Brugge Bonifaciusbrug

The most photographed bridge in Bruges

The Bonifaciusbrug is small, and easy to miss if you don't know where to look. It's tucked away behind the Arentshof, next to the Gruuthusemuseum, and connects two parts of the historic city centre. That hidden position is exactly what makes it so photogenic. You almost stumble upon it by accident, and then suddenly there it is.

The bridge itself only dates from 1910, but it fits so naturally into its surroundings that it looks centuries older. Stone railings, trailing ivy, and in the background the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk. When the wind drops, the water of the Dijver reflects the facade of the Gruuthusemuseum. All of that together makes this one of the most classic compositions Bruges has to offer.

Light and season

Come early. On a morning in October or November you have the best chance of having the bridge to yourself. The soft, low autumn light falls just right on the stone and the water. In summer the place is already crowded by nine in the morning. An overcast morning actually works very well here: the diffuse light keeps the reflections soft and avoids hard shadows on the bridge.

Autumn has another advantage. When the trees in the Arentshof change colour, you get warm tones in the frame that reinforce the atmosphere of the place.

Composition and focal length

A mid-range focal length, somewhere between 35mm and 85mm, works best. Wide enough to show the bridge in its context, tight enough to bring the background closer. Get low for a strong reflection in the water. You can also shoot from the bridge itself, towards the church, but the classic shot is made just in front of it.

For portrait work this is an excellent location. The background is recognisable without being overpowering, and there is enough texture in the stone and water to give the image depth.

Practical

The easiest place to park is one of the car parks on the edge of the centre, such as 't Zand or Katelijne. From there it's a ten to fifteen minute walk. The bridge is on open ground and always freely accessible. There is no permit requirement for non-commercial photography, but commercial shoots in Bruges are subject to rules set by the city of Bruges.

Sources and further reading

• Musea Brugge, Arentshof
• Stad Brugge
• Wikipedia, Bonifaciusbrug