Welcome in the Hinterland of Bruges

WELCOME IN

THE HINTERLAND OF BRUGES

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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

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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

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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 appĂŠtit!

unforgettable holiday!

42 Events and markets 46 In the region 47 Accessibility 49 Tourist information centres

See you soon !

50 Map of the hinterland of Bruges

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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.

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Stay in a green oasis

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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. â‚Ź 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 â‚Ź 7.

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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/

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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

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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

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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)

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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

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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!

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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Westkapelle

KNOKKEHEIST

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Ramskapelle

Duinbergen

Zwankendamme

St.-Michiels

Loppem mvveelldd Vllooeetth heem V zzaate te

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Zeebrugge

St.-Andries

Meetkerke

Varsenare

Houtave

TORHOUT

Wijnendale

Eernegem

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ZUIENKERKE

Snellegem

Aartrijke

Zerkegem

Westkerke Bekegem

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Uitkerke Nieuwmunster

JABBEKE

Stalhille

Ettelgem

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BLANKENBERGE

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Vlissegem Klemskerke

DE HAAN

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OUDENBURG

BREDENE

Stene

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Snaaskerke

OOSTENDE

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