From the Belgian coast to Bruges

This route through the Flemish coastal area and to historic Bruges starts in De Haan. Lovers of visual arts can visit Museum Constant Permeke in Jabbeke, dedicated to the work of the Flemish expressionist Constant Permeke (1886-1952). You will find almost all his sculptures and many drawings and paintings there. The museum's collection consists of more than 150 works. As a medieval city, the historic center of Bruges is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The historic cityscape not only impresses with its countless monuments, but also offers plenty of fun with the many shops and markets that you can find there. During your visit, enjoy the many types of Belgian beer and chocolate for which the city is famous. You cycle around the center of Bruges along the'vests\\\': the canals and parks that are remains of the old medieval walls. You will find a number of city gates and historic mills on the fortifications. You cycle to the port area of Bruges. Here begins the Boudewijn Canal, which connects Bruges with its seaport, Zeebrugge. After this urban environment, the natural landscape opens up to you again in all its vastness. The Uitkerkse Polders nature reserve is the largest nature reserve in West Flanders. You will find meadows with drinking pools, many canals and beautiful reed beds. It is the most important meadow bird area in Flanders. In the spring you will find hundreds of courting meadow birds such as the godwit, lapwing, avocet, redshank and oystercatcher. In winter, the gray goose, pink-footed goose and white-fronted goose find their permanent home there. It is a landscape with low-lying saline grasslands - where brackish water bubbles up to the surface - and higher-lying fatty grasslands: the ingredients for a unique ecosystem with special plants and animals.