366 stairs to the top. I’m not quite sure what I expected at the Bruges Belfry Climb of the bell tower but once I started, I had to finish. The Belfry of Bruges is a medieval tower in the center of town and was featured in the classic dark comedy In Bruges (2008). Overlooking the market square and the canals, it’s a lovely vantage point to take in the views of the city. Of course, I had to climb it and learn more as it’s the highlight attraction in the city along with the canal boat tours. 366 steps to the top doesn’t sound like a lot given the “walk 10,000 steps in a day” but believe me it’s a workout. The reward is great – views and bells and if you are lucky with timing you can experience the bells as they play (see video below).
Climbing the Stairs at the Bruges Bell Tower
As you climb the narrow winding staircase up the bell tower in Bruges you are reminded with each flight where you are in the climb to the top which is 366 stairs.
If you are like me, you’ll get winded halfway up and start cursing your decision to climb the stairs as your “exercise for the day”. Near the top when you are ready to stop, you’ll find a landing in the drum room which allows you to see the mechanical workings of the bells which control the timing and the music, which is changed every two years. There are a few benches on this landing to catch your breath. You are so close to the top now as the pictures keep reminding you.
Just a few more twists and turns of the stairs to ascend.When you see the last step, you’ll start celebrating the accomplishment – sure 366 steps doesn’t seem like much but trust me, it really is a workout. If you have big feet like me, those small steps are much more challenging. Add to that, the stairs are not consistent in material, quality or distance. So expect stone, wood, marble that has worn and is uneven. You may need to hold onto the wall, a rail or other as you climb up and down.
The reward for your efforts? The views! Panoramic views of the city of Bruges.
Watch & Listen to the Bruges Belfry Bells Play
If you time it right (or wrong depending to your feelings about loud bells) you’ll be under the bells as they play their medley for all to hear. You may want to bring earplugs for those with sensitive hearing or those who want to muffle the sounds.
For me, I was fascinated by the sounds emanating from the different sized bells and enthralled by watching the mechanical motions of the triggers tapping the bells to produce the “bongs” and “bells”. Bells swinging, ropes above, and metal bars tapping above was beauty in motion. Having seen the inner workings a level below and realizing how this is still working today is pretty cool. There are over forty bells ranging in size and weight to produce the sounds.
The Bruges Bells
The Great Bell has changed over the years, with the last change in 1800 with the “Bell Maria” transferred from a local church. The “Bell Maria” was cast in 1680 and still rings today. If you spend time in the Drum Room on the way up (to catch your breath) or on the way down (to spend time reading the displays), you’ll learn that the brass drum is thought to be the largest brass drum in existence. With 30,500 pins to operate the outside clappers (122) on the 37 larger bells, the music medley is a wonder to experience and watch.
Bruges Belfry Climb Entrance
Access to climb the tower is tightly controlled given the steep spiral staircase climb to allow for folks to climb up and let others climb down which is why there is such a long line at the entrance. When you buy your ticket at the window there is then a turnstile with a red or green light. If green light you can walk through to begin the climb, if red light you need to wait until someone exits. This is important if you are a family or group – you may only get one or two people through at a time, if that is the case, arrange to meet on the first landing above. Otherwise, let each person go through and wait on the other side of the lobby.
Note: Footwear choice is very important. I saw women in flip flops and others in high heels who (smartly) abandoned the line once realizing the climb. If you choose not to climb, you can still learn about the Bruges Belfry in the courtyard which has information display boards.
Final Thoughts from Climbing the Bruges Belfry
Climbing down 366 stairs is just as challenging as going up the stairs. There are ropes on the walls in tight spaces and you need to be aware of those climbing up and navigate where you will stand to let folks pass because you can’t both share the stairs at the same time. As you look down and climb down, you again see the signs on the walls indicating where you are in the journey to the bottom. 366 stairs down to the lobby is a quick task. As you exit the stairs and walk through the turnstile, the green light pings for another guest to begin their climb to the top of the Bruges Belfry.
The Belfry opens at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. – I arrived near 10 a.m. and waited about twenty minutes in line before starting the climb. I noticed many of the crowds to the city arrive by tour bus around 10 a.m. so I’d recommend going to the Belfry before 10 a.m.