Stage 3: Cycling Through the Charm of Bruges

Maria Siopi | 16. September 2025

On the third day of our 60th-anniversary journey, the Igus Bike rolled into Bruges, a city often called the “Venice of the North.” With its canals, medieval architecture, and cobblestone streets, Bruges offered the perfect backdrop for another day filled with history, culture, and customer connections. 

We began our tour at the Belfry of Bruges (Belfort), one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Rising high above the market square, this medieval bell tower once served as a watchtower and symbol of civic pride. Its carillon bells have marked time for centuries and still fill the city with music today. 

From there, we cycled into the heart of the city at the Grote Markt of Bruges, a lively square surrounded by colorful gabled houses and historic guild halls. The atmosphere was vibrant, and the square offered a beautiful glimpse into daily life in Bruges. 

Our next stop was the City Hall of Bruges, one of the oldest in the Low Countries, dating back to the late 14th century. With its ornate Gothic façade, the City Hall stands as a proud testament to Bruges’ importance during the Middle Ages. 

Just around the corner, we visited the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a small but remarkable chapel said to house a vial of Christ’s blood, brought to Bruges after the Second Crusade. Its combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles, along with its spiritual significance, made it one of the highlights of our cultural route. 

We continued to the Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk), famous for its towering spire and stunning artworks, including Michelangelo’s sculpture Madonna and Child. This iconic church is not only a place of worship but also a treasure trove of artistic heritage. 

Before leaving the historic center, we crossed the Conzett Bridge, a modern pedestrian and cycling bridge that elegantly connects different parts of the city. It symbolized the perfect link between Bruges’ medieval charm and its forward-looking spirit—an ideal metaphor for the Igus journey of combining tradition with innovation. 

After our cultural tour of Bruges, we took a scenic ride to the seaside at Blankenberge. With its sandy beaches and North Sea views, this coastal stop offered us a refreshing moment to enjoy Belgium’s maritime charm before continuing our journey. 

In the afternoon, we shifted from cultural landmarks to customer connections with a visit to DECO Subsea, one of our valued clients.

Meeting the team in Bruges was a highlight of the day, giving us the chance to thank them for their trust in Igus solutions and to celebrate our partnership as part of the anniversary tour. 

Day 3 in Bruges blended medieval beauty, coastal charm, and meaningful customer engagement. The Igus Bike Tour continues to show us how history, innovation, and collaboration go hand in hand as we pedal forward on this global journey. 

Our riders:

Tim Küsters

Tim joined igus 7 months ago as Marketing Manager. He immediately felt at home in the supportive team and enjoys the freedom to further develop marketing in Belgium. The challenges that come with it give him extra motivation. During the bike tour, Tim will be on his bike every single day: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. 

Christophe Jaques

Christophe has been with igus for just 3 months as Technical Outside Sales ECS. What he likes most? The great colleagues, the family-like atmosphere, and the many opportunities to learn through training. On top of that, he’s proud to work every day with such strong and reliable products.

Map of the stage