Damme canal and village

Damme is a small canal village about six kilometres north-east of Bruges, in West Flanders, Belgium, reached by the straight, tree-lined Napoleon Canal (Damse Vaart). Once a thriving medieval port on the Zwin estuary, it silted up and shrank into a quiet village, which is now known for its poplar-lined waterway, the stepped-gable town hall, the leaning tower of Our Lady's Church and a number of antique and second-hand bookshops. Visitors arrive in three main ways. Many cycle along the canal path from Bruges, a flat ride of around 40 minutes each way, passing windmills and polder meadows. Others take the Lamme Goedzak paddle-style boat from the Noorweegse Kaai in Bruges, a trip of roughly 35 minutes. A few drive or take the bus from Bruges. In the village, the Gothic town hall on the Markt stands next to the statue of Jacob van Maerlant, the medieval poet, while the Church of Our Lady offers a climb of its tower for polder views. Legends of Tijl Uilenspiegel, the folk hero, are linked to the village, and there are several small museums and cafes serving local waffles and light lunches. A leisurely visit takes half a day. The best photo angles are from the canal path with the line of poplars receding into the distance, and from the Markt looking at the town hall. Summer weekends bring the largest numbers of cyclists and boat passengers, while weekday mornings and shoulder seasons are calmer. Bike rental shops in Bruges supply bikes, and the flat route suits families and casual riders.