Attractions and Places To See around Hamme - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Hamme showcase its local history, culture, and natural beauty. This municipality in the Belgian province of East Flanders is characterized by its location along the Durme and Scheldt rivers, offering diverse landscapes. Visitors can explore significant historical sites, unique natural formations like peat pits, and cultural landmarks. The area provides opportunities to experience both man-made structures and serene natural environments.
Best attractions and places to see around Hamme
- The most popular attractions is Peat Pits of Berlare Broek, a lake area resulting from ancient geological processes and peat extraction. This natural area features an alternation of ponds and forests, offering a unique landscape for exploration.
- Another must-see spot is Schelde Bend at Sint-Amands, a river bend known for its scenic views. Along its banks, visitors can find the mausoleum of poet Emile Verhaeren.
- Visitors also love Mira Bridge, a historical bridge over the Durme river. Built between 1896 and 1900, it gained fame from the 1971 film "Mira."
- Hamme is known for its historical bridges, natural river bends, and unique peat pit landscapes. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from cultural sites to natural features.
- The attractions around Hamme are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 700 upvotes and over 50 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Temse Scheldt Bridge
Highlight β’ Bridge
The bridges connect landscapes and people.
Trains, cars, cyclists and walkers make daily use of this beautiful building designed by Gustave Eiffel. At 374 meters, the Scheldt Bridge is the longest bridge over water in Belgium and is also the last bridge over the Scheldt, downstream, towards the sea.
The first bridge was designed by Eifel and was completed in 1870.
She served in the railway connection between Mechelen and Terneuzen.
Because there were no cars or bicycles driving around at that time, it was only accessible to railway traffic and pedestrians.
With a length of 343 m (in 1870), it was immediately the longest bridge in Belgium.
During the First World War, the bridge suffered serious damage.
She was restored. Because she was and still is an important connection.
In 1940, however, it was blown up by French and Belgian engineers for strategic reasons.
After the war, the construction of a new bridge was given priority. The first pile was placed on June 2, 1949.
The solemn inauguration by King Baudouin followed on 19 December 1955.
The current bridge is 365 meters long.
In April 1994 the movable part was replaced by a new roller bascule bridge; the solemn reopening of the bridge took place on April 29, 1994.
On the side of Temse are two monumental statues by Karel Aubroeck: The Scheldt and The Waves. These were placed in 1958 and 1964.
Enjoy this horizontal work of art while pedaling or walkingβ¦
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Mira Bridge
Highlight β’ Bridge
The bridge got its name and fame thanks to the feature film Mira, the 1971 film adaptation of the book De teleurgang van de Waterhoek by Stijn Streuvels by Fons Rademakers, with Willeke van Ammelrooy and Jan Decleir in the leading roles. The script was by Hugo Claus.
The bridge that Streuvels described was not between Hamme and Waasmunster, but was the Vierendeel Bridge that connected Ruien with Avelgem. However, it was dynamited and replaced twice. The current bridge is a much more modern version of the original.
At the beginning of the First World War, the middle section of the bridge was blown up by the local population, in an attempt to stop the Germans and their war material.
(Wikipedia)
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Donkmeer
Highlight β’ Lake
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Peat Pits of Berlare Broek
Highlight (Segment) β’ Lake
The thick layer of peat remained virtually untouched until the second half of the 17th century. Only then did peat begin to be extracted. As part of this peat extraction, the eastern part of the old Scheldt meander was excavated again, transforming the area into a large water surface. It was only finally drained at the beginning of the last century. The vacated land was planted with willows for basket weaving. After the Second World War, poplars were planted for the production of matches. Today, these poplars are gradually being replaced by native tree and shrub species as part of current forest management.
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Koolputten
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Now it is a meeting place. When the weather is nice, you will always find an ice cream cart here.
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Tips from the Community
The 1955 bridge caused considerable traffic congestion, a problem largely resolved since 2009 by the construction of a second parallel bridge. However, the current bridge complex remains a busy traffic intersection, and it largely defines the skyline of the Scheldt municipality of Temse. Cyclists can safely cross the bridge or cross the N16 under it.
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Nice to walk through with water on both sides.
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The name "Koolputten" would refer to the former unloading place for coal that was located here in the vicinity of the current Durme bridge. This iron bridge was preceded by a wooden bridge, built in 1826 to replace the old ferry or Hammeveer between Sombeke and Hamme. In this area on the Durme there was also a small eel quay or beer quay known as " 't Kaaiken".
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When you leave the information center, keep the lake on your right. The route past the chapel is not worth it unless you like residential areas. Once you reach the green area towards the duck decoy, the walk becomes really beautiful. At the campsite on the other side of the lake it is best to turn around and walk back. As you continue, you walk along the busy road surrounding the lake. Only the green side of the lake is worth it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Hamme?
Hamme offers several beautiful natural spots. You can visit the Peat Pits of Berlare Broek, a unique landscape with an alternation of ponds and forests, resulting from ancient geological processes. Another must-see is the Schelde Bend at Sint-Amands, known for its scenic views along the Scheldt river.
Are there historical sites to visit in Hamme?
Yes, Hamme is rich in history. The Mira Bridge, built between 1896 and 1900, is a significant landmark famous from the 1971 film 'Mira'. You can also explore the Temse Scheldt Bridge, the longest bridge over water in Belgium, with a rich history of rebuilding. Additionally, the 'Grote Napoleon' Windmill stands as the only complete historic mill remaining in Hamme.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Hamme's attractions?
The area around Hamme is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy various cycling routes, such as the 'Mira Bridge β Koolputten loop' or the 'Driegoten Ferry and Riverside β Path Along the Scheldt River loop'. For runners, there are trails like the 'Mira Bridge β View of the Durme River loop'. Find more options on our guides for Cycling around Hamme and Running Trails around Hamme.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in Hamme?
Absolutely! Many attractions around Hamme are suitable for families. The Peat Pits of Berlare Broek offer a natural setting for exploration, while the Schelde Bend at Sint-Amands provides scenic views. The Mira Bridge and Temse Scheldt Bridge are also great for a family outing, offering interesting historical context and views.
Where can I find cultural sites or unique local experiences in Hamme?
Hamme offers several cultural sites, including the Moerzeke Chapel, Sint-Jozef Kastel Church, and the Sint-Pietersbandenkerk, which was rebuilt in the 18th century. For a unique local experience, try to catch the annual 'Hamse Wuiten' street parade at the end of March, where inhabitants dress up and create floats satirizing local and national politicians.
Can I go cycling or walking along the rivers in Hamme?
Yes, the rivers Durme and Scheldt provide excellent opportunities for cycling and walking. You can cycle across the historic Mira Bridge over the Durme, or explore routes along the Scheldt, such as those passing the Schelde Bend at Sint-Amands. The Veer Hamme Driegoten-Weert ferry also allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross the river, expanding your route options.
What is the significance of the Mira Bridge?
The Mira Bridge is a historical bridge over the Durme river, connecting Hamme and Waasmunster. It gained significant fame from the 1971 film 'Mira', based on Stijn Streuvels' book 'De teleurgang van de Waterhoek'. Historically, its middle section was even blown up during the First World War to impede German forces.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots in Hamme?
The Schelde Bend at Sint-Amands is highly recommended for its scenic views, especially at sunset. The Mira Bridge and Temse Scheldt Bridge also offer great vantage points over the rivers and surrounding landscapes.
What is the history behind the Peat Pits of Berlare Broek?
The Peat Pits of Berlare Broek are a fascinating natural area formed in a cut-off meander of the Scheldt after the last ice age. Peat accumulated over thousands of years, and from the 17th century onwards, peat extraction transformed the area into a large water surface. Today, it's a beautiful mix of ponds and forests, showcasing this geological and historical process.
What is the Koolputten and what can I do there?
The Koolputten is a historical location that was once used for unloading and loading coal. Today, it serves as a popular meeting place. On nice days, you can often find an ice cream cart there, making it a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings, often after a walk or cycle along the Durme.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Hamme?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse landscapes, from the unique ponds and forests of the Peat Pits of Berlare Broek to the serene river views at the Schelde Bend at Sint-Amands. The historical significance of landmarks like the Mira Bridge and the opportunities for cycling and walking along the rivers are also highly valued.
Most popular attractions around Hamme
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