Our beer-themed bike tour with Beercycling brought us straight to Fort Lapin, a small, offbeat craft brewery tucked away just outside Bruges’ historic center. We rolled in on a drizzly July morning, the kind of soft rain that mutes the world and makes you want to tuck into a cozy spot with something warm—or in this case, cold and hoppy.
After the clouds cleared and the sun started peeking through, we were greeted by the brewery’s owner himself. He gave us a personal tour of the space—slow-paced but packed with passion and knowledge. What really stood out was the atmosphere is every piece of decor seemed to have a story, thrifted and mismatched in the best way. Fort Lapin is a vibe.
To Get There
Address: Dreef ter Panne 2 8000 Brugge Belgium
Parking: Free parking available
Beer Tour: For individuals or Groups, Saturday : 14:00-18:00 (on appointment)
Fort Lapin is located just outside the Bruges city center. It’s a short bike ride or drive from the main tourist areas, but it seems like many locals haven’t even explored it yet.
When to Go
The best time to visit Fort Lapin is during the spring and summer months (May through September), when the weather is more likely to cooperate—and a cold Belgian beer tastes extra refreshing after a bike ride. That said, the cozy interior makes it a great rainy-day stop year-round.
We went in July and experienced both—cool rain in the morning followed by sunshine and open skies in the afternoon.
The History
Despite its historic-sounding name, Fort Lapin is a relatively young addition to Bruges’ beer scene. The name actually refers to the former fortifications in this area—“Lapin” meaning rabbit in French, which adds to the brewery’s playful branding maybe because it’s “hoppy?”
The brewery was founded in 2011 by Kristof Vandenbussche, and has since become known for its small-batch, character-driven beers and offbeat ambiance.
Where to Stay
If you’re visiting Bruges, staying near the old town will give you easy access to all the sights while still being a short bike or walk from Fort Lapin. Some charming options include:
- Hotel De Orangerie – A luxe canal-side stay with tons of charm
- Snuffel Hostel – Great for budget travelers with modern amenities
- Guesthouse Mirabel – A beautiful B&B with a local feel
Additional Tips
- Take the tour: Whether you’re a beer nerd or just curious, the owner’s insights into the brewing process are worth the listen—even if he speaks slowly, it adds to the relaxed charm.
- Try the seasonal brews: The lineup changes, so ask what’s new or limited-edition.
- Look around: The thrift-store-meets-brewery aesthetic is full of hidden gems—antique clocks, oddball artwork, and furniture with character.
Tours
We visited Fort Lapin as part of a Beercycling tour, which was a great way to explore the region at a relaxed pace. The guided ride included several stops at local breweries, tastings, and insights into Belgium’s deep-rooted beer culture.
Want to See More of Belgium?
👉 Check out my other Belgium travel posts.