7. Zwin Nature Park
The Zwin Nature Park stretches from the end of Het Zoute over the Belgian-Dutch border. Some two fifths of the 150 hectares are accessible to walkers. Het Zwin is now the silted inlet that once made Bruges one of the richest harbors in Europe. Today, the countryside, bordered by dunes and the sea dike and criss-crossed by tidal rivulets, provides a unique habitat for plants and animals.
The park is best known for its birds, and has become known as the «international bird airport» due to its tremendous volume of migrating birds. More than 100 species of birds nest in Zwin, among which are waders, ducks, the silver plover, and snipe. At the entrance to the nature reserve, the indigenous species are kept on several ponds and in aviaries, so that visitors can see many of the birds at close hand without disturbing those in the wild.
The best times to visit are in spring to see the birds, and in July and August when the ground is covered with a sea of blossoms known as the «Zwinneblomme.» Visitors can enjoy the park’s trails and observation decks, as well as a visitor center.
Location: Graaf Léon Lippensdreef 8, Knokke-Heist
8. Ghent
About 51 kilometers southeast of Bruges, Ghent is best known for its picturesque canals and architecture, and is enjoyed by those who want to see a less touristy Flemish city. Among its most well-known architectural landmarks is the Cathedral of St. Bavo (Sint-Baafskathedraal), an impressive Gothic structure that dates back to the 13th century. Tourists who want to visit a picture-perfect medieval castle won’t want to miss Gravensteen, a fortress built in the late 12th century along the River Lieve.
Other major landmarks include Ghent’s Town Hall, an important building that features a variety of architectural styles, and the city’s old markets. The Groentenmarkt (Old Market) area is home to the Groot Vleeshuis, a massive medieval stone building constructed in 1406, and the former fish market (Vismarkt) is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and sculpture.
Ghent is also home to several excellent museums, including the Museum of Fine Art and the Museum voor Volkskunde, a large property with fully restored homes, workshops, and other aspects of everyday Flemish Folk life circa 1900. The city of Ghent is approximately 45 minutes by car from Bruges, and there is a train that can get you there in as little as 22 minutes.
