Discover Sluis: Belfry, Ramparts and Windmill

Sluis combines fortified history, green ramparts and interactive attractions in the Belfry. The Belfry is the only belfry in the Netherlands and is now an interactive museum. A quiz, dialect game and climb up the Belfry tower turn the historic building into a visit with different ways to engage. The three offerings each have a different focus, but remain connected at the same historic site. There are also the ramparts of Sluis, a cycle network along quiet polder roads and dykes, De Brak Windmill and the Monnikenwerve Ostrich Farm. Culture enthusiasts will find a museum, city gate, windmill and ramparts in Sluis.

Circular Walking Route and Cycle Network Around Sluis

A circular route along the ramparts of Sluis is approximately 4.5 km long. The approximate distance provides a specific guide for planning the time needed for a circuit. The cycle network around Sluis runs along quiet polder roads and dykes. The length, route and tranquil nature of the trails help you determine your own daily rhythm for a circuit or cycling tour. This keeps the distance in mind as a concrete indication for a walk or cycling tour.

Belfry, City Gate and Traces of History

De Steenen Beer is also known as Westpoort and Brugse Poort and is a fortified city gate. Master mason Hendrik Timmerman built it between 1444 and 1456.

De Brak Windmill also reaches far back into history. It was built in 1739 and was the first stone windmill in the region. At the same time, it is still in operation and is used regularly. Its brasserie serves apple pie and pancakes made with its own flour. Here, the ongoing operation of the windmill is combined with a specific brasserie offering made with its own flour.

The Sint-Janskerk formerly stood in Dinsdagstraat by the Sint-Janskerkhof. It was a cruciform church dating from the mid-14th century. Sluis also became Flanders' most important port.

Ramparts, Nature and Klein Ravelijn

The ramparts of Sluis have both ecological and cultural-historical value. They are also one of the few places where the rare European tree frog occurs. The ramparts can therefore be taken into account when planning both as a historic site and as a natural area.

Klein Ravelijn is a public playground on Kloosterstraat next to the school or MFC De Keure and has a knights-and-castles theme.

Regional Specialities and a Small Market

The Monnikenwerve Ostrich Farm offers guided tours covering incubators, eggs, chicks and adult ostriches. The tearoom serves ostrich cake and ostrich liqueur; it also has a terrace. The tour and tearoom combine insights into ostrich farming with the farm's own offerings.

There is a small market with fresh produce on the Groote Markt on Fridays. It takes place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Discover More Places Around Sluis

If you would like to explore more places beyond Sluis, you can find Ijzendijke, Cadzand, Waterlandkerkje, Nieuwvliet, Hoofdplaat, Breskens, Zuidzande and Schoondijke here.

To the higher-level travel overview: Sluis.