Minnewater: The So-Called 'Lake of Love'

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.