PADDLER 58
A glimpse of our Venice of the North
PADDLER 58
THE GHENT-BRUGES CANAL
A glimpse of our Venice of the North
Who hasn ’ t dreamed of paddling through the magnificent medieval city of Bruges ? Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has charmed many people . It owes its fame to the many canals that run through it and to its architectural heritage .
Unfortunately , paddling on the inner canals ( Brugse Reitjes ) is forbidden , but I have put together a route that will give you a taste of the most touristic city in Belgium . Here we explore Bruges via one of the oldest canals in Western Europe , the Ghent-Bruges Canal . This canal connects with three other canals at the Dampoort : the Damme Canal , the Bruges-Ostend Canal and the Baudouin Canal .
This alternative discovery of Bruges takes you past some of the beautiful buildings of the capital of West Flanders . You embark via a low bank giving access to the Ghent-Bruges canal near two charming barge hotels . You leave in the direction of Beernem and turn directly right towards the Yacht Club Flandria Brugge to head for the charming Minnewater , the Lake of Love . You pass a small marina with many boats and pass under the R30 , the highway , before arriving at the Poertoren . This 14th-century tower was once a water gate and later the city ’ s ammunition and gunpowder depot . The tower is built right next to the Minnewater Bridge . Stop at the stone bridge with a beautiful view of Bruges ’ s most photographed and romantic park . Stop for a moment to soak up the charm of the Venice of the North . Here you will have a view of the Sashuis , the Castle of the Rift and other Flemish-style buildings reflected in the lake . The people of Bruges used to
ENTERING THE WATER :
51 ° 11 ’ 38.9 " N 3 ° 13 ’ 40.4 " E Low concrete bank . Large car park nearby . Google map : https :// goo . gl / maps / ssU9VjpXqa9uohg89
believe that water nymphs and spirits ( Minne in Dutch ) lived in this lake , hence the name Minnewater .
Paddle back to the marina , and on your left , you will see the red Bargebrug . Back at the launch point , head hard left , towards the north !
You are now paddling on the canal outside the city . First , you pass some barge hotels , and then you pass under a bridge of the R30 . On your left , you see the Watertoren , a brick water tower that blends in perfectly with the medieval landscape of Bruges , although it only dates from 1925 .
The following historical site presents itself to you : the Gentpoort and the Ghent Gate . It is one of the four medieval gates that Bruges has preserved , and today it houses a museum .
With a few paddle strokes from the Ghent Gate , you will see the Conzettbrug on your left , a modern pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Coupure . Venture to this 1.6-kilometre-long canal in the centre of the city of Bruges for a few paddles . Some people say that the Coupure is reminiscent of the south of France !
You will be stopped by a lock , turn back to the footbridge and continue on the Ghent-Bruges canal . You pass under a bridge again before arriving at the best preserved of the four city gates , the Kruispoort . Continue to the Dampoort lock and turn around . You will pass the windmills Sint-Janshuismolen and ‘ The New Parrot ’ on the way . This is where our alternative tour of Bruges ends .