Zeebruge (for Bruges), Ferries and Ferry Crossings

Welcome to the Zeebruge and Bruges (Belgium) section of FerryCrossings.org, the site for information about major UK and continental ports and the ferries between them. Our site includes an introduction to a number of ports and feature pages about the various crossing ways, lanes and routes and companies operating between them to help you plan your journey and discover interesting travel destinations along the way. You can even compare prices and save money on your ferry tickets with ads from selected booking sites and major ferry lines.

Port of Zeebruge (for Bruges), Belgium

Zeebruge and Bruges. Zeebrugge, about 10kms from the city of Bruges and linked to it by water, is a major North Sea port and harbour in Belgium. It is the North Sea gateway to Belgium but is also a tourist resort with lots to offer the visitor who arrives here by ferry from Hull or Rosyth. It is, however, its proximity to Bruges which is its greatest attraction.

Bruges is a city of charm and great historical importance in Flanders, in Belgium. It's old city centre has enjoyed the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. It is a city of canals and has been refered to as the 'Venice of the North'.

Historically Bruges came to prominence in 1128 when the city was granted its Charter, enabling it to develop still further. In the 12th century wool and woollen cloth was a major industry and Bruges played an important part in it. Trade was extended to include England, France, Genoa and Mediterranean ports whilst ships of the Hanseatic League, from the Baltic to the North Sea, filled her docks and, by the early 14th century, the wealthy city had established its own money market. In the 15th century the sophisticated and extravagent court of the Burgundian Duke, Philip lll (the Good) in Bruges attracted important personalities from the world of art, banking and commerce to the city. It was under Burgundian patronage, in Bruges, that William Caxton set up his printing press and printed the first book ever book in the English language in 1473.

Much of Bruges' prosperity depended on the Zwin Channel canal link with the North Sea but, as the channel began to silt up, so Bruges importance and prosperity declined although the developing lace industry of the 17th century went some way to helping the city's economic survival. It was at this time that the exiled King Charles ll of England kept his court-in-exile in Bruges. It was the latter half of the 19th century before Bruges started to recover some of its former glory and prosperity, when it was 'discovered' and became a popular tourist destination for wealthy French and English visitors. However, it was not until the mid 20th century that international tourism really began to make a difference. So great was the difference that Bruges was made Capital of European Culture' in 2002.

For today's visitor to Bruges there is so much to see, experience and enjoy. The city suffered very little damage during the World Wars and consequently retains the visual evidence of her rich mediaeval and cultural heritage. In the Church of Our Lady can be seen Michelangelo's sculpture, Madonna and Child; there is the 12th century Basilica of the Holy Blood, and each year the 'Procession of the Holy Blood', celebrates its arrival in the city with a mile long pageant of participants, dressed as mediaeval knights or crusaders or in tableaux representing biblical events. St. Salvator is the cathedral church of Bruges, the oldest part of it dating back to the 12th century. The church wasn't the original cathedral and was only elevated to that status in the early 19th century. The church of St Donatius had been the Bishop's church but, when religious worship was suppressed after the French Revolution, the Bishop was removed and his church destroyed. The 'new' cathedral's tower was a 19th century addition designed to make the old church more impressive in keeping with its new status. Inside are many beautiful religious artefacts and wall hangings, many of which survived the destruction of the old church. If you visit the Groeningemuseum you will be able to see a collection that houses many fine examples of Flemish and Belgian art stretching back over six centuries. One of the most famous sights of the city is the mediaeval Belfry of Bruges. It was first constructed in the market square in the mid 13th century when Bruges was a prosperous wool town. The tower has suffered damage from fire and lightning several times and each time the repair and additions gave it a slightly different character. The ringing of the bells each day would regulate the lives of the citizens, calling them to work, warning of danger and also of times to rejoice. Today, there are 47 bells in the carillon which is in regular use. If you add to all this the sheer pleasure of walking around this city, past the Beguinage, the City Hall and Burg Square, The Kruispoort and The Provinciaal Hof, along the canals and over the old bridge, you begin to wonder what more the city can have to offer. But there is still more! There are museums both great and small, theatres and concert halls and any number of festivals celebrating food, religion, music, lace, beer, film and even a festival of snow and ice sculptures.