Fort van Beieren

Fort van Beieren was developed during the War of the Spanish Succession. French troops first established a military camp here before turning it into a fortified position between Bruges and Damme in the early 18th century. It formed part of a wider defensive line intended to protect the Southern Netherlands against attacks from the north.

The fort was named after Maximilian II Emanuel of Bavaria, then governor of the Southern Netherlands. It was built according to the French bastioned system, with a central square, four bastions, defensive ditches and a ravelin.

The fort was never actually besieged. After the French defeat at Ramillies in 1706, it remained in military use and troops continued to be stationed here until 1748.

After 1748, the site lost its military role and passed into private ownership. Parts were used as farmland and pasture, while other sections gradually became wooded. This helped preserve much of the earthwork structure and the old ditches.

During the Second World War, a German field battery was temporarily positioned within the fortifications. The Fort de Bavière castle estate also stood on the south-western side of the fort. The castle was damaged during the German occupation and demolished in 1956. Several traces of the former estate still survive, including sections of wall, entrance features and an ice house.

The Province of West Flanders acquired Fort van Beieren in 1998. Since then, the site has been managed as a provincial domain, with both its natural character and the historic structure of the fort preserved.

The paths follow the old ramparts, ditches and bastions, so it is quite easy to understand how the fort was originally laid out as you walk. At the same time, it does not feel like a heavily developed historical attraction.

The restored north-western bastion also has a natural play area with five viewing points overlooking the surrounding polder landscape.

The Province of West Flanders currently lists two walks of 2.2 and 3.3 kilometres through and around the domain. If you want a longer outing, you can easily continue towards the Damse Vaart.

The short distances, natural play area, picnic facilities and several places to stop make Fort van Beieren a good option for families with children as well. There is also a brasserie at the entrance where you can get something to eat or drink before or after the walk.