Brugge (Bruges)
About this Place
Brugge is the capital of West Flanders and one of Belgium’s best-preserved historic cities. Its canals, medieval streets and remarkable concentration of civic and religious buildings reflect the wealth it accumulated as an important European trading centre. The entire historic centre is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Brewing has been woven into Brugge’s history for centuries. The city had 54 breweries by 1441, while the powerful Gruuthuse family controlled the trade in gruut, the herb mixture once used to flavour beer before hops became dominant.
Today, brewing remains part of the living city, but with just three breweries operating in the city.
Brouwerij De Halve Maan continues to brew in the historic centre. Brouwerij Bourgogne des Flandres is once again brewing in the historic city centre. After 58 years on the city's outskirts, the brewery returned to the centre in 2015. It's now located just 50 metres from where the beer was brewed last century.
Outside the city centre is Brewery Fort Lapin, a more recent brewery established in 2011. They like to experiment with flavours and styles, including a stout with chocolate notes in their range.
The Museum’s Brugse Tripel glasses (BBG097) also provide a link to Brouwerij De Gouden Boom, whose production moved away from the city in 2004.
Brewery: Brouwerij De Halve Maan
Brewery: Brouwerij Fort Lapin
Brewery: Staminee De Garre
Visitor notes
Brugge’s historic centre is compact and best explored on foot. Its breweries, specialist beer cafés and brewing museums make the city particularly rewarding for anyone interested in Belgian beer.
De Garre is a well-known beer café hidden down a narrow passage just off the centre of Brugge. It serves its own strong Tripel alongside an extensive Belgian beer list, and is easy to miss unless you know where to look. For beer enthusiasts, it is well worth seeking out.