Maerlantroute

Very early on a summer morning, when there are still no tourists, Damme is at its most beautiful. The cafés and restaurants have not yet opened and only the sound of your footsteps is echoed by the centuries-old facades around the town hall. Jacob van Maerlant has probably noticed you, but don't worry, he won't tell anyone. Even in the polder, the early summer morning is an excellent time. Aside from an early farmer or milk collector, there is no one to disturb nature during its awakening. You have the streets to yourself, no smells or sounds from 'civilization' mingle with those of nature. Unless, of course, the humming of your wheels and the barking of a dog startled by a cyclist in this unusually early hour. The tasks are nicely spread along this bike route: the clever Jacob van Maerlant has shown you the way at the beginning; upon arrival, you can expect the know-it-all Uilenspiegel.
Where the Maerlantroute runs now, there used to be a swampy area. The region was drained and dried with the help of winding dikes and straight canals. The storm surge of 1134 led to the construction of a dike to protect the hinterland. Already a century later, the settlement behind this dike, namely Damme, was granted city rights.

SIGNAGE
Hexagonal signs with the name of the route.

SAFETY
No intersections with major roads.
Generally quiet, rural roads. Road surface in good condition. Only 1% traffic-free.

RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT
Market, Damme

INFORMATION
Tourism Damme, Huyse De Grote Sterre, Jacob Van Maerlantstraat 3, 8340 Damme, 050 28 86 10, toerisme@damme.be, www.damme.be and www.vvvdamme.be.

Tourism Maldegem, Oud Schepenhuis, Marktstraat 38, 9990 Maldegem, 050 71 30 05, toerisme@maldegem.be, www.maldegem.be.

BIKE RENTAL
Tourism Damme, Huyse De Grote Sterre, Jacob Van Maerlantstraat 3, 8340 Damme, 050 28 86 10, toerisme@damme.be.

Tijl and Nele, Jacob Van Maerlantstraat 2, 8340 Damme, 050 35 71 92, tijl.nele@pandora.be.

Ben's Bike Rental, St.-Kwintensstraat 12, 8340 Oostkerke, tel. 050 61 26 67 or
tel. 0479 97 12 80, www.arlando.be.

EATING AND DRINKING
Smulkroeg Ter Kloeffe, Jacob van Maerlantstraat 5, 8340 Damme, 050 35 64 94. In this cozy tavern with white-red checkered tablecloths and seating between old gramophones, you have a large selection of daily menus, pancakes, and ice cream.

In Damme, you also have a very diverse offering of cafés, taverns, inns, and restaurants.