Gruuthusebrug

Gruuthusebrug is one of the most charming bridges in Bruges' historic center, spanning the Dijver canal right in the heart of the city's museum quarter. It links the two banks of the canal beside the Gruuthuse Museum and the Church of Our Lady, offering one of the most photographed views in the whole city.

Where does the bridge's name come from?

The bridge takes its name from the van Gruuthuse family, one of the most powerful dynasties in medieval Bruges. Their fortune rested on the feudal "gruut" right — the exclusive privilege to sell gruut, a blend of herbs used to flavor beer before hops became standard. Every brewer in the city was required to buy gruut from them, which for generations secured the family enormous wealth. Around 1425 the family settled near the bridge, building their residence there — today's Gruuthuse Museum — and it was from that point that the crossing took their name.

When was the bridge built?

The first stone bridge on this spot was built in 1388 by master mason Jan van Oudenaerde. Just a year later, in 1389, the same builder widened the structure — a sign of how important the crossing had already become for foot traffic and trade in a city then at the height of its medieval prosperity as a center of Flemish commerce.

What does the bridge look like today?

Gruuthusebrug is a single-span bridge resting on one wide arch, with a cobblestone surface. Its facing is mainly brick, while the arch itself and the coping slabs on top are built from natural stone and bluestone (arduin), a material typical of Flemish architecture of the period. This combination of brick and stone gives the bridge its characteristic warm appearance, blending naturally with the surrounding buildings.

What makes this bridge unique?

The bridge's most distinctive feature dates to the 18th century, when a building was erected on its western side — the whitewashed Arentshuis, which literally stands on top of the bridge. It is the only bridge in all of Bruges that carries a building, making the crossing unique even among the city's many historic bridges.

What's worth seeing nearby?

The bridge is a natural vantage point for two of this part of Bruges' most important sights: the Gruuthuse Museum, the former residence of the Gruuthuse family, and the soaring tower of the Church of Our Lady, one of the tallest brick structures in the world. Walking along the Dijver canal, it's worth pausing on Gruuthusebrug to look toward the water and the architecture reflected in it — one of the views that best captures the atmosphere of medieval Bruges.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the bridge? No, Gruuthusebrug is freely accessible and can be visited at any time of day or year.

Does a building really stand on the bridge? Yes, it is the only bridge in Bruges with a building on it — the Arentshuis, erected on its western side in the 18th century.

How old is the bridge? The first stone version was built in 1388 and widened just a year later, giving the bridge over six centuries of history.

Why is the bridge called Gruuthusebrug? After the van Gruuthuse family, who settled nearby around 1425 and held the monopoly on selling gruut, the herb mixture used in brewing beer.