Bruges, Belgium

Full Transcript

Intro

Welcome aboard the TSJ CruisePod - your journey beyond the waves. I’m your host, Thomas Sebastian Jensen.

Today, we’re traveling to Bruges, Belgium - a city often called the Venice of the North.

With its medieval charm, winding canals, and famous waffles, Bruges is a place where time seems to stand still.

City Overview

Belgium may be small, but it’s full of variety.

Located in the heart of Europe, it’s known for its rich history, its beautiful architecture, and of course, for culinary icons that have achieved worldwide fame - waffles, chocolates, beer, and fries.

Our port of call was Zeebrugge, a practical harbor on the North Sea coast.

While Zeebrugge itself is mostly industrial, it’s the perfect gateway to the medieval gem of Bruges - the capital of West Flanders.

Bruges has around one hundred and twenty thousand residents and uses the euro as its currency.

The old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since two thousand, and its canals, Gothic buildings, and narrow cobblestone streets make it feel like a step back in time.

Our Day in Port

That January morning greeted us with brilliant sunshine - and freezing cold.
It felt like minus eleven degrees Celsius.

On the way to the theater, where the excursion groups gathered, it was already clear: hats and gloves would be our best friends today.

Soon after, we boarded bus number seventeen, which took us directly to Bruges in about twenty-five minutes.

Even during the ride, our guide filled us with stories about Belgium’s history, its three languages - Dutch, French, and German - and Bruges’ golden age as a trading hub.

Armed with a city map, we set off to explore on our own.

Our first stop was the Barge Bridge, its red metal structure reflected beautifully in the canal below.

From there, we had a wonderful view of the brick façades and still waters - like a winter fairytale.

Just a few steps farther stood the Powder Tower, once part of the city’s old fortifications.

It used to store gunpowder but today serves as a popular photo spot.

One of my favorite places was the Beguinage quarter, founded in the thirteenth century.

It once housed unmarried women who lived under their own rules - almost like a peaceful, self-contained community.

Covered in snow and nearly deserted, the courtyard had a quiet, almost mystical atmosphere.

Next, we visited the Church of Our Lady.

Its brick tower rises a hundred and fifteen meters into the sky - one of the tallest in the world.

Inside awaited a true treasure: Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child.

It’s one of the few of his sculptures ever to leave Italy, radiating a beauty that’s hard to put into words.

By then, the cold had crept through our coats, so a stop in a small café was just what we needed.

A thick, creamy hot chocolate warmed both our hands and our spirits.

Refreshed, we continued toward the Belfry of Bruges.

At eighty-three meters tall, its forty-seven bells have marked the rhythm of the city for centuries.

Climbing to the top must be amazing - but on that icy day, we admired it from below.

At the Market Square, surrounded by colorful gabled houses glowing in the winter sun, we visited an exhibition called Historic Bruges.

It told the city’s story through models, images, and interactive displays - from Hanseatic trading hub to modern-day UNESCO treasure.

Of course, a visit to Belgium wouldn’t be complete without indulging in its famous food.

Belgian fries with a special sauce of ketchup, mayonnaise, and onions - perfect for a quick warm-up.

Then came the waffle - golden brown, freshly baked, and filled with that unmistakable aroma that makes you smile instantly.

And the chocolate shops? Simply irresistible.

Rows of pralines, artfully decorated bars, and truffles in every imaginable flavor - a feast for the eyes as much as the taste buds.

Our last stop was Walplein, a cozy square where we enjoyed a cup of tea and discovered one final surprise - the beer pipeline.

Yes, an actual underground pipeline that carries beer from the historic De Halve Maan brewery to its bottling plant over three kilometers away.

By late afternoon, the bus brought us back to Zeebrugge.

We were cold to the bone, but the day had been worth every frozen finger.

Bruges is a city that blends history, architecture, and culinary pleasure in a way you’ll never forget.

Travel Tips

If you want to explore Bruges on your own, there are a few easy options.

From Zeebrugge, a train runs directly into the city center - just make sure to plan your return carefully.

Booking a transfer through the cruise line is simpler, since the bus drops you off and picks you up right at the same spot.

Inside Bruges, no extra transport is needed - everything is within walking distance.

Just wear comfortable shoes; those cobblestones can be tricky.

In winter, dress warmly - the wind can cut right through the narrow streets.

And don’t just try fries and waffles.

Step into one of the traditional chocolate shops - some even let you watch the chocolatiers at work.

If you have more time, consider an excursion to Brussels.

You’ll find the Grand Place, Manneken Pis, the Atomium, and the European Quarter, along with cozy cafés serving Belgian specialties.

The train from Zeebrugge to Brussels takes about an hour and is quite affordable - but be sure to leave enough time to get back to the ship.

As for Zeebrugge itself - it’s mainly an industrial port, with just a small beach and promenade.

So, use the day for an excursion. Bruges is the top choice, but Ghent or smaller coastal towns also make for peaceful alternatives.

Outro

That’s all for today’s episode of the TSJ CruisePod.

I hope you enjoyed our winter journey through Bruges, Belgium - a place where history and charm meet around every corner.

Join me next time as we sail to another exciting destination on our cruise.

Until then - stay curious, and keep your heart open to the sea.