The building is completely restored. It is open since January 2006. The Arthostel youth hostel is the ideal sleeping-place when you want to visit Bruges at a reasonable price.

It's easy to reach the Arthostel by public transport or by car. There's free public parking 100 m further up with a bus stop beside.

The Arthostel youth hostel is near to the town centre and it is also perfectly situated to explore the surrounding area as Damme, Sluis and the Belgian coast.

The hostel was built in the beginning of the 1900's and was used as a hotel along the canal running from Oostend to Gent. After the First World War the building was restored and called the 'Shiphotel'.

After the Second World War the hotel used the name 'Mercator' which was the name of the last ship anchored there.

In 2005, the hostel was completely restored and given the name Arthostel. The façade has been classified by the city of Bruges as valuable.

We plan to work with art galleries and artists in putting together expositions, from there the name 'Arthostel'.

At the moment, we are exposing some African Art in the youth hostel.