Three Bruges guides are now launching a new concept to discover their native city that takes visitors to exclusive locations that open their doors especially. ‘There is more to Bruges than the belfry, the Lake of Love Park (Minnewater) and the beguinage,’ they say. ‘Many stories remain untold.’ This is why they have designed a tour that incorporates eight venues that Bruges tourists are less familiar with.
‘We take visitors to 8 lesser-known spots in and around Bruges, beautiful places off the beaten track,’ says guide David Serlet. ‘We want visitors to discover Bruges in a different way’. The guides have been working on ‘Timeless Trails’ for 2 years now.
‘Many people come to Bruges because of its heritage. Rightly so, because there is an awful lot. But unfortunately much is still in private hands. That's why we spent 2 years contacting private owners to hear if they wanted to open their heritage to the public at large.’
An old malt factory in a loft
Among other things, the tour takes visitors to a loft, in which the remains of an old malt house can still be found. ‘The loft has been renovated, but much of the malt house has been retained. In the loft, all the machines are still there, allowing the malting process to be followed in detail.’
Also included in the route are the Vandenbulcke Mansion, the Adornes estate, and Male Castle.