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.
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.
