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Minnewater (Lake of Love), Bruges

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Minnewater (Lake of Love), Bruges

Recommended by 101 hikers out of 103

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Location: Brugge, Bruges, West Flanders, Flanders, Belgium

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Best Hikes to Minnewater (Lake of Love), Bruges

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1. Jan van Eyck Square – Bruges Canals (Brugse Reien) loop from Brugge

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2. Bruges City Hall (Stadhuis van Brugge) – Bonifacius Bridge loop from Bruges

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3. Bruges City Hall (Stadhuis van Brugge) – Bonifacius Bridge loop from Sint-Kruis

12.9km

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Tips

JULIO TENDERO ROSELL

July 19, 2024

The Lake of Love is the old port of Bruges, it was a dock where foreign ships arriving in Bruges loaded with wool, wine and other imported products docked, and it existed at least since the 16th century.

Translated by Google •

Franky De Witte

June 14, 2025

The Minnewater in Bruges, also called the "lake of love", is an idyllic body of water on the edge of the historic city centre. The origin of the Minnewater has both a natural and a historical component:

1. Origin as a watercourse

The Minnewater is originally part of an old branch or widening of the Reie, the river that flows through Bruges. In the Middle Ages, this area was transformed into an artificial lake as part of a water management system. It was a kind of outer harbour or water reservoir where ships could moor and where goods were transhipped.

2. Function in the Middle Ages

In the 13th century, the Minnewater played an important role in the trade and shipping of Bruges. A lock was built to regulate the water level and to enable access to the city via the water. Bruges was an important trading city at the time, and waterways were crucial for the transport of goods.

3. Romantic name and legend

The name "Minnewater" is connected to the legend of Minna, a girl who was in love with a boy from a hostile tribe. According to the story, she fled a forced marriage, hid in the forest, and died of exhaustion. Her lover found her and buried her by the water, which has since been called "Minnewater" - the water of Minna or the water of love.

4. Current meaning

Today, the Minnewater is best known as a romantic spot with a picturesque view of the Minnewater Bridge, the Minnewater Park and the Beguinage. It is one of the most photographed places in Bruges.

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🌸 Rianne & Joep 🐶

August 19, 2025

I was able to take such a beautiful photo here with swans and flowers

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Details

Informations

Elevation 50 m

Weather

Today

Monday 13 October

17°C

10°C

0 %

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Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

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Location: Brugge, Bruges, West Flanders, Flanders, Belgium

Minnewater (Lake of Love), Bruges

1. Jan van Eyck Square – Bruges Canals (Brugse Reien) loop from Brugge

2. Bruges City Hall (Stadhuis van Brugge) – Bonifacius Bridge loop from Bruges

3. Bruges City Hall (Stadhuis van Brugge) – Bonifacius Bridge loop from Sint-Kruis

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