Biking along the Canals

jim
jim
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
5
Reviews
20
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Editor Pick

Canal Trip

  • July 1, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by mightywease from Carshalton, United Kingdom
Canal Trip

This is a wonderful way of seeing Bruges from—literally—a different level. You cruise along some extremely beautiful stretches of canal overlooked by some extremely beautiful architecture!

I really loved, and was very envious of, the houses right by the water. Many had stone jetties leading into the canals, some had overhanging windows, and others small courtyards from where I could imagine sitting with a good book, every so often looking up from what I was reading to stare into the water or the trees as they were stirred by a gentle breeze. Oh, if ever I win the lottery...!

The trip takes about 30 minutes and there are many views and vistas that will have you reaching for your camera. My one criticism was that our boat Driver/Guide was a little lack-lustre in his commentary—we always seemed to have gone past the building, point of interest etc,.. by the time he got round to talking about it and so I felt I didn’t get as much information about what we were seeing as I would have liked. However, that is a small criticism and I would certainly recommend a canal trip for anyone visiting Bruges.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy seeing Bruges from a different viewpoint.

The trip cost approximately €5.

From journal Bruges - The Epitome of Charm

Take a bike tour yourself

  • July 15, 2005
  • Rated 5 of 5 by axxiz_mutatiz from MEXICO CITY, Mexico
Take a bike tour yourself

Since my friend did not want to rent a bike with me, I had to take the whole tour by myself. I rented a bike at Bauhause, the hostel we were staying at, and got lost on Bruges’ streets to be able to see the city itself. I found a very old cemetery, where the rain caught me, but an 80-year-old man sat with me under his umbrella to talk about Bruges’ history. I’m sorry, dear reader, but I save those stories for myself, since it was absolutely amazing to talk to an old person who thanks life for keeping him in this world after seeing World War II.

I have to say that we were very well received in all of Europe, but the hospitality at Bruges was the best!

From journal Bruges, a flashback in time

Editor Pick

In town and along canals

  • July 17, 2001
  • Rated 4 of 5 by KarenG from Aiken, South Carolina
In town and along canals

Biking in and around Bruges is a treat that was much loved by all of us. Pick up the biking brochure (BEF50/$1) from the travel information office on the Burg, which gives 5 bike routes of varying lengths and difficulty. There are several bike rental places around town. De Ketting is one of the farthest out and the least expensive (when you need to rent five, it makes a difference). However, Bruges is a small, easily walkable town and the walk was about 15 minutes from the town center. They had nice bikes available in sizes for all of us, with easily operable locks and laid-back terms. The shop closed at 6 pm, but we were told just to lock the bikes outside the shop if we returned later. Also, no deposit.

We biked both around town and out a popular 30-40 minute route canalside to Damme, another quaint mideival town, not nearly as touristed as Bruges. Biking is daily transportation in Bruges (and in much of Europe) as opposed to recreation or exercise as here in the U.S. This means the town and countryside are set up for biking with easily accessible and navigable bike lanes and paths. Also, and more importantly, local drivers are used to bikes - they will grant you the right-of-way. (In your turn, you must grant rights-of-way to pedestrians).

Biking in Bruges and the Belgian countryside was voted a favorite by all of us, ranging in age from 7 to 51. Fresh air, exercise, idyllic scenery, canals and windmills - who could ask for more?

From journal Bruges for families

Biking through town

  • July 16, 2000
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Constance from New York, New York
Biking through town

Biking around Brugge is more of a sight-seeing excursion than exercise. The streets are flat and easy to navigate and the views are amazing. The bikes have no gears and are quite large. Apparently the people in Belguim are much taller than Americans so, you'll feel like a little kid riding on them. We chose a route past some huge windmills on the outskirts of town and through a wonderful park. We saw canals and cobblestone bridges and an amazing old school and courtyard. We even came across a lovely lake (Love Lake) with swans and geese. Find a small wine/cheese shop and pack a lunch and enjoy the surroundings.

From journal Brugge - Charming & Romantic

Biking along the canals

  • June 13, 2000
  • Rated 4 of 5 by jim from Charlotte, North Carolina
Biking along the canals

This definitely was more sightseeing and relaxing than exercise. The bikes are single gear, basic bikes (but taller than what I was used to). You basically ride at a leisurely pace throughout the city and take pictures along the way. We also stopped on a few benches, got pastries at a couple of bakeries and just had fun.

From journal Old Europe Romance in Bruges

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