Live webcams in Bruges
Live webcams in Bruges stream real-time views of streets, squares, the historic center, churches, hotels, parks, and landmarks in this Belgian city. These webcams allow viewers from anywhere in the world to check the current weather conditions in Bruges right now. The most popular streams appear at the top of the webcam list. An interactive map shows the exact location of each webcam on the map of Bruges.
About Bruges
Bruges is a picturesque city in the northwest of Belgium and the capital of the province of West Flanders. Bruges is located about 44 kilometers (27 miles) northwest of Ghent and 145 kilometers (90 miles) northwest of Brussels, near the coast of the North Sea. The population is approximately 119,431 people, and the city covers an area of about 138.4 square kilometers (53.4 square miles). The historic center of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its medieval buildings, cobblestone streets, and scenic canals, making it one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe.
The history of Bruges spans over a thousand years. In the 9th century, the city became an important trading center due to its location on the Zwin sea channel. From the 12th to the 15th centuries, Bruges experienced a golden age, becoming one of Europe’s largest trading cities and the birthplace of early forms of the international banking system. However, by the 16th century, the channel began to silt up, leading to economic decline. In the 19th century, Bruges regained popularity as a tourist destination, attracting visitors with its history and architecture.
Today, Bruges’ economy relies heavily on tourism. The city receives about 8.3 million tourists annually, with tourism providing employment for around 6,000 people. Bruges is also known for its crafts, especially lace making and chocolate production. The city is easily accessible thanks to its well-developed transportation network. It is about a 1.5 to 2-hour train ride from Brussels. Bruges railway station is located less than 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the historic center, which can be reached on foot in about 20 minutes. Within the city, it is convenient to get around on foot, by bicycle, or by public transport.
Bruges is renowned for its historic monuments, museums, and architectural masterpieces, many of which are within walking distance in the city center. In December, Bruges transforms into a winter wonderland with festive markets, ice skating rinks, and decorated streets, attracting many tourists from around the world.
Main attractions in Bruges include: the Basilica of the Holy Blood (Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed); the Gruuthuse Museum (Gruuthusemuseum); the family-owned De Halve Maan brewery; the Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk); and the medieval Belfry of Bruges (Belfort van Brugge), which is 83 meters (272 feet) tall.
Climate in Bruges
Bruges has a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild winters and cool summers. The proximity to the North Sea significantly influences the weather, providing relatively stable temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year.
The average annual temperature is about 11.2 °C (52.2 °F). The warmest month is July, with an average temperature around 18.3 °C (64.9 °F), and the coldest month is January, averaging about 3.3 °C (37.9 °F).
Annual precipitation is approximately 832 millimeters (32.7 inches), fairly evenly spread over the months. April receives the least rainfall (about 53 mm or 2.1 inches), while December sees the most (around 81 mm or 3.2 inches).
The best time to visit Bruges is from May to September when the weather is warm and pleasant for walking. The winter months, especially December, attract tourists with Christmas markets and festive atmosphere.