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The history of Bruges dates back to the 9th century when it was founded by Vikings. The river Zwin linked the settlement to the North Sea and it very quickly became an important international trading port.

The history of Bruges follows the path of rise, fall and rise again. In the 12th century, Bruges received a city status, but soon after the Zwin started to silt up. Bruges started to create outports in Damme and Sluis; simultaneously, land transport became more and more prevalent.. 

In the 14th century, Bruges become the warehouse of the North-European Hanseatic cities. Numerous countries, such as Germany, Italy and Spain, had their own representation in Bruges, making it an important European center where different languages could be heard and where any products could be found. 

In the 15th century Bruges' wealth started to decline, when the larger harbour of Antwerp came to dominate. Art continued to flourish, however, as well as the construction of beautiful late-gothic buildings and churches, and the Flemish painting school producing great works. 

By the middle of the 1800s, Bruges was the poorest city in Belgium. In 20th century, the city became an international tourist destination and Bruges’ medieval heritage turned out to be a new source of wealth. The new harbour of Zeebrugge brought new development and new industries to the region.