The canal in Sluis, also known as the Napoleon Canal or the Damse Vaart, was dug between 1812 and 1814 by order of Napoleon. The original plan to connect Bruges and Breskens was not completed, and the canal ends at Sluis. There had been shipping since 1858, but it was hampered after the destruction of the water locks in 1940. Now the Damse Vaart is used for recreational activities such as fishing and pedal boats.

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Thomas 🖤💚

December 9, 2022

Hiking

A lovely place in Sluis... the canal!
Will the canal be one of the most photographed spots in Sluis? We owe this beautiful place to the French Emperor Napoleon. The …

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Stephan N

June 12, 2025

Hiking

The Damse Vaart is a 15 km long canal in northern Belgium that connects Bruges to the Dutch border at Sluis. The canal was commissioned by Napoleon in 1810. It was originally intended to extend to the mouth of the Scheldt (Westerschelde), thus giving Bruges direct access to the North Sea. However, after Napoleon's defeat, the work was never completed.

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Routes here

Best routes to Damse Vaart Canal in Sluis

4.6

(147)

861

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1. Sluis Ramparts – Outer Ramparts of Sluis loop from Sluis

6.06km

01:32

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.6

(147)

861

hikers

2. Sluis Ramparts – Outer Ramparts of Sluis loop from Sluis

6.06km

01:32

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.6

(121)

682

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3. Sluis Ramparts – Outer Ramparts of Sluis loop from Sluis

8.00km

02:01

10m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 50 m

Weather

Tuesday 3 February

11°C

5°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h

Most visited during

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Location: Sluis, Zeeland, Netherlands

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Damse Vaart Canal in Sluis

1. Sluis Ramparts – Outer Ramparts of Sluis loop from Sluis

2. Sluis Ramparts – Outer Ramparts of Sluis loop from Sluis

3. Sluis Ramparts – Outer Ramparts of Sluis loop from Sluis

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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