Routes Planner Features Updates

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Smedenpoort

Smedenpoort

Highlight • Monument

Smedenpoort

Hiking

4.8

(80)

Cycling

4.5

(39)

Running

5.0

(4)

Gravel riding

5.0

(3)

Mountain biking

5.0

(2)

Road cycling

5.0

(1)

Location: Brugge, Bruges, West Flanders, Flanders, Belgium

See nearby routes

Tips

serge 🚶🐉😊🇧🇪

December 20, 2025

Hiking

The Smedenpoort (Forged Gate) is one of Bruges' four remaining medieval city gates and forms an impressive entrance to the city. Dating back to the 14th century, the gate is notable for its robust towers, stone arch, and the striking gold mask above the passageway. For centuries, it served as an important checkpoint for those entering Bruges. Today, it's a beautiful piece of heritage along the green ramparts, perfect for a short historical stop during your walk or bike ride.

Translated by

•

September 22, 2022

Hiking

Striking gate

Translated by

•

Jantje 🇧🇪 🚲🚶🏻‍♂️

December 17, 2025

Hiking

The first Smedenpoort (Forged Gate) dates from 1297-1299, and the current one was built on its remains in 1367. Over the centuries, the gate underwent many changes. The bronze skull above the left passageway commemorates the execution of François Vander Straeten, who attempted to usher enemy French troops into the city at the end of the 17th century. His severed traitor's head adorned the gate for a long time afterward.

Translated by

•

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Sign up for free

Nearby routes

Best routes near Smedenpoort

4.6

(68)

491

hikers

#1.

Bonne-Chièremolen (Bruges) – Conzett Bridge loop from Bruges

9.10km

02:18

10m

10m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

Navigate with device Send to Phone

Moderate

4.5

(78)

553

hikers

#2.

Conzett Bridge – Bonne-Chièremolen (Bruges) loop from Brugge

9.07km

02:18

20m

20m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

Navigate with device Send to Phone

Moderate

4.3

(10)

44

hikers

#3.

Beisbroek Planet Trail – Smedenpoort loop from Brugge

23.5km

05:57

40m

40m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

Navigate with device Send to Phone

Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 10 m

Weather

Powered by Foreca

Thursday 29 October

14°C

6°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See nearby routes

Location: Brugge, Bruges, West Flanders, Flanders, Belgium

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Bonifacius Bridge

Minnewater (Lake of Love), Bruges

Nepomuk Bridge (Nepomucenusbrug)

View of Kraanrei Canal

Koninklijke Stadsschouwburg Brugge

Hotel Duke's Palace

Tourist Boat Dock Bruges Canals

Flandria Nostra Statue

Poortersloge

Zicht op de Begijnenvest

Standbeeld Jan Van Eyck

Historic Center of Bruges