Chasing Golden Hour in Brugge: A Sunrise Photo Story

Have You Ever Been to Brugge, Belgium?

Brugge is by far my favourite city in Belgium. I’ve visited a few times, but I never stayed overnight—until now. That meant I had never caught the golden hour, sunrise, or night scenes along its beautiful canals. This time, I made sure to change that.

This month, we took a 2-days road trip from Amsterdam to Belgium. Our route was:
Amsterdam → Antwerp → Brugge → Ghent → Brussels → back to Amsterdam.

We booked a charming hotel right in Brugge’s city centre, so that I could easily access to the canals at sunrise.

When we arrived, the skies were overcast. No golden sunset, but thankfully, the rain stopped. I headed out with my camera during the blue hour, capturing a few long-exposure shots that gave Brugge a dreamy, timeless look.

22mm — 30.0sec — f/22 — ISO 500

 

The next morning, I woke up at 5:30 AM—not easy, but worth it. I started with my DJI Mini 4 Pro drone (under 250g, perfect for low-risk city flying). I had pre-planned my flight path on Google Earth, so I knew where to take off and which angles to capture.

The flight was short and low, enough to avoid any complications and to stay safe. Within 10–15 minutes, I had the shots I wanted from above.

 

Then it was time to explore with my camera on foot. Ducks and seagulls floated above the canals, and I managed to catch a few as golden light painted the scene.

75mm — 1/1000sec — f/2.8 — ISO 500

 

24mm — 1/320sec — f/6.3 — ISO 500

 

As the sun began to rise, I looked for opportunities to catch sun rays peeking through rooftops or trees. I stopped down my focal length to f/22, carefully composed my shot and there it was. A perfect moment, light bursting through like a spotlight on the city.

75mm — 1/60sec — f/22 — ISO 800

 

24mm — 1/60sec — f/22 — ISO 500

 

After completing every shot on my list, I returned to the hotel for a well-deserved nap. We checked out an hour later and continued the journey to Ghent, where I had more photos planned.

Unfortunately, the weather was not as good as I expected, and I couldn’t get the Ghent shots I wanted. Looks like I need to plan another trip to Ghent!

I hope you enjoyed the photos and the story behind them. If you haven’t visited Brugge yet, I highly recommend adding it to your travel list, especially for a golden hour shoot.

If you would like to bring a little of Brugge’s magic into your home, check out the Belgium Collection in my store, featuring premium-quality wall art from this trip.

 

Until next time,
Etem

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time for golden hour photography in Brugge?

The best time for golden hour photography in Brugge is during the first 30 to 60 minutes after sunrise. The soft, warm light filters through the medieval architecture and reflects off the canals, creating a magical atmosphere. Use apps like PhotoPills to plan your exact timing based on the season.

What camera settings work best for sunrise photography in Brugge?

For sunrise photography in Brugge, try shooting at f/22 with a low ISO (400–800) and slower shutter speeds around 1/60 sec to capture sun rays peeking through rooftops. A focal length between 22mm and 75mm works well for both wide canal scenes and tighter compositions. Always use a tripod for sharpness.

Is Brugge good for drone photography?

Brugge offers stunning drone photography opportunities. Aerial views of the medieval city centre, canals, and church spires at sunrise are particularly impressive. Always check local Belgian drone regulations before flying, and be mindful of no-fly zones around crowded areas and historic buildings.