Canals of Bruges, Belgium

The canals of Bruges (reien in Dutch) are the defining feature of the city and the reason it is often called the Venice of the North. In the Middle Ages the waterways connected Bruges with the sea through the Zwin inlet, making it one of the richest trading cities in northern Europe. When the Zwin silted up in the 15th century, trade moved to Antwerp and the medieval centre survived almost untouched. The canal-ringed historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

The canals wind past stone bridges, Gothic churches, merchant houses and hidden gardens. The most photographed spot is the Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay), with the Belfry rising above the water. Other favourites are the Groenerei and the Dijver, the quiet Gouden-Handrei and Augustijnenrei in the north of the centre, and the Minnewater, the “Lake of Love”, next to the Beguinage. Swans have lived on the canals for centuries and are one of the symbols of the city.

Visitor Information

Boat trips leave from five jetties in the centre: Rozenhoedkaai, Huidenvettersplein 13, Wollestraat 32, Nieuwstraat 11 and Katelijnestraat 4. All companies follow the same 30-minute route between Jan van Eyckplein and the Beguinage, with commentary from the captain. From March to October boats sail daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with the last departure at about 17:30. From November to February at least one jetty is open every day by rotation, depending on the weather, and there are no trips after dark.

A boat trip costs €15 for adults and €9 for children aged 4 to 11; children under 4 travel free, and visitors with a European Disability Card pay €9 with a free companion. Tickets cannot be booked in advance and are sold only at the jetties, so expect queues around midday in summer. Walking along the canals is free, and early morning or evening is the best time for photos.

The canals run through the whole historic centre, 10–20 minutes on foot from Bruges railway station; city buses stop at Brugge Dijver, close to the Rozenhoedkaai. Direct trains from Brussels take about an hour. The centre is compact, so walking or cycling is the easiest way to follow the canals.