The first swans are back in Bruges. The swans at 't Stil Ende waterway had to be moved away during the summer because blue-green algae caused the water quality to deteriorate, but they have now returned. Swans from other Bruges’ canals will remain in the enclosure for the time being. The city is continuing to monitor the water quality of its waterways.
The number of blue-green algae in Bruges’ canals is gradually decreasing. The lab provides a weekly update, enabling the city to continue monitoring water quality. “It is the water quality that determines when the swans can return safely. We monitor the test results weekly and assess the situation at each location. The welfare of the animals is always our top priority,” says alderman Franky Demon.
“We are keeping the swans in their familiar location for as long as possible. If their health or welfare is at risk, we will take the necessary measures. Thanks to targeted monitoring and good care, all the swans are doing well.”
Removed earlier than last year
The city also took measures last year. In 2025, the swans at Wijngaardplein were able to remain where they were, but they were kept on dry land for around two weeks with fresh drinking water. In August 2025, the city removed a family of swans from the vicinity of the Carmers Bridge, the Potterierei and the Sint-Annarei because the water quality was inadequate.
In October 2025, these swans were allowed to return after spending around two months in the enclosure. The swans from Stil Ende spent the same amount of time in the enclosure this year, but the city had to remove them earlier. The long spell of warm weather early in the year encouraged the growth of blue-green algae and put pressure on water quality.
Number of swans on the rise
Bruges now has a total of 59 swans. In the swan enclosure, the city is still looking after 22 adult swans and eight newly purchased young swans for the Wijngaardplein. In addition, there are two swans from the children’s farm and seven swans from the Potterierei.
A few months ago, the number of swans fell below 52. According to a persistent legend, the city must maintain at least 52 swans on its waters. With the purchase of eight young swans, the total now stands at 59 once again.
According to Demon, the city did not buy the swans to uphold the legend. “The purchase is part of the routine management of the swan population in our city,” he says.