfed by the sea daily. The exchange
makes the Provincial Nature park Zwin a
unique biotope with a rich flora and enormous numbers of birds that land here to
forage or to hibernate. The new visitors’
centre will be opened in 2016.
Discover the Zwin via the junctions of
the Zwin walking network. Available on
https://shop.westtoer.be/en
Castle forests Bruges
Discover the forest on the outskirts of
Bruges with its numerous castles. The
signposted Three castles walking route
leads you through the domains of Tillegem, Tudor, Beisbroek and the Chartreuzinnen forest (12 km, starting point: car
park Domein Tillegem, Wittemolenstraat
128, Sint-Michiels, Bruges). Route available on https://shop.westtoer.be/en
18
19
Recreational navigation
The region is the ideal place to enjoy nature by boat. On the Ghent-Ostend canal, you
can moor in the marinas of Beernem and
Bruges or the jetty of Stalhille. The pretty Plassendale-Nieuwpoort canal is more
tranquil and is the ideal link between the
coast and Flanders Fields. Spend the night
anchored to the jetties of Plassendale,
Stalhille, Oudenburg or Snaaskerke.
Lamme Goedzak, boat
between Bruges and Damme
By boat
The Lamme Goedzak boat provides a shuttle service between the historic city of Bruges and the picturesque town of Damme: a
good half hour to enjoy the unique landscape along the Damme canal that connects
Bruges to Sluis in the Netherlands! You can
also take your bicycle on board.
Noorweegse Kaai 31, Bruges
(Map: H5-I5-I4)
5 excursions a day. € 10 (return)
www.bootdamme-brugge.be
Canoes and kayaks
Do you feel like enjoying the canals and
nature in a more active way? Go to De
Kijkuit in Beernem where you can rent
canoes and kayaks. Individually or in
group: discover the secret places of the
Ghent-Ostend canal!
Kijkuit 1, Beernem (Map: J8)
+32 (0)50 78 15 53. www.dekijkuit.be.
From € 7.
20
21
Signposted tours
Book a guided tour on a trendy Vespa and
travel through green polders, authentic
little villages and breathtaking landscapes. Several stops are scheduled on
route. Or follow one of the signposted itineraries of Scoot and Go on your own and
visit interesting tourist sites along the
route.
Vespa Tours Bruges
Starting point: ‘t Zand (Map: H6).
+32 (0)497 64 86 48.
www.vespatours-brugge.be
Rental addresses
In style
on a scooter
Put on your crash helmet, give gas and spend an unforgettable day!
Get on the road in style on a scooter to discover the pretty region of
the Hinterland of Bruges in a completely different way. Follow your
own itinerary or follow a signposted route, in a group or on your
own - it’s up to you!
Electric Scooters: Gentpoortstraat 5562, Bruges (Map: H6). +32 (0)474 09 19 18.
www.electric-scooters.be
Tourist information centre Damme :
Jacob van Maerlantstraat 3 (Map: I4).
+32 (0)50 28 86 10.
www.toerismedamme.be
Scoot and Go: Stationsstraat 349, Ichtegem (Map: D8). +32 (0)476 95 44 02.
www.scootandgo.be
Solex Ter Spinde: Stationsstraat 123,
Jabbeke (Map: E6). +32 (0)475 53 62 69.
www.solexhuren.be
Take-it-twizy: +32 (0)50 35 29 20
http://www.take-it-twizy.com/
22
23
Triple Treat Quasimodo Tour
This relaxing excursion with English
commentary takes you by minibus to the
prestigious castle of Tilleghem and the
exceptional neo-gothic castle of Loppem.
Have a stroll in the medieval city of Damme and visit the gothic barn of the Abbey
Ter Doest in Lissewege. Of course, when
it’s lunch time, you will enjoy delicious
waffles, chocolates and different local
Belgian beers.
Departure: 9.15 am at ‘t Zand, Bruges.
€ 62.50. +32 (0)50 37 04 70.
www.quasimodo.be
The Belgian Beer Tour Bus
Minibus
tours
A coach brings you to five authentic pubs
in Bruges, Damme, Sluis, Oostkerke and
Zeebrugge. You can taste Belgian beers
and play old popular pub games there.
Meeting point at the Tourist Information
centre of Bruges or at your hotel.
www.thebelgianbeertourbus.be
City Tour: Damme excursion
The City Tour minibus departs from Bruges and takes you to Damme, a medieval village. After your visit you return to
Bruges on the Lamme Goedzak boat. Two
hours later, the minibus picks you up on
the jetty and takes you back to the Market
Square of Bruges.
Departure: 4 pm at the Market Square,
Bruges. € 25. +32 (0)50 35 50 24.
www.citytour.be
24
25
Charming
towns and
cities
Bruges
Bruges is one of the prettiest cities in Europe. It is therefore justified that the UNESCO
has listed the whole historical city centre in the world heritage list. You will think
you travelled back to medieval times in the
winding narrow streets and along the little
romantic canals. The numerous museums
and the heritage impressively narrate the
turbulent history of the city. Don’t miss the
irresistible classics: the Market square, the
Belfry, the beguinage, the church of Our
Lady and the Rozenhoedkaai.
Buy the Brugge City Card to enjoy endless
benefits in Bruges and its Hinterland!
www.bruggecitycard.be
26
27
Damme
Damme, the medieval town that offers you
an impressive heritage amidst a magnificent natural landscape! The Damme canal
connects the town to Bruges, ideal for a
cycling trip of only 8 km. The city walls,
the nature reserves and the Ryckevelde
domain are ideal walking sites. Admire the
historic churches and buildings of the town
centre. You will also find literature in the
Ulenspiegel Museum. And even the gastronomists will find delicious sustenance:
an exquisite restaurant, a charming pub,
a fresh pint or Belgian chips. And don’t
forget to explore the picturesque villages
around Damme. (Map: I4)
Torhout
Tielt
Torhout, the oldest city of the Duchy of
Flanders benefits from its glorious past.
The centre is pleasant to walk around in to
admire numerous historic monuments and
buildings. Take a relaxing break on one of
the terraces on the market square or taste
Wostyn mustard, the oldest regional product
of Torhout. The city has four green domains
that definitely are worth exploring. Don’t
miss the castle of Wijnendale, the jewel in
the crown of the Flemish heritage. (Map:
E10-F10)
The city of Tielt is located in the centre of the
triangular region of Bruges-Ghent-Kortrijk.
The visitors’ centre in the fabulous Mulle de
Terschueren house is the ideal starting point
to discover the city and its surroundings. You
will interactively get in touch with the history
of Tielt and its tourist sites like the Belfry, the
Poelberg site and the flowery village of Kanegem with its Flandrien house. Since 1959
the city of Tielt has become a European city
and organises the Europe festival every year
- the highlight of the year! (Map: J12)
28
29
The six
prettiest
villages
The region has numerous
picturesque villages:
these are our gems!
Lissewege
The splendid abbey farmhouse Ter Doest is
located in Lissewege, one of the ten most
beautiful villages in Flanders, and is the
Houtave
unique remains of the former Cistercian
abbey. The Visitors’ centre in Lissewege
displays the past of the white village with
photos and a collection of archaeological
finds. Climb up to the top of the monumental bell tower of the church that will give you
a unique panoramic view of the polders. Do
you like sweets? Visit the old De Soete Paepe sweet shop where you can taste vintage
sweets in a 1920s interior. (Map: G3-H3)
Houtave, one of the municipalities of Zuienkerke, is a charming little village located
between Bruges and the coast. The village
is dominated by the church where Saint
Apolline is the patron saint of the dentists
and is called upon against toothache. Almost directly opposite you will find the pub
De Drie Koningen which opened its doors
in 1771. Sample one of its specialities: a
slice of bread with homemade farmers’
pâté. (Map: F5)
The six prettiest villages
30
31
The six prettiest villages
Oostkerke
Kanegem
Meetkerke
Stalhille
A silent, whitewashed village with a flat
church tower: Oostkerke, elected the
prettiest village of West Flanders. Stroll
along the Leopold canal until the 14th
century castle. In the village centre take
a break in the pub De Knotwilg where
you will still find popular wooden games.
Located on our cycling network, this picturesque village also is the ideal starting
point for cycling trips in the polders. (Map:
I3)
Kanegem, a municipality of Tielt, is popular for its flowers. The recently restored
neo-baroque Saint Bavo church is worth
a visit. You will also see the statue of the
cycle racer Briek Schotte, double world
champion and born in Kanegem, here.
But the flowery village is also ideal to
relax in. Kuren in Kanegem is a spa that
provides therapeutic treatments, beauty
treatments and special arrangements,
like chocolate massages. (Map: K11)
The small rural village of Meetkerke, a
picturesque municipality of Zuienkerke,
is located near Bruges. Enter the Church
of Our Lady to admire the miraculous statue, the subject of a true legend. On the
other side of the road you will find the pub
Het Mortierken in one of the typical whitewashed farmhouses. Drink a Belgian beer
on the terrace or grab a bite in the rustic
interior. To enjoy nature, pay a visit to the
Meetkerkse Moeren that give you a splendid panorama of the polders. (Map: C5)
Located on the banks of the Ostend-Bruges canal, Stalhille is one of the most
charming villages in the polders. The
green region is the ideal landscape for a
cycling trip, a walk or even an excursion
on horseback. The Kruidenboerderietje is
the ideal stop for a rest in this peaceful
oasis. Visit the shop, the garden with aromatic plants or enjoy a herbal tea on the
terrace. And if you have some time left, visit the glassworks De Sfeermaker where
you can also enjoy a glass of honey beer.
(Map: E5)
32
33
Wijnendale castle
A magnificent castle surrounded by moats in
the forest of Torhout. In the castle museum
you go on a journey through 1000 years of
fascinating history, illustrated with modern
presentations, digital screens and a portable videoguide. Children get going with the
Treasure hunts of Robbie the ghost. English
speaking guide available by booking only.
Oostendestraat 390, Torhout (Map: E9)
+32 (0)50 22 07 70
www.toerismetorhout.be. € 5
Loppem castle and its maze
Tourist sites
The Neo-gothic Loppem castle is located
at 6 km from Bruges and was built in 1859.
It is the only castle in Belgium where the
architecture and the interior were preserved in their original condition. As you
visit it, you feel like the guest of the project owner and its first residents. It also
houses superb art collections. The castle
is surrounded by a romantic park with
ponds, caves and a maze.
Steenbrugsestraat 26, Loppem (Map: G7)
+32 (0)50 82 22 45
www.kasteelvanloppem.be. € 8
Boudewijn Seapark
Spend an unforgettable day with the
dolphins and a multitude of attractions
in this leisure park. The dolphins are the
stars of the delphinarium, and in the outdoor theatre the sea lions put on a show
all day and the aquatic panoramas provide
underwater views. Children will enjoy the
indoor play area, Bobo’s Indoor.
Alphonse de Baeckestraat 12, Sint-Michiels
(Map: H6) +32 (0)50 38 38 38
www.boudewijnseapark.be
34
35
over 120 motorcycles, scooters and mopeds, and everything that’s related to the
vehicles… publicity, glazed objects, tools,
clothes, … The museum is situated inside
the biggest motor hotel in Europe: Bikersloft Groenedijk in Oudenburg.
Permeke Museum
The most famous of the Flemish expressionist painters and sculptors, Constant
Permeke, has lived and worked in Jabbeke for more than twenty years. Until his
death, he lived in the amazing villa « De
Vier Winden » (The Four Winds), that he
had built himself. Today, it houses the museum and visitors can look around in his
home, his garden and his former studios.
English brochure and digital tour with
personal tablet, iPhone or smartphone
available. English speaking guide available by booking only.
Gistelsteenweg 341, Jabbeke. (Map: E6)
+32 (0)59 50 81 18. www.muzee.be.
www.permekemuseum.be. € 3
The Oldtimer Motor Museum
Discover a hundred year old collection and
history of motorcycles. The museum shows
Sculpture gardens Irénée
Duriez and Mia Moreaux
Several large bronze statues are exhibited in Iréneé Duriez’ romantic garden. Her
studio is also open to the public. You can
admire her sculptures, her drawings and
working method here.
Groenedijkstraat 5A, Oudenburg. (Map: D6)
+32 (0)50 59 90 56. Reservations are recommended. www.oldtimermotorenmuseum.be.
Keibergstraat 6, Ichtegem. (Map: D9)
+32 (0)51 58 90 27. www.ireneeduriez.be.
Free Open in summer or by appointment.
Ulenspiegel Museum
The Ulenspiegel Museum in Damme introduces you to five centuries Ulenspiegel
and its international equivalents. You can
learn the pranks and jokes of Ulenspiegel
there as well as the cultural and historic
context the character appeared in. You
will see copies of medieval manuscripts,
paintings and sculptures. Children will
have fun with the interactive walk and the
treasure hunt. English folder available.
Jacob van Maerlantstraat 3, Damme.
(Map: I4). +32 (0)50 28 86 10.
www.toerismedamme.be. € 2,50
Abbey Ten Putte
The abbey Ten Putte, where Benedictine
nuns used to live in the past, is often visited by pilgrims and visitors. The domed
chapel houses the well and its miraculous water. As the legend goes it is here
that Saint Godelieve was strangled and
drowned on the orders of her husband.
Visit the museum to learn more about this
martyr and the history of this pretty site.
It is also the ideal starting point to take
the cycling path network. English folder
available. English speaking guide available by booking only (toerisme@gistel.be).
Abdijstraat 84, Gistel. (Map: C7)
+32 (0)59 27 86 71. € 1,50
Mia Moreaux’ impressive 4 500 m² garden
houses bronze and marble statues. You
can admire her paintings inspired by Icelandic landscapes in her studio.
Eernegemsestraat 120, Westkerke.
(Map: D7). +32 (0)59 26 74 74.
www.miamoreaux.com.
Free. Open in summer or by appointment.
36
37
Roman Archaeology Museum
The Romans built the only coast-castellum of the Belgian coast in Oudenburg,
which makes the location one of the oldest sites in our country. The Roman
Archaeology Museum (RAM) thoroughly
introduces you to the castellum and its
residents through reconstructions, models, computer simulations and archaeological finds. There also is a landscape
garden where you can try your luck at Roman games.
Marktstraat 25, Oudenburg. (Map: D6)
+ 32 (0)59 56 84 00
www.ram-oudenburg.be
Beisbroek observatory and
planetarium
In the tower of the observatory, the big telescope invites you to observe the sun, the
moon and the planets from close by. Cozmix
enables you to admire the stars in all their
splendour - even in bad weather. More than
7000 stars are projected on the inner side of
the dome in the extraordinary planetarium.
Spectacular video images accompany you
with a musical background along your initiation journey of discovery of the mysteries
of the universe. English planetarium show
every second and fourth Wednesday of the
month at 4.30 pm. English group guided
tour available on request.
Zeeweg 96, Bruges. (Map: F6)
+32 (0)50 39 05 66. www.cozmix.be. € 5
Guided visits
You can follow a guided tour in your
language in the following places:
•Bruges, Lissewege, Damme and municipalities, Castle of Loppem, RAM
Oudenburg and the polder region.
mia.lingier@skynet.be
• Oudenburg: Roman Archaeology Museum: ram@oudenburg.be
•Torhout: Castle Wijnendale, Museum
of Torhout Ceramics and nature guide
toerisme@torhout.be
•Zedelgem: Castle of Loppem
Kasteel.van.loppem@gmail.com
•Tielt: City walks ‘Tielt highlights’,
‘Tielt in WW I’ and ‘In the footprints of
General Maczek’
•Bruges and Damme
www.bruges-guides.com/en,
www.gidsenkringbrugge.com,
www.s-wan.be/en
The tower of Damme
The belltower of Lissewege
If you are not afraid to climb stairs, you
should definitely visit the flat tower of the
church of Damme, a listed monument
open to the public. You climb a spiralling
stone stairway and higher up a spiralling
stairway in oakwood that dates back to the
13th century. From the top of the tower,
you have splendid views of the town, the
city walls and the Hinterland of Bruges.
Climb the 264 steps of the monumental bell tower of the church that will give
you an impressive and unique panoramic
view of the polders. You can see the port
of Zeebrugge, the Belgian coast and even
the Dutch islands by clear weather. And
don’t forget to gaze at the three towers
of Bruges. An adventure for the whole family! English speaking guide available for
Lissewege by booking only.
Kerkstraat, Damme. (Map: I4).
+32 (0)50 28 86 10.
www.toerismedamme.be. € 1.
Open during Easter holiday and May September.
Onder de Toren, Lissewege. (Map: H3)
+32 (0)50 54 54 72. www.lissewege.be. € 1.
Open from June to September or by appointment.
38
Belgian Beer Tour Bus:
www.thebelgianbeertourbus.be (see also
Tours and minibus/Minibus tours)
Beer trips
Brewery De Halve Maan
daily guided tours. www.dehalvemaan.be
Bruges Beer museum
Discover the most interesting facets of
beer in a fun, innovative way.
www.brugesbeermuseum.com
Belgian Beer Tour Bus
www.thebelgianbeertourbus.be (see also
Tours and minibus/Minibus tours)
Local atmosphere
Do you feel like a typical dish of the Hinterland? The region has numerous gourmet
addresses, where you can taste the local
and homemade produce. These charming
spots are ideal ‘pit stops’ during your cycling
trip. You will find a small selection of typical
restaurants in our huge list below!
Bon appetit!
Bruges, the chocolate capital
The art city presents more than 50 passionate chocolatiers and is an authentic
chocolate laboratory. In Bruges, you can
taste traditional homemade chocolate
and enjoy very innovative chocolate creations. The presence of that great creativity
takes the quality of the Bruges chocolate
to unprecedented summits. It is in Bruges
- and nowhere else - that you will find the
best chocolate. Don’t forget to visit Choco-Story, the Museum of chocolate.
Choco-Story, Wijnzakstraat 2. (Map: H5)
+32 (0)50 61 22 37, www.choco-story.be. € 7
Michelin star-restaurants
The fact that Bruges qualifies as the centre
of world gastronomy is not a coincidence.
The city and its Hinterland boast a wide
Oostmolensite
Oostmolensite: pleasant terrace next to a
windmill; Museum of the flandriens. Warandestraat 29, Gistel. (Map: C7)
range of top notch restaurants where you
can enjoy delicious dishes. You will find an
overview of Michelin-star restaurants and
those listed in the Gault & Millau guide.
See website for an overview.
Culinary tours
Culinary walking and cycling tours around
Bruges and Damme: www.q-rius.be
39
40
41
De Zotte Mutse
Bar-restaurant in the centre of the Beverhout forest with a pleasant terrace and a
playgarden. Kasteelhoek 37, Beernem.
(Map: J8)
Pralifino
Handmade chocolate, workshops, Kid’s
Chocolate Academy.
Gistelsteenweg 222, Jabbeke (Map: F6)
Laurica
Specialist nursery for the cultivation of
superior quality bay leaves. (Map: F7)
Café De Drie Koningen
Authentic bar of 1785 with local specialities: ham, pâté and cherry pie. Kerkhofstraat 17, Houtave (Zuienkerke) (Map: F5)
Moutarde Wostyn
A traditional mustard company since 1869
with an authentic shop (Map: F10)
Poelberg
Terrace and Visitors’ centre in a former
school, panoramic views Poelberg 1, Tielt
(Map: J12)
Kijkuit
Tavern with a terrace and sports activities: kayak, canoe, cycling Kijkuit 1, Beernem. (Map: J8)
Estaminet Ter Spinde
Snacks, elaborate meals or drinks. Located along the Bruges-Ostend canal. Sta­
tionsstraat 174, Jabbeke. (Map: E6)
Bistro Nieuwege
Terrace along the canal, the ideal break for
a bite to eat or a drink during your excursion in the region. Vaartdijk Noord 3, Varsenare. (Map: F6)
De Radio
Authentic bar where you can drink local
Urthel beer on tap. Brugessteenweg 105,
Ruiselede. (Map: K10)
Het Mortierken
Located in Meetkerke, one of the prettiest
villages of the Hinterland of Bruges. Playgarden. Dorpweg 88, Meetkerke (Zuienkerke) (Map: G4)
De Keunepupe
Bar-restaurant in the centre of the provincial domain ‘t Veld with simple but tasty snacks. Playgarden.
Bloemgatstraat, Ardooie. (Map: H13)
De Peerdekens
Picturesque farm that proposes traditional dishes. Playgarden. (Map: I11)
Café De Hert
Authentic pub filled to the rafters with
cyclism memorabilia. Dirk, the landlord,
is a fanatical enthusiast of that sport.
Markt 9, Ichtegem. (Map: D9)
The must-taste
De Soete Paepe
Mustard Wostyn: a traditional mustard
company since 1869 with an authentic shop.
(Map: G3)
42
43
Tour of Flanders - Bruges
One of the major Flandrien classic races Each fourteenth Sunday of the year
Day of the cultural heritage - Bruges
Exhibitions, conferences and walks
around a central theme - Each first Sunday after the Easter holidays
Mary procession – Lissewege
Age-old procession in honour of the statue of Our Lady of Lissewege - The first
Sunday of May
Events
and markets
You will certainly have fun at one of the events. Take part in walks
organised around a central theme, go to a festival or admire works of
art at exhibitions in special places. We present the most interesting
annual events and markets in chronological order.
Horse market - Torhout
The largest horse market in Belgium Each last weekend of June
Concertgebouw Bruges
Sand festival - Bruges
The largest flea market in Flanders Three times a year in July, August and
September
Farmers’ market - Tielt
Regional farmers sell their fresh produce
- Every Saturday afternoon
Summer in Ichtegem
Art exhibitions in romantic gardens - In
summer, each Saturday, Sunday and Monday
Book market - Damme
Discover the book you were looking for! Every second Sunday of the month
Saint Godelieve procession - Gistel
1000 extras depict the Saint’s life - The
Sunday after 5 July
44
45
Saint Godelieve procession - Gistel
Statues in the white village - Lissewege
Outdoor art exhibition in a medieval village
- In July, August and September
MAfestival – Bruges and Lissewege
Specialised old music festival - Beginning
of August
Artistic cycling trip - Zuienkerke
Art exhibitions along a circuit of 25km - In
August
International flea market - Oudenburg
A 5 km long flea market - On 15 August
Horse market - Torhout
Festival of light - Lissewege
Light decorations, musical atmosphere
and street theatre - The weekend after 15
August from 9pm
Open day of historical monuments
Buildings and places exceptionally open
their doors to the public - Each second
Sunday of September
Winter walks - Damme
Guided tours in the nature reserve ‘De
Oude Stadswallen’ - Each Sunday in December and January
Festival of light - Lissewege
Events in Bruges
The city of Bruges organises numerous
events every year. On the day of the Ascension the Holy Blood procession goes
through the historic centre and during
the canal festival the past of the city is
brought back to life too. Come dancing at
Klinkers and the Cactus festival or taste
a local beer at the beer festival and the
Tripel days. At Kookeet, 30 top chefs from
Bruges invite you to discover a wide variety of gastronomic gems. Or get on your
bike and explore the city centre on car
free Sunday. The Concert house, a centre dedicated to music and the performing
arts, proposes artistic experiences in an
architectural masterpiece.
Events on the coast
You will definitely have a good time on the
coast! Explore the region of Blankenberge on foot during the international walking weekend or board an exceptional
boat during Oostende voor Anker. And you
can admire even more boats in Zeebrugge during the Navy Days, the open day of
the navy. In July, the giants parade in the
streets of De Haan during the folkloric
festival of fishing navigation. Go to Knokke-Heist for the international fireworks
festival, the cartoon festival or the Kneistival. The city of Bredene organises the
exotic Afro Carribean festival with world
music and a great atmosphere!
46
47
Bruges,
city listed in the World Heritage
www.brugge.be
Ghent,
a lively city with a vibrant past
www.visitgent.be
The coast,
By train or bus?
Also consult the NMBS and De Lijn websites for timetables and fares.
By plane?
The international Zaventem Brussels Airport is only 1 hour away and has its own
train station. Three trains per hour depart
to Bruges from there.
relax on the beach...
www.lelittoral.be
Flanders Fields,
beyond the dunes and the sea...
www.flandersfields.be/en
The Lys region,
a timeless region
www.toerisme-leiestreek.be
Zeeland Flanders,
on the other side of the border
www.vvvzeeland.nl
Meetjesland,
rural and food region
www.meetjesland.be
Accessibility
Nearby
By car:
A10 from Brussels
A11 from Antwerp
A17 from Kortrijk
Colophon
©2015 Westtoer
Concept and coordination:
Team Brugse Ommeland
Chief editor:
Tourism Brugse Ommeland
Photography:
Westtoer, Toerisme Brugge, David Samyn,
Jan Darthet, Michel Decleer, Layla Aerts,
B.ad, Jan D’Hondt, Johan De Meester,
Joris Luyten, Frauke Dendooven, Patrick
Keirsebilck
Lay-out and printing:
Graphic Service, Province of West Flanders
Responsable editor:
Stefaan Gheysen – Westtoer – Brugge
WD/3029/2015/12
This brochure was realised in co-operation
with the Villages of the Hinterland of Bruges. It was created with the greatest care.
The editor in charge cannot be held liable
for errors, inaccuracies or changes occurred in the meantime.
48
49
Tourist information centres
THE GREEN OUTSKIRTS OF BRUGES
THE COAST
Westtoer
Koning Albert I-laan 120, 8200 Sint-Michiels
Tel: +32 50 33 55 00
info@brugseommeland.be
www.brugseommeland.be
Tourist information centre Blankenberge
Koning Leopold III-plein
Tel: +32 50 41 22 27
toerisme@blankenberge.be
www.blankenberge.be
Provincial information centre Tolhuis
Jan Van Eyckplein 2,8000 Bruges
Tel: +32 800 20 021
provincie@west-vlaanderen.be
www.west-vlaanderen.be/informatiecentrum
Information centre Bruges
Markt 1 (Historium)
’t Zand (Concert hall)
Stationsplein (Station)
Tel: +32 50 44 46 46
toerisme@brugge.be
www.brugge.be
Tourist information centre Bredene
Kapelstraat 76
Tel: +32 59 56 19 70
toerisme@bredene.be
www.uitinbredene.be
Tourist information
centreandvisitors’ centre Damme
Huyse de Grote Sterre
Jacob van Maerlantstraat 3
Tel: +32 50 28 86 10
toerisme@damme.be
www.toerismedamme.be
Toerisme Tielt
Stadhuis Tielt
Markt 13, 8700 Tielt
Tel: +32 51 42 82 55
toerisme@tielt.be
www.toerismetielt.be
Tourist information centre Torhout
Markt 1
Tel: +32 50 22 07 70
toerisme@torhout.be
www.toerismetorhout.be
Tourist information centre De Haan
Koninklijk Plein
Tel: +32 59 24 21 35
toerisme@dehaan.be
www.dehaan.be/toerisme
Tourist information centre Knokke-Heist
Zeedijk - Knokke 660
Tel: +32 50 63 03 80
toerisme@knokke-heist.be
www.knokke-heist.info
Tourist information centre Ostend
Monacoplein 2
Tel: +32 59 70 11 99
info@visitoostende.be
www.visitoostende.be
Tourist information centre Zeebrugge
Zeedijk, Badengebouw
Tel: +32 50 44 46 46
toerisme@brugge.be
www.brugge.be/zeebrugge
Please consult the pages with the visitors’
centres and information points on our website www.brugeswoodland.be
c
Zevekote
E40
E40
A10
A10
Moere
GISTEL
Roksem
6622
nnee
ooee
r
r
GG
ICHTEGEM
LICHTERVELDE
E403
E403
ARDOOIE
Koolskamp
Zwevezele
Balie brugge
PITTEM
Egem
Hertsberge
Waardamme
E40
E40
A10
A10
Oedelem
Wildenburg
TIELT
Schuiferskapelle
k
Aarsele
Kanegem
RUISELEDE
Doomkerke
St.-Joris
BEERNEM
Sijsele
Abdijenroute
Vivenkapelle
WINGENE
Moerbrugge
Assebroek
St.-Kruis
BRUGGE
OOSTKAMP
Ruddervoorde
Veldegem
ZEDELGEM
St.-Pieters
Lapscheure
Hoeke
Moerkerke
Oostkerke
DAMME
Koolkerke
Dudzele
Lissewege
j
Westkapelle
KNOKKEHEIST
i
Ramskapelle
Duinbergen
Zwankendamme
St.-Michiels
Loppem
mvveelldd
Vllooeetth
heem
V
zzaate
te
h
Zeebrugge
St.-Andries
Meetkerke
Varsenare
Houtave
TORHOUT
Wijnendale
Eernegem
g
ZUIENKERKE
Snellegem
Aartrijke
Zerkegem
Westkerke
Bekegem
E40
E40
A18
A18
Uitkerke
Nieuwmunster
JABBEKE
Stalhille
Ettelgem
f
BLANKENBERGE
e
Vlissegem
Klemskerke
DE HAAN
d
OUDENBURG
BREDENE
Stene
b
Snaaskerke
OOSTENDE
a
l
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
50
51
52