Bruges Walk II, Belgium
On another day, I walked through Bruges to visit three small museums, enjoying its canals, historic streets, and beautiful scenery. 1310
Beguinage “Ten Wijngaerde” (Begijnhof): Begijnhof 30, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Minnewater: 8000 Bruges, Belgium
Date Picture Taken: May, 2026
This walk took me through the southern side of Bruges’ historic center, passing quieter streets, canals, the Beguinage, and Minnewater.
I came to the Beguinage “Ten Wijngaerde,” a peaceful historic community of whitewashed houses surrounding a quiet garden. Founded in 1245, it was originally home to beguines—religious women who lived together in a spiritual community without becoming nuns.
The Beguinage “Ten Wijngaerde” (Begijnhof) is one of the most peaceful and distinctive places in Bruges. It was founded in 1245 as a community for beguines—women who devoted themselves to a religious life but did not take permanent vows like nuns. They could own property and, in principle, leave the community.
The beguinage is entered through a gateway and feels surprisingly secluded from the busy city. Inside is a large, quiet green courtyard surrounded by whitewashed houses, many dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, along with the Church of St. Elizabeth. In spring, the courtyard is particularly well known for its daffodils.
Beguines no longer live there; today, the community is occupied by Benedictine nuns. Ten Wijngaerde is also part of the Flemish Béguinages UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A view behind me
I came to Minnewater, often called the Lake of Love, a peaceful and picturesque area of Bruges surrounded by trees, historic buildings, and graceful bridges. It was once part of the city’s important medieval waterway system and today is a popular place for a quiet walk.
From Minnewater, I turned around and began walking back through the historic streets of Bruges toward the city center.
