8 x spring in Bruges
A new spring, a new sound. Otherwise known as a new beginning. The centuries-old city of Bruges continues to refresh its offerings, whether cultural, culinary or recreational. Be inspired by the following fresh news to take full advantage of the return of some fine weather and to observe the valuable heritage with fresh eyes.
1. Brand new Visit Bruges route app
Visit Bruges is playing the digital card to the max with the brand new route app, starting from the Walking guide Oooh! Bruges. The app is easy to use and introduces visitors to Bruges in a surprising, varied and in-depth way through some exclusive discovery routes. The visitor's viewpoint is central, so they are only shown information that is useful to them at that time. Four atmospheric hiking routes with as many as 73 points of interest have been integrated. Each route not only includes concise information in 6 languages, but is also complemented by attractive visuals such as pictures, video and even 360° images. An additional engaging walking route as part of Het verhaal van Vlaanderen (The Story of Flanders), focusing on the story of Bruges, will be launched soon.
Download the app for iOS or Android.
2. New VR experience at Historium
Perception is highly central to the new Virtual Reality experience at the cultural history attraction Historium. Even before you put on the VR glasses, you can imagine yourself in the Golden Age. Lifelike settings enhanced by a light breeze and scents from a jetty will take you back to mediaeval times. Board a ship to then virtually sail into Bruges, discover the Water Halls and even admire the lost St Donatian's Church. After that, hear the exciting tale of Jan van Eyck's apprentice, featuring film, settings and special effects, and enjoy a unique 360° view from the Historium Tower. Round off with a drink at the Duvelorium.
3. Up-to-date opening hours for Musea Brugge
As of 1 April, there are new opening hours and days for various Musea Brugge venues. The Groeningemuseum, which presents the masterpieces by the world-renowned Flemish primitives, among other things, will now be open on Mondays and closes on Wednesdays. House Arents will close as a museum to serve as a pop-up bar, open meeting place and event venue starting 1/06, going by the name Salon Arents. St John's Hospital is undergoing a major refurbishing and will reopen its doors from 16/12. Hans Memling's works are temporarily off view; however, the old hospital pharmacy remains open. You can visit the Belfry daily in the summer (01/04 to 02/11) from 9am to 8pm and in the winter until 6pm (except until 8pm on Saturdays). Our Lady of the Pottery, Sint-Janshuis Mill and Folk Museum are also operating a winter and summer regime. The Liberty of Bruges and the Gezellehuis are only open for a limited time. The beautiful walled garden at poet Gezelle's birthplace is always freely accessible.
You can find the new regulation, as well as the current rates, here >
4. Contemporary performing arts
It is spring, not only in Vivaldi's Four Seasons, but also in the halls of cultural temples. Concertgebouw Brugge is pulling out all the stops with ALL ARIAS, a new, biennial festival of musical theatre featuring literary classics and great stories from different continents. As part of the Masterpiece Weeks, you can experience another masterpiece by Bach (30/03 – 8/04), Messiaen (4–5/05) and Willaert (2–3/06). Also be surprised by the 'Budapest Festival Orchestra' (19–21/05) – a main fixture – with a family performance especially for children with autism spectrum disorder and an intimate chamber music programme, among other things.
Brugotta Festival (6 – 16/04) is the annual Mecca for Bruges' artistic talent of all manner of kinds, bringing music, performance, word, theatre and visual arts to the stages of Cultuurcentrum Brugge. You can just enjoy it or jam along.
5. Renewed cycling routes
Westtoer launched 25 new signposted cycling routes integrated as suggested circuits on the cycling network maps. Four routes traverse some refreshing forest and natural areas around Bruges.
- Uitkerkse Polder cycling route: through meadow landscapes and the polder village of Lissewege to the low-lying Meetkerkse Moeren.
- Lost Ports of the Zwin cycling route: discover the Zwin region and get a taste of the Middle Ages along the vanished ports of Sluis, Monnikerede, Hoeke, Damme and Bruges.
- Fields and Marshes cycling route: from the bird-rich Assebroek Marshes towards the City Ramparts and through the wooded domain of Ryckevelde to Beernem.
- Castles cycling route: along 'pleasure grounds' with landscape gardens and domain forests between Bruges and Torhout.
More cycling fun and info on the Tour of Flanders
6. A look at Heritage Day 2023
Explore Bruges through the lens of animals and learn what impact they had and have had on our cultural heritage. During the Beestige Erfgoeddag (Animal Heritage Day) on 23 April, among the things you can discover are what animal products artisans process during a city walk past some Handmade in Brugge creators. After a tour of the 19th-century City Theatre, enjoy a mini concert by the orchestra Anima Eterna. The full range of free activities will be available at www.erfgoedcelbrugge.be/erfgoeddag-2023
As a historic city, Bruges is bursting with heritage. An overview of the architectural gems and monuments that are a permanent part of the city's heritage can be found here.
7. The revival of Jong Keukengeweld
A collective of top young chefs bringing Flemish gastronomy to young people – that would be Jong Keukengeweld. During the promotion months of March and October, young people (aged between 18 and 30) can enjoy a three-course menu with custom drinks and water for €59. In Bruges, the youthful, innovative chefs from L.E.S.S., Franco Belge and Localè are taking part in this initiative.
Under the name Flavourite Bruges, Bruges invites the whole world to enjoy its culinary riches.
8. Stay with a Green Key-holder
The spring is a great season to go on holiday – city trips are particularly recommended. Those who choose lodgings with a Green Key label are certainly making the right choice for the environment. This eco-label aims to both promote tourist lodgings that are committed to reducing their ecological footprint and encourage sustainable development in the tourism sector. In Bruges, there are already eight lodgings with the Green Key label. Discover them here.
