Brugge was terrific… I new it was going to be a fairy-tale-like, with cobbled streets, medieval buildings, canals, flowers and chocolate, but this city surpassed my expectations.
When we got off the train and headed for the town, we were among other 200-300 tourists going into the same direction. We took some small streets that were so picturesque, with small colourful shops and restaurants. And there always was a place for a table or two outside:
We loved a logo on one of the shops – with a taildragger! They sold fashion accessories… But there must have been a relation to flying. Someone from the shop shared our passion:
After some walking we decided to go for a coffee break:
Canals of Brugge with charming houses along their way:
Brugge has more than 80 (!) canals and bridges. During the Middle Ages, due to its dense network of waterways, the city was considered to be one of the major commercial centres of Europe.
There were shops everywhere; mostly chocolate, souvenirs, beers, jewellery. Brugge is known for its exquisitely beautiful lace products.
Ark van Zarren on the photo below is a B&B and a shop. Imagine to stay in such place, with tourists all year around?
The Markt of Brugge:
Great place for people watching, whether from a horse drawn carriage, or sitting at one of the many market side restaurants. We had lunch at Le Panier D’Or – the food was very good, and surprisingly quick and professional service. Poul and Carsten:
Brugge is also an architectural heaven – the buildings are so well-preserved, and have so many interesting details! The white one in the front centre was from 1600:
Jan van Eyck (famous painter) square that used to be an old harbour, with its captivating old buildings:
Inge-Merete and I had a coffee stop in one of the small cafes there (where they make hot chocolate of chocolate, and ask whether you prefer dark, medium or milk one):
And while we were enjoying our drinks, the rest of our group went for a boat trip. We later met again at the boat stop:
There were also concerts here and there, medieval music and singing:
On our way back to the train station some of us bought chocolate in this shop:
Though there are hundreds, if not thousands, of shops that sell chocolate, only some of them specialise in local produce. You need to look for a sign “handmade”, if you want to buy chocolate produced in Brugge.
Our group, from left to right: Ejnar, Birgit, Carsten, Hans, Inge-Merete, Per, Pernille, me, Morten, Kristian (and Poul who took this photo):
We were completely overwhelmed with joy after such a wonderful day!