Bruges was founded in the 9th century by Vikings; the name Bruges is thought to derive from the old-Scandinavian word 'Brygga' meaning 'harbour' or 'mooring place'. The river Zwin linked the settlement to the North Sea and it very quickly became an important international trading port.

The canals of this old European city have always connected the inhabitants with traders and businessmen beyond its borders. The history of Bruges is inseparable from the tale of merchant shipping. A walk through the city’s winding, cobbled streets will invariably lead the visitor to one of its many canals.There are many small canal boats waiting to take tourists on a trip on the waterways. A city trip to Bruges cannot possibly be made only on land. A boat trip on the canals is an absolute must.For this reason, Bruges is often referred to as the Venice of the North.



Places To See:

The Canals: Since you are in the venice of the North,try not to leave Bruges without taking a boat trip along the city's canals.It is an incredible experience.

Choco-Story(Chocolate museum): After the canals, another must-visit on the itinerary is this incredible chocolate museum.
That's right, a museum for chocolate! The story of chocolate is told through the galleries laid out logically and attractively over the three floors.The first floor is devoted to the early history of chocolate, harkening back to the days of the Maya and the Aztecs, who mixed cocoa, water and spices into a bitter beverage that had a ceremonial role. This floor's rooms feature many authentic artifacts, including a Quetzalcoatl deity, pottery and knives.The second floor focuses on the properties of chocolate and the process by which the cocoa bean is transformed into everyone's favorite delicacy.
On the third floor the main emphasis is on the healthy properties of chocolate.
Choco-Story is conveniently located near the two main public squares, called the Markt and the Burg.

Beguinage: A part of the World Heritage Site that covers all the Flemish beguinages, this one is still used for its original purpose, to house single women; unbelievably picturesque, white terraced houses surround a central green that is awash with daffodils in early spring.

Belfry Tower: Considered a symbol of Bruges' medieval power, it is worth climbing the 366 steps of this 80-metre high tower for views over the city. Also part of a World Heritage Site that encompasses all the Belfries of Belgium & France.

Groeningemuseum: The city art museum renowned for its Flemish primitives dating to the 15th and early 16th century; artists include Hieronymous Bosch, Jan Van Eyck and Hans Memling. Take time to discover the district of St Anne with its gabled houses and working windmills.

Gruuthusemuseum: Housed in the 15th century palace of the Lords of Gruuthuse, has a wonderful collection of applied arts, musical instruments and weapons.

Reaching There:

By Train: There are several direct connections each day from Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp, and also from other Belgian cities to Bruges.For those traveling from other countries like Holland etc. there is a change of train at Brussels-Midi/Zuid.

By plane :Bruges can be reached by air Via Brussels Airport.There are daily flights from over 200 destinations in 66 countries to Brussels. Easy access to Bruges by train (one transfer in Brussels-Midi/Zuid).