The historical heart of Damme retains a medieval feeling even today with its Town Hall, the Church of Our Lady, the former Sint-Jans hospital and museum, the Huyse de Grote Sterre, which is the home to the tourist office and the Owl glass Museum.

The polder villages of Oostkerke, Hoeke and Lapscheure are within walking distance. The unique neo-gothic hamlet Vivenkapelle is a must for architecture buffs. The Ryckevelde woods at Sijsele offer a pleasant spot in which to relax and unwind.

DAMME-LITERARY VILLAGE
Damme is a ‘literary village’ since 1997 along with Redu in Wallonia and Hay-on-Wye in England. It has a concentration of bookshops and assorted antiquarian bookshops. There are regular literature activities that include book fairs, auctions, presentations, literary courses, bookbinding, papermaking, calligraphy, etc.
The town’s art galleries house permanent exhibitions of works by contemporary artists.

MUSICA FLANDRICA DAMME
The Tourist Office of Damme organises Sunday morning concerts in the medieval town hall of Damme, linked to the monthly book markets. Information/reservation toerisme@damme.be


NATURE RESERVES
The holiday homes are located alongside 17 ha of nature reserve known as “De Damse Stadswallen” (remparts). Knokke-Heist is home to the world-renowned Zwin nature reserve.

FOOD AND DRINK

The historical centre of Damme (300 metres) boasts 25 catering establishments ranging from simple snack bars to top-class restaurants that reflect the Burgundian life-style of the Flemish people.



WALKING AND CYCLING
Damme is situated at the crossroads of several sign posted cycle routes as the Riante Polder route linking Damme with Knokke-Heist (44 km), the Maerlantroute running from Damme to Sluis-Aardenburg and Maldegem (54 km), and the Beverhoutsroute, which explores the woodland area between Bruges and Beernem (38 km). Keen cyclists might like to try the Smokkelroute (90 km) along the border between Belgium and Holland.

The holiday homes lie on international cycle route LF 1: the North Sea route from Den Helder in Holland to Boulogne in France (360 km) and the Flanders Bicycle Tour Bikes are available for hire at the tourist office in Damme, at the Tijl en Nele cycle shop and at Ben’s Bike Rental. (www.arlando.be)

FISHING
There are jetties on the Damse Vaart for anglers who whish to try their luck. Each year, the waterway is restocked with carp, whitefish, redeye, eel, perch and pike. A fishing licence is available at the post office. The fishing season along the Damse Vaart is closed between 15 April and 31 May.

HORSE RIDING - TENNIS - GOLF
In the immediate vicinity there are horse riding centres in Oostkerke, Moerkerke, Sint-Kruis and Dudzele. Tennis courts are available in Sijsele, Moerkerke, Sint-Kruis and Knokke, while golfers go to the Damme Golf & Country Club in Sijsele or Knokke.