This proud World Heritage city is best explored on foot so that no detail can escape because there’s nothing better than getting lost in the hidden alleys of Bruges.

Its history in a (very tiny) nutshell

Because of its convenient location, the city grew to be an economical bloomer. In the past, the region was sometimes flooded with salty seawater, turn provided suitable vegetation that promotes sheep farming. Sheep farming resulted then in wool production, which finally grew into a prosperous textile industry.

Thanks to the favorable connection with the sea, the port of Bruges was characterized by many international influences. Even the world’s very first trade fair was created here! Over time, trade was no longer the primary aspect, but cultural developments were also put in the spotlight. Bruges became a famous place for some Flemish primitives, such as Jan Van Eyck and Hans Memling.

De Vesten

The most beautiful places in Bruges (for example the Minnewater – aka the Lake of Love -) are located along the 7 km long green belt around the city. This route is also known as De Vesten. Along the way, you will encounter some more: ancient mills, city gates, parks, and the harbor on the Coupure canal.

In the past, the route counted as many as 30 mills whose purpose was to produce bread, but many disappeared due to the rise of steam engines. Today, only three remain.

Tip: Be sure to climb the hills for a nice view.

The inner city

De Markt, a must-see in Bruges. The 83-meter high Belfry dominates the square, which has been there since the 13th century and can still be climbed today. You have to sacrifice some energy for this though: the stairs to the top count 366 steps. This of course not without a reward! At the highest point, you enjoy a panoramic view overlooking the city and its surroundings. Maybe spot your next stop?

The Belfry is not the only thing the city square has to offer: the Historium takes you back to Bruges in the Middle Ages. At the top of the museum, you see the Duvelorium, the terras with a view over the market where one can enjoy a good, fresh Duvel. (Duvelorium: enter through the entrance of the Historium and follow the signposts)

To the right of the Historium, the Provincial Court has a significant redevelopment story. In the past, it has served as Waterhalle – there’s no direct translation but you could imagine it as a storage warehouse – (13th century) and later as a monumental housing complex (18th century). In 1878 the building caught fire, after which it was repurposed as the Proveniaal Hof.

Furthermore, three things will stand out on the market:

It is the departure point of many horse-drawn carriages. From here the coachmen guide curious tourists around the city with a smile.

Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck proudly look out over the market. Two celebrities from the battle of Flanders.

Numerous restaurants & cafes and their colorful buildings (the perfect insta photo)

Although the Markt appears to be the city’s most significant square, the 14th-century town hall is located on the Burg, the square behind the Markt. From here, Bruges has been governed for more than 600 years. The Burg is therefore the oldest core of the city.

The town hall shares the square with the Mansion of the Brugse Vrije, the former civil registry, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.

With this we have discovered the heart of the City. Of course, there is much more on offer:

The Beguinage (aka the Princely Court Ten Wijngaarde)

Like many other Flemish cities, the former Bruges also has its own section intended for the Beguines. Today, the Beguinage is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Jan van Eyckplein

As mentioned earlier, the city was an important trade hub for the region. This spot is also called the Hanseatic Quarter and between the 13th and 15th centuries was the place for international merchants and trading nations to come together.

Tip: order a takeaway pasta (from Bocca) and sit at the water’s edge.

Churches & Museums

The city is rich in museums, which is logical since art, culture, and religion were very present in the past. Some interesting things at a glance:

Onze Lieve Vrouwwekerk: one of the iconic towers of the city. It is 115.5 meters high, making it the second-tallest brick church tower in the world. The showpiece on display in this church is Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child.

Concergebouw circiut: active children at? No problem. Let them enjoy the contemporary and educational experience trail in the concert hall.

Diamond Museum: believe it or not, modern diamond cutting was invented by a native of Bruges in the 15th century. All necessary details and more can be found in the museum itself.

Groeningemusuem: here you will find a collection of Flemish Primitives, including Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, and Gerard David.

Gruuthusemuseum: under the motto ‘plus est en Vous, the museum (former city palace of Lodewijk van Gruuthuse) presents many pieces that are linked to a Bruges story.

Historium: when you step inside you are immediately transported through time. Back to the Middle Ages. Discover here how it used to be.

Sint Jans Hospital: one of the oldest preserved hospitals in the region, shows how medical care was provided in the past. (!Due to work, not everything will be exhibited, the reopening is planned for autumn 2023!)

The Town Hall: the interior walls here represent history. It is therefore one of the oldest town halls in the Netherlands.

Beer, beer, beer

It wouldn’t be a Flemish city without a brewery. The city has no fewer than 3 breweries in the center. The Halve Maan is the most famous of these because the delicious Brugse Zot is brewed here. Furthermore, Bourgogne des Flandres and Fort Lapin are the additional ones.

In addition to a visit to the brewery(s), you can also find out everything about our delicious Belgian beers in the Bruges Beer Experience museum located on the market.

Shop till you drop

Bruges is a real shopping city. The two largest shopping streets are Steenstraat, Geldmuntstraat, and Noordzandstraat. There is something for everyone: it ranges from souvenir shops to large chains to designer shops.

Tip: No time during the week? Every first Sunday of the month, the streets become car-free and the shops open.

Refuel: Coffee

Being touristy all day can be tiring, so refuel in time in one of the coffee bars in the city. Listed here are my personal favorites:

 Olivier’s Chocolate (coffee & artisanal chocolate): Nothing better than enjoying a fresh cup of coffee and artisanal chocolate with the sun on your face. However, you must get lucky to find a spot on their terrace. Location: Sint-Amandsstraat 14

 Cafune (specialty coffee roaster): where you’re always welcomed with a smile. Try their Moh! coffee, you won’t regret it! Location: Academiestraat 8

Cherry Picker (record store & coffee): maybe it’s not obvious to look for coffee in a record store, but you’ll find this great combo here! Location: Langestraat 74

Refuel: Drinks

La casita (bar with snacks): Good vibes en delicious cocktails guaranteed. Locatie: Sint-Salvatorskerkhof 5

Groot Vlaenderen (cocktail bar): are you looking for a fancy environment? Not a problem! Groot Vlaenderen is known for its appetising cocktails. Locatie: Vlamingstraat 94

Basement cafes (bar): the name speaks for itself. In Bruges, you may encounter cafés that are located in a cellar. It sometimes takes some searching to find the entrance, so keep your eyes open. Two examples of cellar cafes are ‘t Poatersgat and Le Trappiste.

Refuel: Food

That’s toast: all-day breakfast. But no bokes with chocolate, this is about delicious and creative dishes. Please note: it is usually a queue for a table. Location: Dweersstraat 4

Sanseveria: A vintage interior and top bagels. Location: Predikherenlaan 11

Hap: Great place for a quick and filling bite. Location: Zilverpand 16

The Republic: This bar/restaurant is part of the city’s cultural center. Enjoy a dish on their terrace before or after a visit to the city cinema in the same building. Location: Sint-Jakobsstraat 36

Annual events

Bruges is vibrant. Every year there are unmissable (musical or not) experiences. Here are some summarized:

Enjoy!

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Fondry Des Chiens

Fondry Des Chiens, also known as the Grand Canyon of Belgium. These rock formations were created by (rain)erosion, a natural process that started millions of years ago. Travel Tip: combine your visit with a hike around

Abbaye de Villers (Villers‑la‑Ville)

Not a common abbey, but a ruin that remains half‑standing since the 12th century. Most people only visit the abbey, and skip exploring the area around. Read this article for hiking‑inspiration near the abbey.

Durbuy

Promoted as the smallest city of the world. A perfect place for wanderers who love cosy and picturesque getaways (shopping, restaurants, souvenir shops, beautiful views, …) and also a perfect place for the adventure seeker (hiking, kayak, adventure park, biking,…)

Trail du Hérou

For the adventurous ones: the nature site ‘Le Hérou’ offers challenging hikes, beautiful views, and peaceful surroundings. Don’t skip hiking up the Rocher de Hérou for a view over the Ourthe

Kasteel van Walzin

Impressive, right? A castle that elegantly stands at the edge of a cliff, with the Lesse passing by. Tip: you can kayak by the place or reach it by car/hiking

Enjoy! Kind reminder: always stay respectful towards nature & heritage sites. Keep your dog on the leash, don’t litter, and stay on the path.

 Cheers!

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History

The abbey was birthed in 1146 when a small group of 17 monks initiated the establishment. As it grew in both size and wealth, but the French revolution let to its downfall. The abbey experienced all styles: from Gothic to Neoclassical… to destruction. Of course, as we can all agree, the ruins of the abbey along with nature and the hills behind it form a romantic scenery. Well, that’s what Victor Hugo thought as well!

Anyway, enough about the past – let’s jump into the now. 

The abbey today

The abbey is easily reachable, both by car (free parking!) and by public transportation (encouraged). Read more here. Tip: take your picnic along and eat it within the walls of the Villers Abbey – Picnic places are provided! 

Dogs are allowed too, as long as you keep them on the leash.

Hiking around the Abbey

This area does not only offer you to see the majestical ruins, but also nature. There are tons of walking routes around the abbey and I tested one of them: a 9,5-kilometer hike in the forest that surrounds the Villers Abbey. My friend found hiking inspiration through the Cirkwi app: not most user-friendly but it has amazing routes available.

Kind reminder: always stay respectful towards nature & heritage sites. Keep your dog on the leash, don’t liter and stay on the path.

Cheers!

More inspiration for the South of Belgium.

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Disclaimer: Katrien and Kobe made it to Turkey when the COVID-19 situation started getting out of hand. They decided to fly back to Belgium and stop their trip for now.

My very first question to you: how did you get the idea of long-term traveling by bicycle?

The idea of ‘long-term traveling’ after graduation has always been on our minds. We just needed to figure out what/where/how. One day we ended up at a travel convention, not having an idea of what our trip would look like. The only certainty about our trip was: heading east and wanting to avoid flying as much as possible. Speaking to several travelers did confirm our intention of traveling and finally, we ended up talking to a man who had traveled by bike … that specific conversation warmed our hearts and we started dreaming. We decided to do a ‘try-out trip’: a 10 days departing from our hometown and ending in France. Together we decided to take the challenge and bike to go as far East as possible overland: China.

How do you prepare yourself for a trip as such? Concerning visa, planning routes, accommodation, etc.

The way you prepare yourself is completely up to you. Some people do not need a lot of preparation, some people do. Both works! Creating our personal itinerary started off by summarizing the countries we’ve always wanted to visit. For example, we were always curious to see the ‘STAN’ countries (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, etc.). China became our ‘destination’ point as it is -from where we departed- the furthest point. However, our trip wouldn’t just end there. We’d bike back through Russia combined with a train ride on the Trans Siberian express.

Other great ways to prepare you is by reading blogs, watching vlogs, asking questions to former and current travelers, and to do a ‘try-out’ trip of a few days. Regarding visas, we can recommend you one website: the Caravanistan website. This site summarizes the visa requirements for the countries that are located on the Silk Road. They also offer a forum where people can write their latest update of their visa-experience in a certain country. This is the perfect platform for those who travel overland (for example bikers, hikers, or road trippers).

I think traveling by bike is an awesome and brave idea. I imagine that, besides all the positive comments, you also got some negative judgment when announcing your trip to family and friends?

No one was really that surprised about us coming up with such an idea. But of course, many questions were raised by our close friends and family, such as “will you find food everywhere?”, “are the countries you’ll visit safe?” and “what about wild animals when sleeping in a tent?”. We ended up making a PowerPoint presentation for our parents that included the pros/cons and potential risks. This detailed presentation, along with our preparation, helped them understand that we thought everything through.

I can’t help but asking THE most asked question… What is the distance (on average) you traveled per day?

We started our trip rather calmly, especially because we weren’t yet used to biking long distances. The elevation profile of our route affected this as well: on flat areas, we’d end up biking about 80 kilometers (50 miles) per day and on not-so-flat areas, we’d bike about 60 kilometers (37 miles). Of course, this varied as every day was different. The wind could also be holding us back and we also found ourselves limited by the amount of daylight throughout the winter. You have to keep in mind that this kind of trip is more than only the ‘sportive challenge’. It’s exploring, setting up and breaking down the tent or finding alternative stays, arranging food, getting to know local people who randomly invite you, etc.

The kilometers per day is not what mattered to us; it’s the overall experience. And in the end, the distance you travel depends on yourself and your mood. It’s not a race.

What did you think of the biking-infrastructure in other countries?

The more east we went, the bike infrastructure became less of a thing. In Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany, and Austria everything was very well arranged and we almost never cycled on the main roads. Only in Luxemburg, we encountered some issues with getting to grocery stores, that all seemed to be located along highways. Ever since Croatia, however, cycling paths were nonexistent and building routes was more of a challenge. From time to time we were even forced to travel on highways. In some countries, like Albania and Turkey, cyclists are not an unusual sight and there was no problem in sharing the road with a few cars. Contrary to Croatia where many people drove like fast and dangerous, obviously not knowing how to act around bicycles

Which country was physically most challenging, considering you biked from Belgium to Turkey?

Every country has its own challenges, but physically we’d definitely say Montenegro. We were only there for a few days, but we conquered quite a lot of hills! There, we followed a route along the Bay of Kotor, crossing over the mountains and then down to Lake Skadar. Up till today, we still think it was one of the most beautiful parts of our trip, so all the sweat was definitely worth it! 

Is there a certain (online or offline) community for this niche group of travelers?

There is much out there. For example ‘long-distance cyclists’ and ‘Bicycle touring Bike packing’, which are great groups if you are seeking some general advice. But unfortunately, just as in every big Facebook group there are also some irrelevant posts/comments. To us, Instagram gave us more the community feeling, as we got connected with other cyclers and used the app to communicate with them. Also Warmshowers is a great way to meet like-minded people. It serves as a platform for connecting host-families with cyclists. We are still in touch with those who hosted us during the trip. Of course, this community is not only online…Sometimes we met other travelers along the way and when we were lucky enough to be heading the same way we ended up biking together for a little while.

COVID-19: let’s talk about the crisis and getting home.

We made it to Turkey when the Corona-situation started getting out of hand. We did the right thing by flying back home, and there was also no alternative for us. As we got to know through a WhatsApp group with other travelers, countries were slowly closing borders and even denying foreigners. Continuing out travel was a no-go. We are, however, planning on resuming our long-distance travel one day!

My last question goes out to Katrien: I saw on your Instagram profile that you shaved your hair! What made you decide that?  (Super badass by the way!)

It was the most logical thing to do. It always got stuck between the clipper of my helmet and my hair was always somewhere where it shouldn’t be. Further, I’ve always been curious about the look so… I went for it ?

Any last thoughts you want to share?

On this trip, we realized that our life in Belgium is very privileged. We also learned that there are genuinely kind-hearted people in this world, no matter how little money or belongings they have.

Also:
1. Don’t hesitate and try it out!
2. It’s not as hard as it sounds.
3. You don’t have to be super-sporty to start this kind of a journey.

Want to get to know more about sustainable travel? Check out Sustainable travel – who/what/how. Got inspired to start your own cycle-trip? Read here the tips provided by Katrien and Kobe.

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Basic sentences in the local language

Not all cultures are used to the idea of omitting meat or dairy products. For example, ‘no meat (sin carne)’ in many South American countries means no meat except for chicken and fish. Meaning you might have to face the struggle to clearly mention not to consume ANY meat. You have to accept that not all cultures understand ‘vegetarianism’ or ‘veganism’ and you can not blame them nor get angry. Explain kindly why you prefer to not consume certain foods and I am sure they will try their best to understand. Keep in mind that not everyone has the luxury to ‘choose’ what they eat. (See the end of the article for some basic sentences in foreign languages.)

Research before traveling: find suitable places online

Google is your best friend! ? Go online and find some recommended vegetarian-friendly places near you. Another option is to surf to the Happy Cow website or app which finds suitable places for you nearby. You could also join certain Facebook groups or find suitable places through hashtags and geo-tags on Instagram. 

Choose vegan/vegetarian-friendly locations

Many places are very welcoming to us! Think of India, Indonesia, Isreal, and many European countries.

Be flexible

In certain situations, you could consider being more flexible. I know this is not always the easiest decision to make. Last year I traveled to the jungle for a few days where the host did his best to give me food to my liking. In order to show my respect, I tried his freshly caught and cooked fish. In the end, how strict you stick to your diet is completely up to you.

Cook your own meal

Many hostels offer a kitchen where you are free to cook whatever you like. If you use initiatives such as Couchsurfing I’m sure you can – through kind communication – make some arrangements.

Bring food in containers

If you are planning a multi-day hike, or trip you could always take along some pre-made dishes which are made to your wishes, that way you don’t risk getting hungry on your travel!

Food Tour

Living as a vegetarian/vegan is become more ‘popular’ (yay!). Businesses know that, and in order for a business to survive, they have to adapt to the ongoing trends of their customers. Many food tours have the option to join as a non-meat-eater or even have specialized tours.

Get social: Follow fellow vegetarians/vegans travelers on Instagram

Instagram can serve as a source of inspiration. My favorite profiles are:
Justin from Lotusarticoke
Amelie from Mostlyamelie
Caro from Veggiewayfarer
and… My profile of course

Basic sentences for you!

Mandarin:
I am vegetarian – 我是素食者 (wǒ shì sùshí zhě) 
I don’t eat meat – 我不吃肉 (wǒ bù chī ròu)
Spanish:
I am vegetarian – soy vegetariano(/a)
I don’t eat meat – No como carne
Dutch:
I am vegetarian – Ik ben vegetarisch
I don’t eat meat – Ik eet geen vlees
French:
I am vegetarian – Je suis végétarien(+ne)
I don’t eat meat – Je ne mange pas de viande
Lithuanian:
I am vegetarian – As (Ash) esu Vegetare
I don’t eat meant- As (Ash) nevalgau mesos

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Because, hey, we all like to travel from time to time. Look at the following steps as a helping hand for your next travels, or maybe just as useful tips to keep in mind during planning.

Minimize flying

Aviation is, unfortunately, the fastest-growing source of Green House Gas emission. We all know that not flying would be impossible but…

… (try to) choose direct flights

Most carbon emission comes from the act of ascending and descending airplanes. A big step would be avoiding connecting flights. A perfect example would be: flying from Brussels (Belgium) to Chengdu (China) with KLM Airlines. This track usually includes a connection in Amsterdam (the Netherlands). A solution could be: Take the high-speed train from Belgium (Brussels or Antwerp) to the airport in Amsterdam and then continue your flying journey. Think of alternatives such as coach travel, carpooling, or making use of high-speed trains.

Pay and ‘compensate’ your carbon emission

Initiatives such as Greentipper.com give you the opportunity to calculate your CO2-emission and pay for compensation. The money goes to climate projects that benefit nature/the environment. Conduct wise research or check if the airline you’re flying with provides the option when checking out.

Avoid business class

‘Why‘ you ask? People who fly business class leave a larger carbon footprint because they take up more floor space. I know what you’re thinking “but the business class-area is already provided. It isn’t going to change anything if I don’t fly in that class.” There is not much that I can say or do but give you the information and mention ‘change only starts with you.’

Say no to cruises!

Yes, I know how magical and extraordinary a cruise trip could be… But the impact of the cruise industry is SO DAMN BAD. I am sorry, but this is the hard reality. Cruise ships produce an incredible amount of solid and hazardous waste, which is dumped into the ocean and sea. Aside from the waste, there is also an enormous consumption of portable water, which -after consuming for several purposes- gets contaminated. Guess what happens with that? Yes, correct. It (also) gets dumped into the ocean and/or sea.

Further, regarding the social-economic impact, it’s important to know that tourists who arrive ashore usually do not contribute to the local economy as they have food and drinks on board. Mass tourism origination from cruises indirectly contributes to higher taxes and inflation for the locals.

Certifications for travel organizers

Many travel organizers are certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, which means that they conform with a set of criteria in their management, social-economic -, cultural -, and environmental impact. You can find these companies on the website of GSTC.

Animal Welfare – be critical

A photograph of you holding a tiger cub? Riding an elephant? Holding a snake? Cage-diving with sharks? Yes, it is all amazing and adventurous. But I am sure you and your moral compass know better than that. Obviously, there ARE sustainable wildlife tourism companies. But there are many that only seem to be. Please consider which company you invest your time and money in. Not all companies care much about the lives of an animal. Keep in mind that every interaction with animals, either in their natural habitat or not, will affect their well-being and their physiology.

Support local economies

In many countries, tourism causes the exclusion of local enterprises because of international intervention. Think of big hotel chains such as Hilton, The Marriott group, …. Try to find alternatives by staying at local hotels/residencies and making use of local tourism services. Further, I advise you to buy your souvenirs which are made by the natives. I mean… who travels to Poland, only to buy a souvenir that is actually made in a completely different country?

The tips mentioned above are rather a small portion of possible measures we can take to fight unsustainable practices within the tourism industry. Let’s stand together and help our beautiful world a hand. I (and many others) will be grateful! Thanks for reading.

More tips on traveling? Catch your (solo) travel bugs here. Looking for an alternative & sustainable way of traveling? Find inspiration by reading the story of Katrien and Kobe!

Peace and love!

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From the airport of Vilnius to Klaipeda

The commute from Vilnius Airport to Klaipeda takes about 3 hours so I wouldn’t recommend taking a cab. However, you could get there by bus (or more specifically by minivan). I traveled with the company Ollex and had a good experience (tickets are bought online through their website). Once you reach the airport, you’ll walk out and head to your right. There you’ll find a small parking lot for the minivans that are used for this type of transportation.

1. Klaipeda and its beaches

My friends and I visited the Melnarage coast to watch the sunset. HIGHLY recommended! Getting there is rather easy as a public bus takes you right at the entrance of the beach. My local friend also recommends ‘Dutchman’s Cap’, as it shows a great forest and beach. There are lots of beaches to find north of the city, so go ahead and find your favorite one

2. Have dinner @ Friedricho pasažas

A picturesque street with a couple of cozy restaurants. During my trip, I passed by and stopped at the Gurman’s to get myself a delicious bun.

3. Second-hand shopping

I’m a real thrifter, and I minimalize my fast-fashion purchasing. Also in Lithuania, I felt like shopping so my friends and I went to visit the store Humana. I absolutely loved this store. It became one of my favorite second-hand shops of all time.
Address:
– Taikos pr. 29
– Turgaus a. 2
– H. Manto g. 36

4. Stroll along the Dane river

You wouldn’t be able to miss the Dane River. It’s the river that crosses the city and is connected to the Baltic Sea. Along the water, you’ll find a lot of cute restaurants, coffee bars, and shops.

5. Visit the Curonian Spit

The Curonian Spit is a peninsula located 10 minutes by boat from the border of Klaipeda city. The particular piece of land is still Lithuanian country and is bordering to Russia. The easiest way of getting there is by traveling by boat. There are two terminals. Visitors on foot and bike can go to the old terminal, which is the closest to the city. There, you can embark for only 1 euro. Once embarked, you’ll get to the island within 15 minutes.

I haven’t visited the following place myself but my local friend recommended to write about the Nida sand dunes. This area consists of kilometers of sand dunes which offers a beautiful landscape. Can’t give any tips on that, but it’s worth the try

Cheers!

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