View of Zeebrugge marina with docked sailboats and modern waterfront buildings under a clear blue sky. A sailboat navigates the water in Zeebrugge, with cargo cranes and harbor structures in the background.
Belgium

Zeebrugge: Plain Front, Pretty Back

A Sailboat’s Journey Past Zeebrugge’s Busy Port.
 Zeebrugge, Belgium, August 2022

Zeebrugge is Belgium’s second-largest port, after Antwerp. Sounds impressive, but on the day of my visit, there wasn’t much happening—just a few ships, minimal activity. Not that there’s much to see here anyway, aside from the port itself.

I really try to find something worth looking at. I walk to the water, along the promenade, past a few scattered buildings—nothing. No hidden gem, no charming detail, not even a quirky statue to save the day. Normally, I don’t stray from the coast—after all, this project is about exploring waterfront places. But at some point, it becomes clear: this is a photographic emergency.

So, I do some research—and luckily, Zeebrugge is officially considered part of Lissewege. And if that’s the case, then surely I can take a little detour.

And what a difference it makes. A small canal winds through the village, flanked by whitewashed polder houses. Towering over everything stands the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Bezoekingskerk, a monumental 13th-century church that feels far too large for such a small town. It’s a picturesque contrast to the gray dullness of the harbor—and finally, something worth capturing with my camera.

Zeebrugge itself may not have much to offer. But if it’s officially part of a charming village, why not take advantage of that?

Map of Zeebrugge
A sailboat navigates the water in Zeebrugge, with cargo cranes and harbor structures in the background.
A sailing yacht glides past the port of Zeebrugge, where leisure and industry share the coastline.
Container cranes at the Zeebrugge port, with cargo ships docked under a cloudy sky.
A container ship MSC Anzu docked in Zeebrugge, surrounded by cargo containers and cranes. Water reflects the cloudy sky.
The container ship MSC Anzu docked in Zeebrugge, one of Europe’s key shipping hubs, where massive cranes handle global cargo traffic.
An industrial facility in Zeebrugge, featuring large machinery and cranes along the waterfront.
A container ship docked at the Zeebrugge port with blue cranes and wind turbines in the background.
A large wooden cross on a dock in Zeebrugge, overlooking the water with urban buildings in the background.
A brick building with a sign for D’Oude Stoasie community center in Zeebrugge, featuring outdoor tables and chairs.
D’Oude Stoasie in Zeebrugge, a former railway station now serving as a community center, preserving its historic character with original brickwork and signage.
A lift bridge in Zeebrugge, showcasing two raised towers and traffic signals at a busy crossing.
A cargo ship passes under a lift bridge in Zeebrugge, with shipping containers and port structures in the background.
View of Zeebrugge marina with docked sailboats and modern waterfront buildings under a clear blue sky.
Moored sailboats line the marina of Zeebrugge, with modern waterfront apartments just beyond the docks.
A scenic view of Lissewege in Zeebrugge, featuring charming houses along a tranquil canal lined with greenery.
A view of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Bezoekingskerk tower in Lissewege, framed by lush greenery on a clear day.
A view of Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Bezoekingskerk in Lissewege, framed by lush greenery and tombstones in Zeebrugge.
The Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Bezoekingskerk in Lissewege, a striking medieval church, framed by lush trees.
Bright church with high vaulted ceilings, rows of wooden chairs, and colorful window frames letting light in.
A detailed view of Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Bezoekingskerk in Lissewege, showcasing its brick architecture and surrounding graves.
Interior of Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Bezoekingskerk in Zeebrugge, showcasing the ornate organ and towering brick vaulted ceiling.
A scenic view of Lissewege, Zeebrugge, featuring charming houses lining a canal covered with green vegetation.