Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Bruges, West Flanders!

Choco-Story, the Chocolate Museum

Why Visit?

Welcome to a delightful wheelchair-friendly journey through Bruges’ Choco-Story, the Chocolate Museum, where the rich history of chocolate comes alive in a fully accessible setting.

Getting There

Choco-Story is nestled in the heart of Bruges, just a stone"s throw from the Markt Square. Arriving by public transport is convenient; the closest bus stop is "Brugge Markt," which is well-serviced and flat, perfect for wheelchairs and scooters. If you’re driving, there are several parking lots nearby like Parking Biekorf or Parking Centrum-Zand, both of which offer accessible parking spaces.

Start Your Tour

Begin your tour at the museum’s entrance on Wijnzakstraat 2, where a staff-operated elevator ensures easy access to all three floors of the museum. Start on the upper floor and make your way down. Each floor is equipped with wide corridors and ramps, making every part of the exhibition accessible.

Engage with the Exhibits

The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the journey of chocolate, from its origins with the ancient Aztecs to its status as a Belgian pride. Engage with interactive displays and learn how chocolate is made, both traditionally and industrially. There’s also a special area demonstrating the health benefits of chocolate, featuring lower-height displays for easy viewing from a wheelchair.

Live Demonstrations and Tastings

Don"t miss the live chocolate-making demonstrations, where you can see chocolatiers craft exquisite chocolates. The demo area is fully accessible, and staff are on hand to assist with any special needs. Be sure to indulge in the free chocolate tastings—accessible counters make it easy for everyone to try a piece of freshly made Belgian chocolate.

End Your Visit

Finish your tour at the museum shop, accessible via a ramp, where you can buy some unique chocolate-themed souvenices—a sweet reminder of your visit to Choco-Story in Bruges.

Enjoy your tour, where the magic of chocolate is accessible to all!

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Sint-Janshospitaal (Saint John’s Hospital)

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of Sint-Janshospitaal, Bruges

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day at one of Europe’s oldest hospitals, Sint-Janshospitaal, located in the scenic city of Bruges. For those arriving by train, the Bruges station offers good accessibility, and from there, you can either take a wheelchair-friendly taxi or bus to the museum. The hospital is about a 20-minute journey from the station.

Upon arrival, head to the ticket office where accessible entrance tickets are available. Sint-Janshospitaal has made commendable efforts to accommodate wheelchair users, including ramps and lifts to navigate its historic structure. Begin your visit by exploring the museum that houses remarkable collections of Hans Memling’s artworks, silverware, and medical instruments that offer a glimpse into healthcare during medieval times.

Midday: Memling Museum

Located within the same complex, the Memling Museum is housed in the old hospital chapel and showcases some of the finest works by the German-born Flemish artist, Hans Memling. This part of the museum is accessible, with smooth floors and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair. Don"t miss the "Shrine of St. Ursula," which is one of Memling’s masterpieces.

Afternoon: Hospital Pharmacy and Herb Garden

Continue to the hospital’s old pharmacy, which features an impressive collection of ceramic pots and medical tools from centuries past. Nearby, the restored herb garden offers a tranquil spot, accessible via a flat path, where medicinal plants are still grown. The garden not only provides a sensory delight but also insight into the traditional herbal treatments once used at the hospital.

Lunch and Departure

Finish your tour by enjoying a meal at one of the nearby cafes in Bruges, many of which are accessible to wheelchair users. Reflect on the rich history and incredible art you"ve absorbed at this unique venue before heading back to your accommodation or next destination.

This comprehensive yet leisurely visit to Sint-Janshospitaal promises a blend of art, history, and serene garden spaces, all accessible and enriching for every visitor.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Bruges Beer Museum (Brugs Biermuseum)

Why Visit?

Welcome to the charming city of Bruges, a medieval gem that is as accessible as it is picturesque. Here’s a wheelchair-friendly itinerary for exploring the Bruges Beer Museum and nearby attractions, ensuring a delightful and smooth experience.

Morning: Bruges Beer Museum (Brugs Biermuseum)

Begin your day at the Bruges Beer Museum, located on the vibrant Markt Square. The museum is fully accessible, equipped with an elevator at the entrance (located to the left of the staircase) to welcome all visitors. Dive into the history, brewing processes, and vast varieties of Belgian beer through interactive exhibits and accessible displays. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste different beers at the museum’s bar, which offers a tasting of three beers included in your ticket.

Getting there: The museum is centrally located. If you’re staying in the city center, the best way to get there is by a short roll or ride, as Bruges is well laid out for wheelchairs with most streets and main squares like Markt being relatively flat and paved.

Lunch: Markt Square

After exploring the museum, head out to Markt Square. Choose one of the accessible restaurants or cafes lining the square for a bite. Many have outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy the buzz of the city and the beautiful view of medieval architecture.

Afternoon: Canal Tour

Post-lunch, make your way to the nearby canal boat tour, which offers an accessible dock (ask for assistance as staff are very helpful). Glide through Bruges" picturesque canals and under its dreamy bridges, providing a unique perspective of the city’s stunning architecture and serene beauty.

Evening: Dinner in De Halve Maan Brewery

Conclude your day with dinner at De Halve Maan Brewery, which offers an accessible restaurant area. Enjoy traditional Flemish dishes paired perfectly with a locally brewed beer, capping off your immersive Bruges beer experience.

Bruges, with its accessible attractions and cobblestone charm, promises a memorable and inclusive experience for all beer enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde (Begijnhof)

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Tour to Begijnhof, Bruges

Morning Arrival

Start your day by heading to the enchanting Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde, a serene cluster of historic buildings dating back to 1245. Located in the heart of Bruges, this site is accessible via public transport; buses and taxis are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. Disembark at the nearby bus stop, and a short, smooth path leads directly to the Beguinage.

Navigating Begijnhof

Enter through the majestic arched gateway, which opens up to a tranquil courtyard surrounded by quaint white houses. The main paths are well-paved and flat, suitable for wheelchairs and scooters, allowing you to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and the beauty of the landscaped garden and central poplar trees. Most of the ground floor areas of the Begijnhof are accessible, including the fascinating Beguinage Museum, which offers insights into the lives of the beguines who once lived here.

Interesting Facts

The Beguinage was founded in 1245 by the Countess of Flanders, Margaret of Constantinople, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Originally a community for lay religious women, it"s a testament to the unique cultural tradition of the Low Countries. The beguines lived here in devout simplicity, which is still palpable as you wheel through the calming, cobbled lanes.

Lunch and Relaxation

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the nearby cafes that are accessible and offer views of the picturesque canals. Many have ramps and accessible restrooms.

Afternoon Stroll

Post-lunch, explore the surrounding areas, including the adjacent Minnewater Lake. The paths here are also wheelchair-friendly, offering beautiful vistas perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Departure

As the day winds down, head back to the bus stop or call a taxi from one of the many accessible transport services in Bruges. Reflect on a day well-spent in one of Belgium’s most serene historical treasures.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

De Halve Maan Brewery

Why Visit?

Exploring De Halve Maan Brewery: A Wheelchair-Friendly Guide

Nestled in the charming streets of Bruges, De Halve Maan Brewery is a beacon for beer lovers and history enthusiasts alike. This itinerary ensures an accessible and delightful experience for visitors on wheelchiles or mobile scooters.

Morning: Arrival and Brewery Tour

Begin your adventure by arriving at De Halve Maan, located in the heart of Bruges. The brewery is accessible via the city"s flat, well-paved roads, making it a comfortable ride for those using wheelchairs or scooters. For those driving, parking can be found nearby at "t Zand, which has reserved spaces for disabled visitors.

Join the 11 AM brewery tour, which is tailored for accessibility. The tour avoids steps and steep areas, sticking to the ground floor where the fascinating brewing process is explained in detail. Learn about the family-owned brewery"s history, dating back to 1856, and discover traditional brewing methods that are still in use today.

Afternoon: Tasting and Lunch

Post-tour, head to the brewery"s onsite restaurant. It"s equipped with accessible facilities, including a disabled restroom. Indulge in a tasting session where you can sip on Brugse Zot, the only beer still brewed in Bruges" city center. Pair your brew with a traditional Flemish stew or some local cheese, both of which beautifully complement the beer"s rich flavors.

Evening: Stroll and Shop

Conclude your visit with a leisurely stroll around the nearby Minnewater Lake, which is encircled by smooth, wide paths offering serene views — perfect for an evening unwind. Don"t forget to stop by the brewery shop to pick up a souvenir bottle of Brugse Zot or the potent Straffe Hendrik, both perfect reminders of your Bruges brewery experience.

Enjoy Bruges and De Halve Maan Brewery at a relaxed pace, ensuring a memorable and accessible visit for all.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.