Sluis between town history and nature

Sluis combines town history with walking routes and nature. In the centre, the “De geheimen van Sluis en Sint Anna ter Muiden” route starts in the square in front of the Belfort. It leads into Meerminnestraat, a car-free street opposite the Belfort, and passes the statue of Johan Hendrik van Dale on Walplein. This route brings together a named urban space and a specific monument.

Historic places and their stories

The Damse Vaart is also known as the Sluis–Bruges Canal or Napoleonkanaal. In 1854, it was extended to the centre of Sluis. The town’s history as a port is also part of its historical background: Sluis became Flanders’ most important port.

The Belfort in Sluis is the only belfry in the Netherlands. Today, it is an interactive museum with activities such as a quiz, a dialect game and a climb up the belfry tower. This place therefore combines a distinctive feature of Dutch architectural history with activities that focus directly on the Belfort and the local dialect.

The Sint-Janskerk formerly stood in Dinsdagstraat, near Sint-Janskerkhof. It was a cruciform church dating from the mid-14th century. Its history can therefore be explored through its former location and its documented architectural form. This offers a different perspective from the Belfort, which is described today as an interactive museum.

Town ramparts, routes and nature

The Wallen van Sluis have both ecological and cultural-historical value. They are also one of the few places where the rare tree frog occurs. Sightings are not guaranteed. Nature enthusiasts can therefore appreciate this feature of the ramparts without expecting to encounter a frog.

A circular route along the Wallen van Sluis is about 4.5 kilometres long. For cyclists, the cycle network around Sluis follows quiet polder roads and dikes. The circular route offers a roughly 4.5-kilometre option on foot; the cycle network follows quiet polder roads and dikes.

Mills and seasonal activities

Molen De Brak was built in 1739 and was the first stone mill in the region. It is still operational and used regularly; check the current visiting arrangements before your visit. The brasserie serves apple pie and pancakes made with its own flour. The specific menu may vary.

Struisvogelboerderij Monnikenwerve offers guided tours seasonally. They cover incubators, eggs, chicks and adult ostriches. The tea room serves ostrich cake and ostrich liqueur, and there is also a terrace. The offerings may vary by season. If you plan a visit, bear in mind that the tours and offerings are seasonal.

Another named attraction is Klein Ravelijn, a public playground in Kloosterstraat next to the school or MFC De Keure. It has a knights-and-castles theme. Check the current condition of the facilities before your visit. The attractions described here therefore range from historic places and scenic routes to seasonal tours and a themed playground.

Discover more destinations: Hoofdplaat, Groede, Sint Kruis, Retranchement, Nieuwvliet, Ijzendijke, Zuidzande, Nieuwvliet-Bad.

For the main travel overview: Sluis.