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Bruges Hotels Guide: The Minnewater

No one knows how the Minnnewater (or Lake of Love) got it's name - the original Lake of Love was situated in the city's outer harbour. The current lake was used as a reservoir lake to keep the canal levels constant. It was here that the River Reie entered the city.

One can enjoy beautiful views of the city from the eighteenth century bridge and also worth seeing is the lock house or Sluishuis. Next to the lake is the Minnewater Park which is a very pleasant place for a stroll and a picnic. It also happens to be the venue for rock concerts in the city.

Near the Sluishuis is the bust of Maurits Sabbe, the Bruges born academic and novelist. The Poedertoren (built 1398)can be found at the southern end of the lake. Originally one of a pair, this tower was formerly the city's arsenal.

The swan is the symbol of Bruges and there are certainly plenty of them to be found at the Minnewater. Legend has it that the city was obliged to keep swans for all time by Maximilian of Austria. In 1488 the burghers of Bruges decapitated on of Maximilian's administrators, one Pieter Lanchals (which means long neck) and so the city was ordered to keep swans on their lakes and canals as a punishment. One can't but help feel the good burghers got off lightly!