---
title: "Minnewater: The So-Called 'Lake of Love' | Chocolate Suites"
url: https://www.chocolatesuites.be/en/journal/minnewater-lake
description: "The name is misleading. The history is better."
lang: en
---

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Hidden Gems · 4 min · March 31, 2026

# Minnewater: The So-Called 'Lake of Love'

The name is misleading. The history is better.

Image: Minnewater: The So-Called 'Lake of Love' (https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1694725409049-0fd1320ad93d?w=800&q=80)

Every guidebook calls Minnewater the "Lake of Love." The name actually comes from "Minne," which in old Dutch referred to an inner harbour — nothing to do with romance.

The lake was originally part of the harbour system that connected Bruges to the sea via canals. Today the lake is home to a colony of swans.

The park around Minnewater is one of the nicest spots in Bruges for a quiet walk. In spring the edges of the lake fill with daffodils and cherry blossoms. It connects directly to the Begijnhof, so you can do both in a single stroll.

## Where to stay

Dark Chocolate Room: https://www.chocolatesuites.be/en/rooms/chocolate-suite-1
Candy Family Suite: https://www.chocolatesuites.be/en/rooms/chocolate-suite-2
Sweet Chocolate Room: https://www.chocolatesuites.be/en/rooms/chocolate-suite-4
Giant Donut Family Room: https://www.chocolatesuites.be/en/rooms/chocolate-suite-9

See the 10 suites (https://www.chocolatesuites.be/en/rooms)

## More from the Journal

- Bruges After Dark: When the Day Tourists Leave (https://www.chocolatesuites.be/en/journal/bruges-at-night) 4 min
- Belgian Fries: It's Not Just About the Potato (https://www.chocolatesuites.be/en/journal/bruges-fries) 4 min
- The Groeninge Museum: Six Centuries in Six Rooms (https://www.chocolatesuites.be/en/journal/groeninge-museum) 4 min

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