Tolhuis, Bruges Coast Travel Guide

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Step back in time at the Tolhuis in Bruges, where medieval merchants once paid their dues in this landmark of the city's trading past.

The Tolhuis, or Toll House, stands on Jan van Eyck Square in Bruges, a reminder of the city's bustling medieval port. Originally a merchant's house in the 13th century, it was repurposed to collect tolls on goods entering the city. Today, its late Gothic porch, adorned with the coat of arms of Pieter van Luxemburg, offers a glimpse into Bruges' rich commercial history.

A brief summary to Tolhuis

Jan van Eyckplein 2, Bruges, 8000, BE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tolhuis.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs and fewer crowds.
Combine your visit to the Tolhuis with a walking tour of nearby attractions on Jan van Eyck Square to maximize your experience.
Take time to admire both the Tolhuis and Het Pijndershuisje for their unique architectural details.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Belfry of Bruges

De Burg

Ezelpoort

Beguinevest

Kruispoort gate

Explore Tolhuis on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Tolhuis, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Markt square, walk northeast towards the Burg square. Continue straight onto Jan van Eyckplein. The Tolhuis will be located on your left at Jan van Eyckplein 2. The walk takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Public Transport

Take a train to Bruges Central Station. Exit and head to the bus terminal. Take bus line 1 or 4 towards 'Brugge Centrum' and get off at the 'Jan van Eyckplein' stop. From there, it's a short walk to the Tolhuis. A train ticket from major Belgian cities to Bruges typically costs around €10-€15 one way. Bus fare typically ranges from €2 to €3.
Parking

If driving, head towards Bruges city center and Jan van Eyckplein. Parking is available in nearby parking garages like 'Parking Station' or 'Parking Biekorf'. Expect parking fees to be around €2 per hour.

Discover more about Tolhuis

The Tolhuis, located on the Jan van Eyckplein, offers a captivating glimpse into Bruges' rich maritime past. During the Middle Ages, this square was a bustling port where traders from all over Europe gathered, and the Tolhuis played a vital role in collecting tolls on goods entering the city.Originally built in the 13th century as a wealthy merchant's house, the building was transformed into a toll collection point in the 14th century. The Tolhuis comprised of several buildings including Het Heilig Graf, Het Pijnderhuisje, and Het Wezelkin. The import tax, known as the Grote Tol, was levied on all goods arriving in Bruges, contributing to the city's wealth and influence. The coat of arms of Pieter van Luxemburg, who rebuilt the Tolhuis in 1477, can still be seen on the late Gothic porch.After serving as a toll house until the 19th century, the building was purchased by the city and repurposed as a fire station and later as the provincial library. Today, it houses the Provincial Information Center, where visitors can find information about regional products, travel details, and maps. The adjacent Pijndershuisje, with its intricate Gothic ornamentation and statues representing various trades, is also worth admiring. A visit to the Tolhuis provides a tangible connection to Bruges' vibrant commercial history and architectural heritage.