Bruges Orders Tourist Boats to Reduce Noise by 2029

The city of Bruges has ordered tourist boats operating on its historic canals to eliminate the use of sound amplification systems by 2029, following years of complaints from residents who say they are forced to listen to the same guided tour narratives repeatedly throughout the day. The measure is part of a broader strategy by the UNESCO World Heritage city to balance its booming tourism industry with quality of life for local residents.

Context

Bruges receives approximately 8 million visitors annually, with more than 1 million — and as many as 1.3 million according to some estimates — taking canal boat tours each year. The medieval urban structure, characterized by narrow streets and canals known as reien, amplifies congestion and conflicts between visitors and residents. With five boat companies operating on the canals, residents living along the waterways have long complained about the constant noise from amplified tour guide commentary.

According to VRT NWS, the city has received angry emails and phone calls from residents who are tired of hearing the same stories broadcast through loudspeakers day after day.

Key Developments

Under the new rules, which still require approval from the municipal council, all sound amplification on tourist boats will be prohibited from 2029. The three-year transition period is intended to give operators time to adapt. “This gives the shipping companies enough time to adapt to the new conditions. They are also free to choose how they do it,” said Minou Esquenet (CD&V), Alderman for Tourism for the City of Bruges, as reported by VRT NWS.

Esquenet framed the decision as a matter of balance. “It’s a matter of balance and quality,” she said. “We have entered into consultation with the stakeholders involved and have tried to achieve maximum agreement between the wishes of the city council, the interests of our residents, and those of the shipping companies.”

Boat operators, however, have raised concerns. Michiel Michielsens, operator of rederij Venetië van het Noorden (Venice of the North), argued that current noise levels are already very low. “The current standard of 65 decibels is medieval. That’s roughly equivalent to flushing a toilet,” he told VRT NWS. On the suggestion of switching to headsets, Michielsens noted the practical difficulties: “On a Saturday we average 1,700 customers. Giving all of them a working headset with a charged battery is difficult. And what about children? Or rainy weather? It’s not that simple.”

Focus & WTV, the regional broadcaster for West Flanders, also reported on the new regulations, confirming that the measure follows years of noise complaints and an earlier agreement to speak more quietly on the boats.

Broader Anti-Overtourism Strategy

The noise ban is the latest in a series of measures Bruges has implemented to manage overtourism. In September 2025, the city approved a tightening of its guide code of conduct, limiting guided tour groups to a maximum of 20 participants — down from groups that sometimes reached 70 people. The updated code also banned stopping in narrow streets and on bridges, as VRT NWS reported.

Additionally, all 20 canal boats must be electric by January 1, 2028 — with 16 already converted — and reserve boats have until 2030. Ticket prices will rise from €15 to €17 in 2027. The city has also banned new hotel construction and holiday rentals, capped cruise ship arrivals, and limited tourism to a “Golden Triangle” area to preserve residential neighborhoods.

The European Union’s Sustainable EU Tourism project has recognized Bruges’ comprehensive approach as a best practice, noting that the city has preserved its cultural heritage and maintained a high quality of life for residents while supporting its tourism economy.

What’s Next

The proposed noise measure still requires approval from the municipal council before it can take effect. If approved, boat operators will have until 2029 to find alternatives — whether through headsets, whisper systems, or simply speaking without amplification. The decision could set a precedent for other historic European cities grappling with similar tensions between tourism and resident quality of life, particularly Venice and Amsterdam, which face comparable challenges with canal traffic and noise.

As Bruges continues to refine its approach, the central question remains: can one of Europe’s most beloved tourist destinations maintain its charm for visitors while ensuring its streets and canals remain livable for those who call it home?