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WELCOME IN 1 THE HINTERLAND OF 2 3

Welcome in the hinterland of Bruges! Index

Do you know another green region with the 04 The region coast and a 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 14 Walk in the green outskirts of Bruges villages, charming , medieval castles and abbeys, 18 By boat nature reserves and delicious local produce. 20 In style on a scooter

This brochure is an ideal source of inspiration to 22 Minibus tours discover this superb region. Stay in the green outskirts 24 Charming cities of Bruges, visit a tourist site or take part in an amusing event. Feel like escaping over populated cities? Explore 28 The six prettiest villages green oases on your bike, on or on a scooter. Stop 32 Tourist sites in an authentic public house to taste a local beer and 38 Bon appétit! www.brugseommeland.be a typical regional dish. You will definitely have an 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 4 5

resque villages and you will find the villa- ges of and at the end.

The green outskirts of Bruges In the south you will find the most woody region of West . Use the network of walking paths of Bulskampveld or fol- low the Bruges- on your bike. Besides nature, the region has elegant castles like that of Loppem and Wijnen- dale, 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 The region of combination! The region has three splendid landscapes to discover! North of Bruges, the damages landscape Between Bruges and Ghent you will dis- with seawalls, , ditches and ponds cover the rural charms of the fields and gives you superb views. The region of the prairies in Tielt. The visitors’ centre in the is a paradise for ornithologists and it fabulous Mulle de Terschueren house is *Gistel, Oudenburg, , , , , , , , , , , , Tielt, , , Bruges and the polders of -Heist, is great to enjoy nature along the Damme the ideal starting point to discover the city , De Haan, and . canal. The polders are dotted with pictu- and its surroundings. 6 Stay 7 Feel like leaving the daily routine, looking for the unusual or simply to take a break? in a green In the Hinterland of Bruges, you will al- ways stay amidst nature, the ideal place for a relaxing weekend in . You oasis 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 uni- que 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 landscapes and interesting local attrac- cycling fun in one of the most beautiful tions. Tip: You will find a list of the cycle straight canals, polders and forests. During your walk you will tourist regions in Flanders. Useful maps hire outlets on the website. definitely discover picturesque villages, historic buildings and enable you to create your own circuit by cycling from junction to junction. The net- charming pubs. Cycling maps are available from the online shop work links the most interesting and se- cure cycling paths of the region. It takes (https://shop.westtoer.be/en) and the tourist information centres. you to small picturesque towns, unique 10 11

Following the canals The landscape of the hinterland of Bru- ges 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.

Green Belt Bruges Green Ribbon Ostend Along the Groene 62, Start 1: the former railtrack Follow the signs and cycle through the Damme: car park east: Oude Sluissedijk This waking and cycling path (30 km) con- green surroundings around Bruges. The nects existing and new green areas in the De Groene 62 is one of the best known route (53.2 km) takes you through forests, Start 2: outskirts of Ostend, like a necklace with green axes of the region. Until 1976 a train castle landscapes, along canals, the culi- Ryckevelde: car park Ryckeveldestraat 15 beads. De Green Ribbon unlocks the connected Torhout to Ostend here. Today nary centre of Damme and along nume- Start 3: city with the coastline and the sea as car- it is a cyclists’ paradise and the ideal con- rous charming villages. Tillegem castle: car park Tillegemstraat rier. nection between the Hinterland and the Consult the map on www. groenegordel- You can park and start at the Provincial coast. During your 22 km trip you can stop brugge.be or order the map on https:// Start 4: domain . You will find the itine- at the Aertrycke and castles shop.westtoer.be/en. You can cycle the Varsenare: sports centre Hof ter Straeten rary map on www.oostende.be/groenlint. or the Statieput, a peaceful pond used as route in both directions and start in va- a leisure park. The Groene 62 runs from rious places. A short version along the Stene (Ostend) to Torhout. ramparts is also possible. 12 13

Themed cycling trips reclaimed from the sea. Man also had to canals. The Green Bike Tour also goes in battle enemy armies here. The polders the direction of the polders and stops in Properties, house numerous remnants of those con- Damme to sample local specialties. Ad- summer residences of the Bruges elite frontations. From Bruges you follow the vance booking recommended. This cyclotourism circuit takes you to the Damme canal, you pass the siphons and green zone south of Bruges via numerous explore the localities of Oostkerke and Pink Bear Bike Tours summer castles and magnificent farm­ Hoeke. www.pinkbear.freeservers.com: yards. The route unveils the rich history 10.15 am at the Belfry. € 25 of many aristocratic families and their residences and also several green oases, Guided trips Green Bike Tour (+32 (0)50 61 26 67): a few pearls of serenity in the region of 10 am at the Concertgebouw. € 15. Feel like getting on your bike, but you hate Bruges. looking at a map? Take part in one of the QuasiMundo Fortresses and seawalls between Bruges guided trips starting in Bruges, the ideal daily at 1pm on the Burg. € 26/28 and Damme starting point to discover the Hinterland www.quasimundo.com Almost all the roads you use on your trip of Bruges. The Pink Bear Bike Tours will were installed on cleared dykes that in show you the prettiest spots in the polders. the past protected the polders recently You will follow the banks of poplar-lined 14 15

Network of walking paths Walk in the castle parks In Bulskampveld for example, located The hinterland of Bruges is one of the between Bruges and Ghent, the network most extensively woody areas in Flan- of walking paths provides 150 km of fun ders. You will discover numerous forests in one of the largest plains of Flanders. with castles! The Aertrycke and Wijnen- Numerous country roads dale castles are located not too far from and limited traffic roads the city of Torhout and the castles of guide you through the Loppem, Ryckevelde, Tillegem and Beis- forests and fields whe- broek are located in the proximity of Bru- re you can enjoy natu- ges. It is pleasant to stroll in the parks re. Useful maps enable and the gardens that surround them. you to create your own circuit by cycling from junction to junction. Heritage walk Damme Walk The small polder town of Damme was the busy front harbour of Bruges in medieval in the times. The merchants built impressive residences with sufficient warehouses. During the war between Spain and The green outskirts the town has become a mili- tary fortress. This walk takes you through the traces of more than 800 years of histo- of Bruges ry, a story of which the merchants and the military engineers are the protagonists.

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. 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 wal- king network offers more than 150 km Kampveld walking route: for your walking pleasure and that makes vicinity Oostkamp, 9.1 km, start: Market it the walking area par excellence in the Square Waardamme. region. The castle domain Bulskampveld Parochieveld walking route: is located at the centre of the area with a vicinity Ruiselede. 8.5 k, starting point: visitors’ centre. You will obtain all info and Sint-Carolus church, Brandstraat, Doom- routes there. kerke.

Walking network Bulskampveld Wildenburg walking route: The junctions help you to create your own vicinity Wingene, 6.7 km, start: Area Wil- walking route and to define the length of denburg, Beernemsteenweg, Wingene. The Zwin, Castle forests Bruges your walk. Write down the numbers of the greenery at the Coast junctions and follow the signs indicated in Cycling Discover the forest on the outskirts of two directions along the way. Of course you can also cycle in the area The Zwin region is one of the major mud Bruges with its numerous castles. The via the cycling network (see p. 9) Or fol- flat and salt marsh areas on the Coast and signposted Three castles walking route Loop-shaped walking routes low the Bulskampveld cycling route, 43 is engulfed by the sea daily. The exchange leads you through the domains of Tille- Here you follow the signs with the arrows. km, start: Car park Het Aanwijs, Reiger- makes the Provincial Nature park Zwin a gem, Tudor, Beisbroek and the Chartreu- A number of routes start at the Buls- lostraat/Wingenesteenweg Beernem unique biotope with a rich flora and enor- zinnen forest (12 km, starting point: car kampveld castle. They are indicated in mous numbers of birds that land here to park Domein Tillegem, Wittemolenstraat All the routes are available from https:// various colours. forage or to hibernate. The new visitors’ 128, Sint-Michiels, Bruges). Route availa- shop.westtoer.be/en centre will be opened in 2016. ble on https://shop.westtoer.be/en Bulskampveld walking route: Discover the Zwin via the junctions of vicinity Beernem, 8.9 km, start: car park the Zwin walking network. Available on Driekoningen, Bulscampveld 9, Beernem. https://shop.westtoer.be/en 18 19

Recreational navigation The region is the ideal place to enjoy natu- re by boat. On the Ghent-Ostend canal, you can moor in the marinas of Beernem and Bruges or the jetty of Stalhille. The pret- ty 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 The Lamme Goedzak boat provides a shut- Canoes and kayaks tle service between the historic city of Bru- ges and the picturesque town of Damme: a Do you feel like enjoying the canals and good half hour to enjoy the unique lands- nature in a more active way? Go to De cape along the Damme canal that connects Kijkuit in Beernem where you can rent Bruges to in the Netherlands! You can canoes and kayaks. Individually or in also take your bicycle on board. group: discover the secret places of the Ghent-Ostend canal! Noorweegse Kaai 31, Bruges (Map: H5-I5-I4) Kijkuit 1, Beernem (Map: J8) 5 excursions a day. € 10 (return) +32 (0)50 78 15 53. www.dekijkuit.be. By boat www.bootdamme-brugge.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 lands- capes. Several stops are scheduled on route. Or follow one of the signposted iti- neraries 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 Electric Scooters: Gentpoortstraat 55- 62, Bruges (Map: H6). +32 (0)474 09 19 18. www.electric-scooters.be

Tourist information centre Damme : In style Jacob van Maerlantstraat 3 (Map: I4). +32 (0)50 28 86 10. www.toerismedamme.be on a scooter Scoot and Go: Stationsstraat 349, Ichte- gem (Map: D8). +32 (0)476 95 44 02. www.scootandgo.be 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 Solex Ter Spinde: Stationsstraat 123, Jabbeke (Map: E6). +32 (0)475 53 62 69. the Hinterland of Bruges in a completely different way. Follow your www.solexhuren.be

own itinerary or follow a signposted route, in a group or on your Take-it-twizy: +32 (0)50 35 29 20 own - it’s up to you! 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 Dam- me 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 City Tour: Damme excursion The City Tour minibus departs from Bru- The Belgian Beer Tour Bus ges and takes you to Damme, a medie- val village. After your visit you return to A coach brings you to five authentic pubs Bruges on the Lamme Goedzak boat. Two in Bruges, Damme, Sluis, Oostkerke and hours later, the minibus picks you up on . You can taste Belgian beers the jetty and takes you back to the Market and play old popular pub games there. Square of Bruges. Meeting point at the Tourist Information Departure: 4 pm at the Market Square, centre of Bruges or at your hotel. Bruges. € 25. +32 (0)50 35 50 24. Minibus www.thebelgianbeertourbus.be www.citytour.be tours 24 25

Bruges Bruges is one of the prettiest cities in Euro- irresistible classics: the Market square, the pe. It is therefore justified that the UNESCO Belfry, the , the church of Our Charming has listed the whole historical city cent- Lady and the Rozenhoedkaai. re in the world heritage list. You will think you travelled back to medieval times in the Buy the Brugge City Card to enjoy endless towns and winding narrow streets and along the little benefits in Bruges and its Hinterland! romantic canals. The numerous museums www.bruggecitycard.be and the heritage impressively narrate the cities turbulent . Don’t miss the 26 27

Damme Damme, the medieval town that offers you an impressive heritage amidst a magnifi- Torhout Tielt cent natural landscape! The Damme canal connects the town to Bruges, ideal for a Torhout, the oldest city of the Duchy of The city of Tielt is located in the centre of the cycling trip of only 8 km. The city walls, Flanders benefits from its glorious past. triangular region of Bruges-Ghent-. the nature reserves and the Ryckevelde The centre is pleasant to walk around in to The visitors’ centre in the fabulous Mulle de domain are ideal walking sites. Admire the admire numerous historic monuments and Terschueren house is the ideal starting point historic churches and buildings of the town buildings. Take a relaxing break on one of to discover the city and its surroundings. You centre. You will also find literature in the the terraces on the market square or taste will interactively get in touch with the history Ulenspiegel Museum. And even the gas- Wostyn mustard, the oldest regional product of Tielt and its tourist sites like the Belfry, the tronomists will find delicious sustenance: of Torhout. The city has four green domains Poelberg site and the flowery village of Ka- an exquisite restaurant, a charming pub, that definitely are worth exploring. Don’t negem with its Flandrien house. Since 1959 a fresh pint or Belgian chips. And don’t miss the castle of Wijnendale, the jewel in the city of Tielt has become a European city forget to explore the picturesque villages the crown of the Flemish heritage. (Map: and organises the Europe every year around Damme. (Map: I4) E10-F10) - the highlight of the year! (Map: J12) 28 29

The six prettiest villages Houtave Houtave, one of the of Zui- The region has numerous unique remains of the former Cistercian enkerke, is a charming little village located picturesque villages: abbey. The Visitors’ centre in Lissewege between Bruges and the coast. The village displays the past of the white village with is dominated by the church where these are our gems! photos and a collection of archaeological Apolline is the of the dentists finds. Climb up to the top of the monumen- and is called upon against toothache. Al- Lissewege tal bell tower of the church that will give you most directly opposite you will find the pub a unique panoramic view of the polders. Do De Drie Koningen which opened its doors The splendid abbey farmhouse Ter Doest is you like sweets? Visit the old De Soete Pae- in 1771. Sample one of its specialities: a located in Lissewege, one of the ten most pe sweet shop where you can taste vintage slice of bread with homemade farmers’ beautiful villages in Flanders, and is the sweets in a 1920s interior. (Map: G3-H3) pâté. (Map: F5) The30 six prettiest villages 31

The six prettiest villages

Oostkerke Kanegem Meetkerke Stalhille A silent, whitewashed village with a flat Kanegem, a of Tielt, is popu- The small rural village of Meetkerke, a Located on the banks of the Ostend-Bru- church tower: Oostkerke, elected the lar for its flowers. The recently restored picturesque municipality of Zuienkerke, ges canal, Stalhille is one of the most prettiest village of . Stroll neo- Saint Bavo church is worth is located near Bruges. Enter the Church charming villages in the polders. The along the Leopold canal until the 14th a visit. You will also see the statue of the of Our Lady to admire the miraculous sta- green region is the ideal landscape for a century castle. In the village centre take cycle racer Briek Schotte, double world tue, the subject of a true legend. On the cycling trip, a walk or even an excursion a break in the pub De Knotwilg where champion and born in Kanegem, here. other side of the road you will find the pub on horseback. The Kruidenboerderietje is you will still find popular wooden games. But the flowery village is also ideal to Het Mortierken in one of the typical white- the ideal stop for a rest in this peaceful Located on our cycling network, this pic- relax in. Kuren in Kanegem is a spa that washed farmhouses. Drink a Belgian beer oasis. Visit the shop, the garden with aro- turesque village also is the ideal starting provides therapeutic treatments, beauty on the terrace or grab a bite in the rustic matic plants or enjoy a herbal tea on the point for cycling trips in the polders. (Map: treatments and special arrangements, interior. To enjoy nature, pay a visit to the terrace. And if you have some time left, vi- I3) like chocolate massages. (Map: K11) Meetkerkse Moeren that give you a splen- sit the glassworks De Sfeermaker where did panorama of the polders. (Map: C5) you can also enjoy a glass of honey beer. (Map: E5) 32 33

Wijnendale castle is surrounded by a romantic park with ponds, caves and a maze. A magnificent castle surrounded by moats in the forest of Torhout. In the castle museum Steenbrugsestraat 26, Loppem (Map: G7) you go on a journey through 1000 years of +32 (0)50 82 22 45 fascinating history, illustrated with modern www.kasteelvanloppem.be. € 8 presentations, digital screens and a porta- ble videoguide. Children get going with the Treasure hunts of Robbie the ghost. English Boudewijn Seapark speaking guide available by booking only. Spend an unforgettable day with the Oostendestraat 390, Torhout (Map: E9) dolphins and a multitude of attractions +32 (0)50 22 07 70 in this leisure park. The dolphins are the www.toerismetorhout.be. € 5 stars of the delphinarium, and in the out- door theatre the sea lions put on a show all day and the aquatic panoramas provide and its maze underwater views. Children will enjoy the The Neo-gothic Loppem castle is located indoor play area, Bobo’s Indoor. at 6 km from Bruges and was built in 1859. Alphonse de Baeckestraat 12, Sint-Michiels It is the only castle in Belgium where the (Map: H6) +32 (0)50 38 38 38 architecture and the interior were pre- www.boudewijnseapark.be served in their original condition. As you visit it, you feel like the guest of the pro- Tourist sites ject owner and its first residents. It also houses superb art collections. The castle 34 35

over 120 motorcycles, scooters and mo- peds, and everything that’s related to the Sculpture gardens Irénée vehicles… publicity, glazed objects, tools, Duriez and Mia Moreaux clothes, … The museum is situated inside the biggest motor hotel in Europe: Biker- Several large bronze statues are exhibi- sloft Groenedijk in Oudenburg. ted in Iréneé Duriez’ romantic garden. Her studio is also open to the public. You can Groenedijkstraat 5A, Oudenburg. (Map: D6) admire her sculptures, her drawings and +32 (0)50 59 90 56. Reservations are re- working method here. commended. www.oldtimermotorenmu- Permeke Museum seum.be. Keibergstraat 6, Ichtegem. (Map: D9) +32 (0)51 58 90 27. www.ireneeduriez.be. The most famous of the Flemish expres- Free Open in summer or by appointment. sionist painters and sculptors, , has lived and worked in Jabbe- Ulenspiegel Museum Mia Moreaux’ impressive 4 500 m² garden ke for more than twenty years. Until his The Ulenspiegel Museum in Damme in- houses bronze and marble statues. You death, he lived in the amazing villa « De Abbey Ten Putte troduces you to five centuries Ulenspiegel can admire her paintings inspired by Ice- Vier Winden » (The Four Winds), that he and its international equivalents. You can The abbey Ten Putte, where Benedictine landic landscapes in her studio. had built himself. Today, it houses the mu- learn the pranks and jokes of Ulenspiegel used to live in the past, is often vi- seum and visitors can look around in his Eernegemsestraat 120, Westkerke. there as well as the cultural and historic sited by pilgrims and visitors. The domed home, his garden and his former studios. (Map: D7). +32 (0)59 26 74 74. context the character appeared in. You chapel houses the well and its miracu- English brochure and digital tour with www.miamoreaux.com. will see copies of medieval manuscripts, lous water. As the legend goes it is here personal tablet, iPhone or smartphone Free. Open in summer or by appointment. paintings and sculptures. Children will that Saint Godelieve was strangled and available. English speaking guide availa- have fun with the interactive walk and the drowned on the orders of her husband. ble by booking only. treasure hunt. English folder available. Visit the museum to learn more about this Gistelsteenweg 341, Jabbeke. (Map: E6) martyr and the history of this pretty site. Jacob van Maerlantstraat 3, Damme. +32 (0)59 50 81 18. www.muzee.be. It is also the ideal starting point to take (Map: I4). +32 (0)50 28 86 10. www.permekemuseum.be. € 3 the cycling path network. English folder www.toerismedamme.be. € 2,50 available. English speaking guide availa- ble by booking only ([email protected]).

The Oldtimer Motor Museum Abdijstraat 84, Gistel. (Map: C7) Discover a hundred year old collection and +32 (0)59 27 86 71. € 1,50 history of motorcycles. The museum shows 36 37

Roman Archaeology Museum Beisbroek observatory and The Romans built the only coast-castel- planetarium lum of the Belgian coast in Oudenburg, In the tower of the observatory, the big te- which makes the location one of the ol- lescope invites you to observe the sun, the dest sites in our country. The Roman moon and the planets from close by. Cozmix Archaeology Museum (RAM) thoroughly enables you to admire the stars in all their introduces you to the castellum and its splendour - even in bad weather. More than residents through reconstructions, mo- 7000 stars are projected on the inner side of dels, computer simulations and archae- the dome in the extraordinary planetarium. ological finds. There also is a landscape Spectacular video images accompany you garden where you can try your luck at Ro- with a musical background along your ini- The tower of Damme The belltower of Lissewege man games. tiation journey of discovery of the mysteries If you are not afraid to climb stairs, you Climb the 264 steps of the monumen- Marktstraat 25, Oudenburg. (Map: D6) of the universe. English planetarium show + 32 (0)59 56 84 00 every second and fourth Wednesday of the should definitely visit the flat tower of the tal bell tower of the church that will give www.ram-oudenburg.be month at 4.30 pm. English group guided church of Damme, a listed monument you an impressive and unique panoramic tour available on request. open to the public. You climb a spiralling view of the polders. You can see the port stone stairway and higher up a spiralling of Zeebrugge, the Belgian coast and even Zeeweg 96, Bruges. (Map: F6) stairway in oakwood that dates back to the the Dutch islands by clear weather. And +32 (0)50 39 05 66. www.cozmix.be. € 5 13th century. From the top of the tower, don’t forget to gaze at the three towers you have splendid views of the town, the of Bruges. An adventure for the whole fa- city walls and the Hinterland of Bruges. mily! English speaking guide available for Guided visits of Torhout Ceramics and nature guide Lissewege by booking only. [email protected] Kerkstraat, Damme. (Map: I4). +32 (0)50 28 86 10. Onder de Toren, Lissewege. (Map: H3) You can follow a guided tour in your • Zedelgem: Castle of Loppem www.toerismedamme.be. € 1. +32 (0)50 54 54 72. www.lissewege.be. € 1. language in the following places: [email protected] Open during Easter holiday and May - Open from June to September or by ap- • Bruges, Lissewege, Damme and mu- • Tielt: City walks ‘Tielt highlights’, September. pointment. nicipalities, Castle of Loppem, RAM ‘Tielt in WW I’ and ‘In the footprints of Oudenburg and the polder region. General Maczek’ [email protected] • Bruges and Damme • Oudenburg: Roman Archaeology Mu- www.bruges-guides.com/en, seum: [email protected] www.gidsenkringbrugge.com, • Torhout: Castle Wijnendale, Museum www.s-wan.be/en 38 39 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 Hinter- land? 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!

Oostmolensite Oostmolensite: pleasant terrace next to a Bon appetit! windmill; Museum of the flandriens. Wa- randestraat 29, Gistel. (Map: C7)

Bruges, the chocolate capital best chocolate. Don’t forget to visit Cho- range of top notch restaurants where you co-Story, the Museum of chocolate. can enjoy delicious dishes. You will find an The art city presents more than 50 pas- overview of Michelin-star restaurants and Choco-Story, Wijnzakstraat 2. (Map: H5) sionate chocolatiers and is an authentic those listed in the Gault & Millau guide. +32 (0)50 61 22 37, www.choco-story.be. € 7 chocolate laboratory. In Bruges, you can See website for an overview. taste traditional homemade chocolate and enjoy very innovative chocolate crea- Michelin star-restaurants tions. The presence of that great creativity Culinary tours takes the quality of the Bruges chocolate The fact that Bruges qualifies as the centre to unprecedented summits. It is in Bruges of world gastronomy is not a coincidence. Culinary walking and cycling tours around - and nowhere else - that you will find the The city and its Hinterland boast a wide Bruges and Damme: www.q-rius.be 40 41

De Zotte Mutse Pralifino Bar-restaurant in the centre of the Bever- Handmade chocolate, workshops, Kid’s hout forest with a pleasant terrace and a Chocolate Academy. playgarden. Kasteelhoek 37, Beernem. Gistelsteenweg 222, Jabbeke (Map: F6) (Map: J8) Laurica Specialist nursery for the cultivation of superior quality bay leaves. (Map: F7) Café De Drie Koningen Authentic bar of 1785 with local speciali- Moutarde Wostyn ties: ham, pâté and cherry pie. Kerkhof- A traditional mustard company since 1869 straat 17, Houtave (Zuienkerke) (Map: F5) with an authentic shop (Map: F10) Poelberg Terrace and Visitors’ centre in a former school, panoramic views Poelberg 1, Tielt (Map: J12) Café De Hert Kijkuit Authentic pub filled to the rafters with Tavern with a terrace and sports activi- Het Mortierken cyclism memorabilia. Dirk, the landlord, ties: kayak, canoe, cycling Kijkuit 1, Beer- Located in Meetkerke, one of the prettiest is a fanatical enthusiast of that sport. nem. (Map: J8) villages of the Hinterland of Bruges. Play- Markt 9, Ichtegem. (Map: D9) garden. Dorpweg 88, Meetkerke (Zuien- Estaminet Ter Spinde kerke) (Map: G4) Snacks, elaborate meals or drinks. Loca- ted along the Bruges-Ostend canal. Sta­ The must-taste De Keunepupe tionsstraat 174, Jabbeke. (Map: E6) Bar-restaurant in the centre of the pro- De Soete Paepe vincial domain ‘t Veld with simple but tas- Mustard Wostyn: a traditional mustard Bistro Nieuwege ty snacks. Playgarden. company since 1869 with an authentic shop. Terrace along the canal, the ideal break for Bloemgatstraat, Ardooie. (Map: H13) (Map: G3) a bite to eat or a drink during your excursi- on in the region. Vaartdijk Noord 3, Varse- De Peerdekens nare. (Map: F6) Picturesque farm that proposes traditio- nal dishes. Playgarden. (Map: I11) De Radio Authentic bar where you can drink local Urthel beer on tap. Brugessteenweg 105, Ruiselede. (Map: K10) 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 Sun- day after the Easter holidays

Mary – Lissewege Age-old procession in honour of the sta- tue of Our Lady of Lissewege - The first Sunday of May

Horse market - Torhout The largest horse market in Belgium - Each last weekend of June

Concertgebouw Bruges Sand festival - Bruges Events The largest flea market in Flanders - Three times a year in July, August and and markets September Summer in Ichtegem Farmers’ market - Tielt Art exhibitions in romantic gardens - In Regional farmers sell their fresh produce summer, each Saturday, Sunday and Mon- You will certainly have fun at one of the events. Take part in walks - Every Saturday afternoon day organised around a central theme, go to a festival or admire works of Saint Godelieve procession - Gistel art at exhibitions in special places. We present the most interesting Book market - Damme Discover the book you were looking for! - 1000 extras depict the Saint’s life - The annual events and markets in chronological order. Every second Sunday of the month Sunday after 5 July 44 45

Saint Godelieve procession - Gistel Horse market - Torhout Festival of light - Lissewege

Statues in the white village - Lissewege Festival of light - Lissewege Events in Bruges Events on the coast Outdoor art exhibition in a medieval village Light decorations, musical atmosphere The city of Bruges organises numerous You will definitely have a good time on the - In July, August and September and street theatre - The weekend after 15 events every year. On the day of the As- coast! Explore the region of Blankenber- August from 9pm cension the Holy Blood procession goes ge on foot during the international wal- MAfestival – Bruges and Lissewege through the historic centre and during king weekend or board an exceptional Specialised old music festival - Beginning Open day of historical monuments the canal festival the past of the city is boat during Oostende voor Anker. And you of August Buildings and places exceptionally open brought back to life too. Come dancing at can admire even more boats in Zeebrug- their doors to the public - Each second Klinkers and the Cactus festival or taste ge during the Navy Days, the open day of Artistic cycling trip - Zuienkerke Sunday of September a local beer at the and the the navy. In July, the giants parade in the Art exhibitions along a circuit of 25km - In Tripel days. At Kookeet, 30 top chefs from streets of De Haan during the folkloric August Winter walks - Damme Bruges invite you to discover a wide vari- festival of fishing navigation. Go to Knok- Guided tours in the nature reserve ‘De ety of gastronomic gems. Or get on your ke-Heist for the international fireworks International flea market - Oudenburg Oude Stadswallen’ - Each Sunday in De- bike and explore the city centre on car festival, the cartoon festival or the Kneis- A 5 km long flea market - On 15 August cember and January free Sunday. The Concert house, a cent- tival. The city of Bredene organises the re dedicated to music and the performing exotic Afro Carribean festival with world arts, proposes artistic experiences in an music and a great atmosphere! architectural masterpiece. 46 47

Bruges, By train or bus? city listed in the World Heritage Also consult the NMBS and web- www.brugge.be sites for timetables and fares. By plane? Ghent, The international Zaventem Air- a lively city with a vibrant past port is only 1 hour away and has its own www.visitgent.be train station. Three trains per hour depart to Bruges from there. The coast, relax on the beach... www.lelittoral.be

Flanders Fields, beyond the dunes and the sea... www.flandersfields.be/en Colophon ©2015 Westtoer The region, Concept and coordination: a timeless region Team Brugse Ommeland www.toerisme-leiestreek.be Chief editor: Tourism Brugse Ommeland Flanders, Photography: on the other side of the border Westtoer, Toerisme Brugge, David Samyn, Jan Darthet, Michel Decleer, Layla Aerts, www.vvvzeeland.nl B.ad, Jan D’Hondt, Johan De Meester, Joris Luyten, Frauke Dendooven, Patrick Meetjesland, Keirsebilck rural and food region Lay-out and printing: Graphic Service, Province of West Flanders www.meetjesland.be Responsable editor: Stefaan Gheysen – Westtoer – Brugge WD/3029/2015/12 Accessibility This brochure was realised in co-operation with the Villages of the Hinterland of Bru- By car: ges. It was created with the greatest care. A10 from Brussels The editor in charge cannot be held liable for errors, inaccuracies or changes occur- A11 from red in the meantime. Nearby A17 from Kortrijk 48 49

Tourist information centres

THE GREEN OUTSKIRTS OF BRUGES THE COAST Westtoer Tourist information centre Blankenberge Koning Albert I-laan 120, 8200 Sint-Michiels Koning Leopold III-plein Tel: +32 50 33 55 00 Tel: +32 50 41 22 27 [email protected] [email protected] www.brugseommeland.be www.blankenberge.be

Provincial information centre Tolhuis Tourist information centre Bredene Jan Van Eyckplein 2,8000 Bruges Kapelstraat 76 Tel: +32 800 20 021 Tel: +32 59 56 19 70 [email protected] [email protected] www.west-vlaanderen.be/informatiecentrum www.uitinbredene.be

Information centre Bruges Tourist information centre De Haan Markt 1 (Historium) Koninklijk Plein ’t Zand (Concert hall) Tel: +32 59 24 21 35 Stationsplein (Station) [email protected] Tel: +32 50 44 46 46 www.dehaan.be/toerisme [email protected] www.brugge.be Tourist information centre Knokke-Heist Zeedijk - Knokke 660 Tourist information Tel: +32 50 63 03 80 centreandvisitors’ centre Damme [email protected] Huyse de Grote Sterre www.knokke-heist.info Jacob van Maerlantstraat 3 Tel: +32 50 28 86 10 Tourist information centre Ostend [email protected] Monacoplein 2 www.toerismedamme.be Tel: +32 59 70 11 99 [email protected] Toerisme Tielt www.visitoostende.be Stadhuis Tielt Markt 13, 8700 Tielt Tourist information centre Zeebrugge Tel: +32 51 42 82 55 Zeedijk, Badengebouw [email protected] Tel: +32 50 44 46 46 www.toerismetielt.be [email protected] www.brugge.be/zeebrugge Tourist information centre Torhout Markt 1 Tel: +32 50 22 07 70 Please consult the pages with the visitors’ [email protected] centres and information points on our web- www.toerismetorhout.be site www.brugeswoodland.be 50

a b c d e f g h i j k l

KNOKKE- HEIST 1 Duinbergen

BLANKENBERGE Zeebrugge Ramskapelle Westkapelle 2

Zwankendamme

Uitkerke Lissewege Hoeke 3 DE HAAN Nieuwmunster Oostkerke Dudzele Lapscheure BREDENE Vlissegem BREDENE Vlissegem ZUIENKERKE 4 DAMME Meetkerke Moerkerke Klemskerke Meetkerke Koolkerke Moerkerke OOSTENDE Houtave St.-Pieters Vivenkapelle 5 BRUGGE 5 Stalhille St.-Kruis Stene E40 Stene E40 Abdijenroute A10 Abd ute St.-Andries St.-Andries OUDENBURG Varsenare Sijsele JABBEKE 6 Snaaskerke Ettelgem St.-Michiels E40 St.-Michiels A18 Zerkegem Oedelem A18 Roksem Oedelem Moerbrugge GISTEL Snellegem Westkerke 7 G Bekegem 7 Gr Bekegem Loppem ro Loppem en Vloethemveld ne Vloethe ldz BEERNEM Zevekote e zat Zevekote 6 te 2 OOSTKAMP Eernegem ZEDELGEM E40 Moere A10 St.-Joris Aartrijke A10 St.-Joris 8

Waardamme Veldegem Hertsberge Ruddervoorde 9 ICHTEGEM Ruddervoorde Wildenburg Wijnendale Balie brugge

10 TORHOUT WINGENE Doomkerke 10 E403 E403 RUISELEDE LICHTERVELDE Schuiferskapelle 11 Egem Kanegem Koolskamp TIELT TIELT Aarsele PITTEM 12 ARDOOIE

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