Pastoor Van Haeckeplantsoen

Pastoor Van Haeckeplantsoen is a small, secluded park tucked into the heart of Bruges, reached through Raamstraat or a narrow passage off Ezelstraat, just steps from the grand Gulden-Vlieslaan. It rarely makes it onto a first-time visitor's map, yet it offers a quiet counterpoint to the canals and market square that draw most of the crowds.

From private garden to public park

For decades, the land now occupied by the park was a private garden belonging to Baron Leon de la Kethulle de Ryhove (1882–1969), vice-president of the court of first instance. He lived in a neoclassical mansion built in 1911 along Gulden-Vlieslaan. That mansion did not survive the twentieth century: it was demolished in the 1960s and replaced by an apartment building. The garden itself lingered in the shadow of that redevelopment until 1981, when the city of Bruges purchased the site. Following the acquisition, the grounds were renovated and opened to the public as a municipal park.

Who was Pastoor Van Haecke?

The park takes its name from Lodewijk Van Haecke (1829–1912), a figure well known in the local history of the Catholic Church in Bruges. Interestingly, despite being remembered as "pastoor" (parish priest), he never formally held that title. He worked as a teacher, curate, and chaplain of the Holy Blood Basilica (Heilig-Bloedbasiliek), one of the city's most significant shrines. Naming the park after him illustrates how closely Bruges' street and place names are tied to the history of its religious institutions.

Finding your way in

Pastoor Van Haeckeplantsoen is not located on a main thoroughfare, so it takes a little searching. The main entrance opens from Raamstraat, while a narrow passageway from Ezelstraat offers an alternative route. This tucked-away position means the park is used mostly by residents of the surrounding buildings and by visitors who deliberately seek out a quieter corner away from the tourist bustle of the city center.

What you'll find inside

Although it is one of the smaller green spaces in Bruges, densely enclosed by surrounding buildings, the park has real character thanks to a central pond that forms the visual heart of the space. Around the water grows a surprisingly varied collection of trees for such a compact area, including Japanese walnut, swamp cypress, English field elm, and mulberry. This mix of species — some of them unusual for the Flemish climate — makes the park a small but rewarding stop for anyone with an interest in urban trees and dendrology.

Why it's worth a visit

Pastoor Van Haeckeplantsoen shows how Bruges hides small gems just off the well-worn tourist path. The story of a private aristocratic garden turned public park, paired with an unexpected collection of trees and a modest but intriguing namesake, makes it worth a short detour for anyone who wants to see a side of Bruges beyond the postcard views.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the park free? Yes, as a municipal park it is open to the public at no charge.

How large is the park? It is one of the smaller parks in central Bruges, tightly enclosed by surrounding buildings, without large lawns or long walking avenues.

Is there water in the park? Yes, a small pond sits at the center of the park.

Where does the park's name come from? From Lodewijk Van Haecke (1829–1912), a clergyman associated with the Holy Blood Basilica in Bruges, even though he was never formally a parish priest.