Beguinage "Ten Wijngaerde" (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Beguinage "Ten Wijngaerde"?
What makes it 86% Couple-Friendly: Couples find quiet lanes, spring flowers, and the nearby Lake of Love ideal for romantic photos and hand-in-hand strolling; no admission fee means low-stress, flexible timing.
Positives:
- UNESCO setting: Part of Bruges’s World Heritage zone yet far less crowded than the Markt.
- Intimate scale: The small courtyard and white walls create a private feel ideal for two.
Challenges:
- No on-site café: Bring water and snacks or plan a coffee break at a café outside the walls.
- Uneven cobbles: Wear sturdy shoes—some pathways and the canal bridge are slightly uneven.
What is Beguinage "Ten Wijngaerde"?
- A medieval beguinage founded in the early 13th century as a self-governing complex for lay religious women, later evolving into a Benedictine convent
- A UNESCO World Heritage–listed ensemble of whitewashed houses with red-tiled roofs, a 13th-century church and a landscaped courtyard overlooking the Minnewater canal
- The largest and best-preserved beguinage in Belgium, embodying eight centuries of ecclesiastical architecture and the distinctive Beguine movement in the Low Countries
What is so special about Beguinage "Ten Wijngaerde" for couple trip?
- Stroll a UNESCO-listed courtyard at your own pace
- Discover a 13th-century church and medieval art
- Capture classic canal views at Beguinage Bridge
- Enjoy a café break by the Lake of Love
- Extend your visit with a romantic Minnewater walk
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Enough time to stroll the courtyard, visit the church and museum, and cross to the Lake of Love at a relaxed pace.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Beguinage "Ten Wijngaerde"
Morning courtyard stroll:
Walk beneath poplars and lime trees in the whitewashed courtyard before crowds arrive.
Tip: Arrive by 9 AM for soft light and near-total privacy.
Photo at Beguinage Bridge:
Capture reflections on the canal framed by red-tiled roofs.
Tip: Use the bridge just outside the main gate at golden hour for warm tones.
Visit the 13th-century church:
Admire the Our Lady of Spermalie statue (1247) and Baroque additions.
Tip: Entry is free—keep voices low and phones on silent.
Monastery museum tour:
See artifacts of beguine life at Monasterium De Wijngaard.
Tip: Carry exact change (€2–€3 per person) and combine it with the church visit.
Romantic walk to Minnewater:
Cross back over the canal to see swans and the Love Bridge.
Tip: Follow the path along the Lake of Love and pause on the arched stone bridge.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Beguinage "Ten Wijngaerde"
- Beat the crowds: Start your visit before 9 AM to enjoy near-empty paths and soft morning light.
- Use the back ramp: Enter via the Lock-keeper’s House side for a gentler approach without steps.
Reviews of Beguinage "Ten Wijngaerde"
adam clare
came here twice, once on my own, then once as a tour group. -If you are in town for more then just a day trip, then i recommend coming in the morning, before 9am, its completely empty. After 9am the tours start and there is massive crowds as this is one of the closes "attractions" to the train station, so its a first stop for most walking tours. I even saw one of the 3 nuns still remaining in the ...
Kristen
Begijnhof in Bruges is a peaceful courtyard tucked behind a simple gate, offering a quiet serene walk through their gardens. It was originally founded in the 13th century as a community for Beguines lay religious women who lived together in devotion without taking formal vows like nuns. These women led independent lives, often working as nurses or teachers, and the Begijnhof gave them a safe and s...
Bird
This place is a true oasis of peace and quiet. It's incredible how you can be in a busy tourist area one minute, and then step through the gates into this serene and tranquil world. The noise and crowds just melt away. It's a beautiful, historic spot with its lovely white houses and tall trees. The perfect place to slow down, walk peacefully, and enjoy a moment of calm. A must-visit to experience ...
Irma Zandl
Beautiful spot Plus getting there is a lovely walk as well - nice seeing the swans and Minnewater Lake
KN IWN
I’ve been here several times during spring and also summer. To be honest, spring is munch prettier as you will see flowers blooming instead of just green grass in summer. It’s very peaceful historic Béguinage. We will be surrounded by those white houses so it make you feel calm and make it’s quite popular to take pictures. There is a few signs to keep silence and not step on grass. Let’s follow ...
When is the best time to visit Beguinage "Ten Wijngaerde" (Bruges, Belgium)?
In spring, daffodils and hyacinths bloom along the courtyard paths. In summer, check the free “800 Years of the Beguinage” panels near the museum. In autumn, enjoy amber leaves under the poplars.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Courtyard & church entry | EUR 0 |
| Monastery museum (2 adults) | EUR 6 |
| Coffee at nearby café (2 cups) | EUR 8 |
| Optional private guide (2 adults) | EUR 50 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 64 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Beguinage "Ten Wijngaerde"
Address: Begijnhof 30, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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About Beguinage "Ten Wijngaerde"
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+32 50 33 00 1110 BEST nearby Activities
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