Discover Hamme: Nature, Trails and Cultural Heritage

Hamme combines river landscapes, distinctive hiking trails and a diverse cultural heritage. Anyone looking for a mix of nature observation, regional history and active discoveries for their holiday will find a range of reasons to plan a trip here. Choosing suitable accommodation can depend on whether you mainly want to hike along the Scheldt, discover historic buildings or experience local traditions.

Cultural heritage with a history of its own

Mirabrug is one of Hamme’s prominent cultural sites. Fons Rademaekers used it as a filming location for the film “Mira of de teleurgang van de waterhoek”, and it has been named after this film since 1971. The bridge has also been a protected monument since 21 August 1991. It therefore combines film history with a specific waterside location.

Another defining structure is De Grote Napoleon, a stone grain and oil mill from the early 19th century. It belongs to the type of Dutch windmill, or hilltop Dutch windmill, and is the only completely preserved example of the 22 windmills that once stood in Hamme. The heritage site includes a bakery museum, a tearoom and a traditional bakery. Visitors can also sample some regional products there.

Hamme’s historical heritage also includes the Decanale kerk Sint-Pietersbanden, which has been designated a protected monument since 12 April 1974, and the Kapel Tweebruggen at Tweebruggenplein. The chapel has been protected as a monument since 19 August 1980. Those interested in religious architecture and local history can include these sites in their personal exploration without having to limit their stay to a single theme.

Water landscapes and nature observation

Hamme also features a landscape shaped by water and the tides. Lippenbroek is a 10-hectare nature reserve on the banks of the Scheldt that has existed since 2006. A special lock system allows a small exchange of Scheldt water every day. Den Bunt is also a tidal-influenced nature reserve. Waterbirds, mudflats and reed beds are all part of the landscape there.

The Durme is also subject to tidal influence and forms part of the freshwater tidal zone. These different waterscapes give the trip a different rhythm from a purely cultural stay: they draw attention to riverbanks, dikes and changes in the landscape. When looking for a holiday apartment in Hamme, it can therefore be useful to consider in advance whether nature observation and walks should be the main focus.

Hiking trails with different stories

The Den Bunt hiking trail starts at Mirabrug and leads via Driegoten to Binnenbunt. It follows wide dikes and passes through open countryside with far-reaching views. The Wuitensroute follows the Scheldt and Durme dikes and passes the Oude Durme, Zogge, Sint-Anna, the village square of Moerzeke, De Kille and De Bunt. This gives you a choice of different landscapes and trail routes when planning your trip, without having to focus exclusively on a single attraction.

The guided De Pillecyn walk offers a cultural perspective on hiking. It follows the novel “Mensen achter de dijk” and includes 13 information boards featuring excerpts from the book. During the annual Wuitensmarsen, hundreds of hikers explore the municipality and the surrounding countryside along various routes. The Wuitenfeesten, by contrast, add a festive touch: every year, they include a satirical procession with elaborate floats through the streets of Hamme.

The right accommodation idea for your trip

When looking for accommodation in Hamme, it is worth deciding on your preferred travel style first. If you prefer trails and open landscapes, the Den Bunt hiking trail and the Wuitensroute may influence your choice. For days focused on culture, Mirabrug, De Grote Napoleon and the protected churches and chapels take centre stage. Those who want to combine nature and regional history can include both focuses in their planning and choose a holiday apartment according to their own priorities.

You can find more places to include in your trip planning in Wachtebeke, Evergem, Zomergem, Merelbeke, Gerhardsbergen, Hoeselt, Kortenaken and Zulte.

For the overview of the wider region: East Flanders.