Cycle along the scenic Maerlant route. Canals, windmills and picturesque Belgian homes await you. Cycle all the way to Sluis in the Netherlands and back!
Maerlant is a well-known route for cyclists who want to see the highlights of the outdoors in West Flanders and the Netherlands. The peaceful trail is almost all flat road, so it’s pretty easy going. Basically no traffic too. If you’re after a pretty and calm bicycle route, this is the one for you.
The full thing is about 55km. You can see and download the map here. You start in Damme village, which is nearby Bruges. After that you’ll head to Sluis in the Netherlands, Middelburg, then back to Damme for a full circle.
Some cyclists start in Bruges, then head to Damme for a 20 minute trip instead. If you’re just looking for a short and easy going bike route, that’s probably more your thing.
- Sights: About 12km in, you get to use a self-service ferry to cross the river. You’ll cycle by tons of canals along the full 55km route and quirky little chapels too
Tips and Tricks
- You can rent a bike in Damme at shop Tijl en Nele for 12€ a day
Getting There
- By Car: close to free car parking at Parking Damme East
- By Bus: close to bus stop Damme Pottenbakkersstraat. Bus 98 stops here
- By Bike: Damme is a 20 min bike ride from Bruges city centre.
