The current belfry originally housed a number of halls. Around 1240, the trading elite in Bruges decided to replace the wooden construction with a stone complex and also to build a belfry in stone with a wooden spire, as a symbol of the city's prosperity. The tower had a more administrative function, it contained a treasury, the archive of the city accounts and functioned as the seat of the city aldermen. In 1280, the upper part burned down and with it the archive from before 1280 was lost. Around 1291-1296, the tower was restored with the two lower square building parts and a wooden spire. The city halls were further expanded in the 15th century and from 1483 to 1487 the octagonal Gothic upper part was built, also with a wooden spire on which the statue of Saint Michael appeared. Due to a lightning strike in 1493, this upper part burned down again, as did the city bells. During the restoration, a wooden spire with a rising lion was built. In 1741 the spire burned down again and was restored in 1753, but without a spire. In 1822 the tower was given the current neo-Gothic crown finish instead of a spire. In the 13th century the tower began to lean in a south-eastern direction, probably as a result of a filled-in watercourse. In 1964-1971 the tower was thoroughly restored. However, it turned out not to be necessary to reinforce the foundations further to prevent further leaning. The belfry of Bruges is 83 meters high and leans slightly 87 centimeters towards Wollestraat. To reach the top, 366 steps have to be climbed.

Translated by Google •

JakobH 🚴‍♂️🥾⛰️🇩🇪

August 16, 2025

The 83-meter-high Belfry (Belfort), dating back to the 13th century, is one of Bruges' three iconic towers. Those who climb the 366 steps will be rewarded with impressive views of Bruges and its surroundings. On the way up, you can take a break in the Treasury, where the rights of attorney, the city seal, and the city treasury were kept in the Middle Ages. One floor up, you'll see the impressive music roll that controls the carillon, and from the tower room, you'll see the piano on which the carillon is played today.

Translated by Google •

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 10 m

Weather

Today

Thursday 30 October

14°C

9°C

0 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See hikes here

Take Me There

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

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Bruges Canals (Brugse Reien)

Koeleweimolen

View of Spiegelrei and Sint-Annarei, Bruges

Tillegem Castle

Kasteel de la Faille at Minnewater

Minnewaterpark

Paardenfontein

Gruuthuse Courtyard

St. Anne's Church (Sint-Annakerk) Bruges

Ezelpoort

Historic Center of Bruges

Belfry of Bruges

1. Bruges Canals (Brugse Reien) – Bonifacius Bridge loop from Brugge

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

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

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️