Minnewater Park

Introduction

Minnewater Park is a romantic park south of central Bruges, Belgium. Centered on the Lake of Love (Minnewater, aka Swan Lake), with swans gliding, weeping willows and the white Begijnhof, and named for the tale of the lovelorn knight Minne, it is Bruges' most romantic stroll and a poetic corner of the medieval city. The Lake of Love (Minnewater, West Flemish for "lake of love") is south of Bruges center — historically a regulating reservoir for the city canals. Swans glide year-round — hence "Swan Lake." Willows and a promenade line the shore — Bruges' most romantic walk. The adjacent Begijnhof (UNESCO World Heritage, founded 1245) has white houses and green courtyards — once an independent community of lay religious women. "Minnewater" derives from West Flemish "Minne" (love) — a knight named Minne is said to have died here of a broken heart. Visiting to feel medieval romance and tranquility among swans and the Begijnhof's white courtyards is a poetic, gentle urban corner experience.

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