Zeebrugge is part of the city of Bruges , as well as the cruise seaport of Belgium , located on the shores of the North Sea in the province of West Flanders. Zeebrugge consists of 3 parts - central, forecourt and seaside quarters, it is inhabited by about 4000 people. From Bruges, the cruise port of Zeebrugge is connected by canals and locks, the construction of which was initiated by King Leopold II.
A bit of history
Zebrugge flourished at the beginning of the 20th century: it was during this period that the port was significantly expanded and began to be used as a ferry and container terminal, which led to a significant increase in the tourist flow and, as a result, to the economic prosperity not only of the city of Bruges but of the whole of West Flanders.
Zeebrugge went from a modest harbor with a single pier to the largest European port with several berths. There were many places for rest on the water, a magnificent wide and comfortable beach, the sand for which, incidentally, was taken from the other side of the port of Zeebrugge, and was also extracted from the seabed during the deepening of the port water area.
Attractions and Shopping in Zeebrugge
The most interesting places are on the beach or nearby: there is the Seafront park, and in the building of the former fish market you can visit the Zeebrugge Port Museum and get acquainted with the life of fishermen or consider a collection of sea shells and torpedoes. The main attractions of this park are the floating lighthouse West Hinder and the Russian submarine Foxtrot, which also works as a museum.
In addition to Zeebrugge's other attractions, it is worth noting the Stella Mariskerk church, which is also located in the beach area, draw attention to war memorials and windmills, as well as stroll through the ancient streets with narrow houses, appreciate buildings in the Gothic style, admire the numerous canals and humpback bridges.
As for shopping, the city can hardly be called a good place for this occupation, because most of the shops are concentrated in the center of Bruges . Here you can wander through the fish markets, buy souvenirs with the port and its sights.
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Accommodation and meals in Zeebrugge
In Zeebrugge hotels are not so much (much more in the Bruges itself), but if you are principally staying in the area, then take a look at the Ibis Styles Zeebrugge, Hotel Atlas and Apartment Zeedijk.
If you talk about local restaurants, where you can try traditional Belgian dishes , you should pay attention to the following institutions: The blue lobster, Tijdok and Martins visrestaurant.
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Transport Zeebrugge
In addition to sea transport, there is a Zeebrugge and a railway station, which is located just 30 minutes from the port. With the major cities of the country ( Brussels , Basel, Antwerp , Ghent ), the cruise port of Zeebrugge is connected by bus, and from the center of Bruges, you can get there by bus 47 in less than an hour.
With all the sea towns of Belgium and part of Holland, the port of Zeebrugge is connected by a tramway line, i. if you are relaxing, for example, in Ostend , then to get to Zeebrugge, you will be enough to take the tram. The road along the coast will take 40 minutes.
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