Things To Do
in Oostkamp
Oostkamp is a quiet Flemish municipality just southwest of Bruges, known for its leafy avenues, country estates and a compact historic centre. The town mixes 18th–19th century villas, small parks and working farms with easy access to the canals and attractions of nearby Bruges. It’s popular with commuters who appreciate green space and a slower pace while still being within a short train ride of bigger cities.
Visitors come for relaxed cycling, local cafés, and scenic walks through estate grounds and farmland.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Oostkamp and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy breakfast at a local café while sampling traditional Belgian pastries. Take a leisurely stroll through the quaint streets to get a feel for the town's charming atmosphere.
Visit the local market where you can experience the vibrant culture and pick up fresh produce and handmade goods. Explore nearby historic sites, including the Church of St. John the Baptist, where you can admire its beautiful architecture. Stop by a local brewery for a tour and tasting of some of Belgium's finest beers.
Savor a dinner at a traditional Belgian restaurant, indulging in local dishes like stoofvlees and fries. After dinner, relax at a cozy bar and unwind with a Belgian ale while mingling with locals. Capture the enchanting sunset vistas of the surrounding countryside.
Take a short train ride to Bruges, often referred to as the Venice of the North. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast in one of the picturesque squares. Wander through the canals and historic streets, marveling at the stunning medieval architecture.
Visit the iconic Belfry of Bruges and climb to the top for panoramic views of the city. Explore the Markt and its vibrant market stalls, then indulge in some shopping for lace and chocolate. Enjoy lunch at a canal-side café, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
As dusk falls, embark on a romantic boat tour through the tranquil canals. Afterward, treat yourself to dinner at a gourmet restaurant renowned for its delectable seafood. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk around the illuminated city center, allowing the magic of Bruges to linger.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Pint of beer at pub | $4-6 |
| 🚆Short regional train ticket (to Bruges) | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, green setting close to Bruges and the coast
- Excellent cycling and short, scenic walks
- Authentic Flemish small-town atmosphere
- Good rail connections to larger cities for day trips
- Limited nightlife and restaurant variety within the town itself
- Some attractions require a short trip to Bruges or the coast
- Weather can be changeable with frequent rain
- Fewer direct international transport links than larger cities
- "Hallo / Goedemorgen" - Hello / Good morning
- "Dank u (danku)" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the train station?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
- "Mag ik de rekening, alstublieft?" - May I have the bill, please?
Places to Visit in Oostkamp
Visit one of these nice places.
Charming lanes, historic facades and the parish church provide classic Flemish town scenes—good for early-morning and golden-hour shots.
Tree-lined lanes and manor houses surrounding Oostkamp offer atmospheric symmetry and seasonal colours, especially in autumn and spring.
Open fields, hedgerows and farmhouses capture rural West Flanders character—sunrise and sunset create dramatic light.
If you take a quick train to Bruges, the canals, bridges and medieval architecture are world-famous photography subjects.
Look for birds and reflections in small ponds and wetlands around local reserves—good for wildlife and landscape shots.
Food in Oostkamp
Oostkamp Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-cooked beef in a rich beer-based sauce, often served with fries or mashed potatoes; find it in local brasseries and family restaurants.
Must-Try!
Mussels cooked in white wine or beer, served with fries — commonly available at regional restaurants and in nearby coastal towns and Bruges.
Locally produced cheeses and charcuterie appear at markets and specialty shops—great for picnic supplies.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly markets sell fresh bread, cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal vegetables and pastries—ideal for sampling local products and assembling a picnic.
A short train ride away, Bruges offers busy market stalls and street-food options—try fries, waffles and local snacks while sightseeing.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A brief handshake is common when meeting; a friendly 'Hallo' or 'Goedemorgen' is appreciated. Use polite forms (u) with older people unless invited to use first names.
Dutch (Flemish) is the local language; most people in service industries speak good English and some French, especially in tourist areas—trying a few Dutch phrases is polite.
Always be aware of cyclists and bike lanes; don’t walk in dedicated cycle paths and give way where appropriate.
Respect quiet hours in residential areas (often late evening and Sunday mornings); keep noise low in terraces and public spaces at night.
Safety
Tipping in Oostkamp
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is typically included in bills (service compris), but it’s common to round up small amounts or leave 5–10% for excellent service in restaurants. For cafés and bars, leaving small change is normal.
Belgium uses the euro; contactless cards and chip-and-pin are widely accepted. Carry some cash for small village shops, market stalls and rural cafés that may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blossoming trees make it pleasant for cycling and walks; expect some rainy days and busy weekends as tourists return.
Warm but rarely hot; ideal for outdoor activities and terrace dining. Tourist crowds increase, especially in nearby Bruges and coastal spots—book ahead in July–August.
Cooler days and colourful foliage on estate lanes create scenic views; rain increases and daylight shortens but the area is quieter.
Chilly and damp with occasional frost; quiet town atmosphere and festive markets in nearby Bruges—pack layers and waterproofs.
Oostkamp at Night
Hiking in Oostkamp
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A mixed landscape of meadows, ponds and woodland on the edge of Bruges—good for short hikes, birdwatching and family walks.
Gentle paths through polder landscapes and small villages east of Bruges; flat, scenic and ideal for walking or cycling.
If you’re willing to travel to the coast, the dunes and beaches offer long walks with sea views and fresh air.
Airports
How to reach Oostkamp by plane.
About 20–30 minutes by car from Oostkamp; useful for regional and seasonal European flights and quick access to the coast.
Approximately 1–1.5 hours by car or train depending on connections; largest international hub serving global and transatlantic flights.
Around 1–1.25 hours by car; smaller regional airport with limited routes but convenient for northern Belgium.
About 1–1.5 hours by car depending on traffic; viable alternative for some European routes across the French border.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-standing residents and families who value green spaces, schools and community life.
People who work in Bruges or nearby cities and choose Oostkamp for its quieter residential environment.
Older residents attracted to the peaceful setting, local services and healthcare access nearby.
Like many Belgian towns, Oostkamp includes residents from a variety of backgrounds, contributing to multicultural shops and eateries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local clubs and amateur leagues are popular across all ages; matches and community teams are a regular part of local life.
Both recreational and competitive cycling are widespread—Belgium has a strong cycling culture and many dedicated routes for road and leisure cyclists.
Field hockey enjoys a following in the region with clubs for youth and adults and good local facilities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Oostkamp.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and mid-range restaurants; ask for salads, seasonal vegetable mains or cheese platters. Belgian cuisine is meat-heavy in traditional dishes, but many places provide vegetarian adaptations.
Vegan choices are increasing in the region—look for modern cafés and restaurants in Bruges or larger towns that list vegan mains and dairy-free desserts. Bring snacks if you plan rural outings.
Awareness of gluten-free diets is rising; many restaurants can accommodate requests but cross-contamination can occur in bakeries and fryers—ask staff and confirm preparation methods.