BC Open Water 2026 — Bruges

The Damse Vaart canal, which links the tranquil town of Damme to the historic heart of Bruges, offers a unique environment for open water swimming. Swimmers navigating these waters should prepare for a consistent, flat-water experience, as the canal is sheltered from wind by its narrow, tree-lined banks. Water temperatures in late June typically hover in a range that requires careful preparation, as the canal's depth and limited circulation can lead to variations. While the water is generally calm, the absence of significant currents means that pacing is entirely up to the individual, allowing for a steady rhythm from start to finish.

Historical passage and surroundings

As you move through the canal, you are effectively swimming along a vital artery of medieval trade. The route follows the path of the ancient Reie river, which was diverted at the end of the 12th century to establish a direct maritime connection to the bustling port of Damme. Along the banks, you will notice the distinctive brick quays, often topped with blue stone cornices, that define the architecture of this region. Near the finish, the landscape evokes the atmosphere of the Poortersloge, a medieval lodge that once served as a center for the city's influential merchant class. The area’s heritage is further underscored by the presence of the Bruges Public Library, which safeguards nearly 500 medieval manuscripts from the Cistercian abbeys of Ten Duinen and Ter Doest, representing some of the finest illuminated works produced in Flanders.

Race day and heritage

This event is widely recognized as the oldest open water swimming competition in Europe, with its origins dating back to 1910. The 100th edition highlights a century of tradition, offering distances from a 250m youth race up to a 10km competitive challenge. Throughout the course, you may pass sites of deep historical significance, such as the area near the former St. Donatian's Cathedral, which stood as the city’s largest church until its destruction in 1799. Nearby, the Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Poterie continues to house the relics of Saint Idesbald, the third abbot of the historic Abbaye des Dunes. For those seeking to fill their calendar with regional challenges, the OWZ Zeeuwsch Vl. Sluis and the Internationale Brugse Zwemdoortocht provide further opportunities to experience the unique waterways of this corner of West Flanders.

From Damme to the ponte

The Damme-Brugge was first swum in 1910, along the Damse Vaart canal from the pontoon in Damme to the spot Bruges swimmers call the ponte. Thirteen men started, and Jef Pletinckx of CN Bruxelles won. The Koninklijke Brugse Zwemkring has carried it through a century with a few interruptions along the way; the hundredth edition, doubling as the 2026 Belgian open water championship, was stopped by blue-green algae in the canal.