The Beguinage (Begijnhof) in Bruges
The Begijnhof, or beguinage, is a religious complex called Ten Wijngaerde. It was founded in 1245. It is still a place where people live, so the quiet is part of the visit. Treat the lanes as you would treat a private street.
The Minnewater (Lake of Love) is the lake and park right next to it, in the south of the historic center near the railway station. Together they make a calm half day away from the crowded squares. This independent guide explains hours, rules and how to link the two.
How to visit the beguinage
The place is open to everyone, with a few rules of good manners.
Opening hours
The daily calendar for October 2026 lists 7:30–18:30. The hours can change, and the complex is not open around the clock. Check the current hours before you go.
Entry is free
Walking through the grounds costs nothing. A special exhibition or a guided tour may have its own fee, so ask on site.
Respect the residents
People live here. Speak quietly, do not look into windows and keep to the paths.
Group tours
Since 1 March 2026, guides may not stop to give explanations in the quiet zone. The exception is the route between the entrance gates and the church. If you join a guided walk, expect short stops on that stretch only.
Bruges walking tours and boat trips
Guided walks and boat rides in the old town, with current prices and availability.
Minnewater: the lake and park
The Minnewater is a lake with a park beside it, in the south of the old town. It is close to both the beguinage and the railway station, so it is an easy first or last stop of a day trip.
The Minnewaterbrug, the bridge over the lake, is a free viewpoint. Stop there for a view of the water and the park. The picture shows the Sashuis, a lock house at the lake.
Do not plan on swimming here. Enter the water only where a sign says it is permitted.
A short walking plan
You can combine both places in a half day. The order below keeps you moving away from the busiest squares.
- Start at the beguinage in the morning, when the hours begin at 7:30.
- Walk through the grounds quietly, on the paths.
- Continue to the Minnewater park and the Minnewaterbrug.
- Stay for a rest by the lake, or continue to the railway station.
Road works in the station area (phase 4) began on 27 March 2026 and are planned to end in December. Check for detours and allow extra time. For train arrivals, see Brussels to Bruges.
Arriving at the beguinage
The station for the historic center is called Brugge. Do not mix it up with Brugge-Sint-Pieters, which is a different station. The beguinage and the Minnewater are in the south of the old town, near the station, so many visitors start or end here.
If you arrive by car, the station car park is open 24 hours and costs about €7 for a full day in 2026. The walk from the car park to the Market Square takes about 20 minutes. Read the Brussels to Bruges guide for trains, buses and the park and ride lot.
Plan your visit to end before 18:30, when the hours in the October 2026 calendar close.
Where to stay near the beguinage
The south of the old town is a calmer base than the central squares, but nobody can promise silence at every hour.
Beguinage and Minnewater: frequently asked questions
Is the beguinage free to enter?
Yes. Entry to the grounds is free.
What are the opening hours?
The daily calendar for October 2026 shows 7:30–18:30. Hours can change, so check them before you go.
Can I visit with a guided group?
Yes, but explanations by the guide are restricted in the quiet zone since 1 March 2026. The exception is the route between the entrance gates and the church.
Where is the Minnewater?
In the south of the old town, near the beguinage and the railway station. The park and the lake can be visited at no charge, and the Minnewaterbrug is a free viewpoint.
Can I swim in the Minnewater?
Do not plan on it. Only enter the water where a sign says swimming is allowed.