The Visitors Centre Huyse de Grote Sterre

 

The Zwin Region is one of the most important scenic areas in Flanders. Nowhere else the coherence between history, culture, nature and scenery is as visibly present as here. In the centre of the Zwin Region lies the historic town of Damme. The stately house called "De Grote Sterre" has stood as a stone's throw from the town hall for well over five centuries. In this historical property the Visitors Centre has been attractively accommodated. Tourists and other people who are interested, can obtain information about the nature-oriented recreational possiblities of Damme and its surroundings. This is done from four lines of approach: the Polders, Damme past and present, nature, borders and lines.

 

Polders

Water and clay, dykes and sluices are the ingredients of the Polders saga. The genesis and the evolution of this low-lying, flat land are described in broad outline. Reconstruction maps illustrate the evolution of mud flats and salt marshes to pastures and fields. Attention is given to the management of waterways and drainage. In interviews farmers, cyclists, conservationists and other people tell about the region where they live, work and relax.

Damme Past and Present

As the centre of the Zwin Region Damme has lived an eventful history: from a thriving medieval port, via moated garrison town to being a tourist centre. This has left its traces in the landscape and those are being displayed. There is something to be listened to as well: the tale of count Philip of Alsace who granted privileges to Damme in 1180, and the account of Napoleon Bonaparte who had his canal dug right through the town centre of Damme.

Nature

And then there is also the nature with its rich fauna and flora. A nature guide takes you along to the most precious scenic locations of the area. Data about biotopes and ecosystems can be plucked from a computer screen just like that.

Borders and lines

By means of a reference map you can make an air voyage over the Zwin Region. Borders, points and lines are the leitmotiv in the stories about water management, transport and defence. Usually those elements cannot be observed well from the ground, but they can from up in the air and on maps. Just think about the heptagonal star-shaped ramparts of Damme.

 

Practical Information

Entrance fee

Free entrance

Opening hours

16/04 – 15/10

week : 9.00h – 12.00h and 14.00h – 18.00h

Saturday, Sunday and public holidays : 10.00h – 12.00h and 14.00h – 18.00h

16/10 – 15/04

week : 9.00h – 12.00h and 14.00h – 17.00h

Saturday, Sunday and public holidays :14.00h – 17.00h

 

Address

Visitors Centre Huyse de Grote Sterre

Jacob van Maerlantstraat 3

8340 Damme

Info

Toerisme Damme, Huyse de Grote Sterre, Jacob van Maerlantstraat 3, 8340 Damme, tél. 050 288 610, fax 050 37 00 21, toerisme@damme.be