One canal bend changes the whole picture

Bruges is flat — the highest natural point in the city is roughly 10 meters above sea level. The Belfry (Belfort) tower at 83 meters, a medieval carillon tower, anchors the city skyline. Rozenhoedkaai — the Quay of the Rosary — is where a canal curves before a row of stepped-gable houses with the Belfry in the background. This is the photograph of Bruges, and it faces southwest, so afternoon and golden-hour light falls from the right. Minnewater, the Lake of Love at the southern edge of the old city, faces north and reflects the sky. Early morning before 7am from May through September is the only time these spots are empty — canal boat tours run from 10am until 6pm and fill the water with boats. Golden hour at 51°N runs around 53 minutes in summer.