31 enjoyable things to do in Bruges with teenagers

Bruges, a historic city in Belgium, is often touted as one of the most charming and picturesque destinations in Europe. But what about visiting Bruges with teenagers? Is it still possible to enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage Site and its cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and quaint canals with older kids in tow?

The answer is a resounding yes! Bruges with teenagers can be a delightful and enriching experience for the whole family. The city has plenty of activities and attractions that appeal to young adults, from history buffs to foodies, art enthusiasts, and more.

For starters, Bruges’ medieval architecture is an excellent starting point for exploring the city with older kids. Its charming cobbled streets and picturesque canals provide a perfect backdrop for strolling, exploring, and taking in the city’s history.

Whether your teenagers are interested in learning more about the city’s past, or simply enjoy soaking up the ambience of a bygone era, Bruges is the perfect destination.

Know before you go. Our top Bruges travel tips

Travelling to Bruges can be such an enriching experience for the whole family. There are so many things to do in Bruges, and having the best place to stay in Bruges to explore is extremely important. Here, we’ve got some information to get you planning your family vacation to Bruges to make it completely hassle-free.

Where to stay in Bruges with teenagers

You’ll never be short of options for your accommodation in Bruges. In Bruges, you find a range of hotels, apartments and hostels. You will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, families and groups on every budget. If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs, we recommend using Agoda and Hotellook to find the best prices in Bruges.

• Luxury accommodation: De Tuilerieën is a small luxury hotel situated along a picturesque canal. The hotel offers an indoor swimming pool and a garden terrace. Families with teens can stay in the superior family room. 
• Mid-Range: At La Clé you’ll be welcomed into a family home with 5 rooms. The 16^th-century house has recently been renovated which resulted in a great combination of old and new
• Budget: At the Snuffel Hostel, you’ll find a centrally located, highly clean place with lots of space, big rooms and many facilities. Choose between shared and private bathrooms for a pretty decent price

Bruges apartment alternative for your stay

If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation on your Belgium trip with teenagers in Bruges, then an apartment is the best choice for your family vacation. Bruges has so many options for singles, families, and budget-friendly options. You can search VRBO for apartments in Bruges

If you’re looking for something fancier, discover Plum Guide’s exceptional luxury apartments, handpicked for their stunning views, prime locations, and indulgent amenities. With meticulous quality checks and a focus on unique experiences, they offer the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Experience the extraordinary and create unforgettable memories in these truly special accommodations

How to get to Bruges Belgium.

• The closest airport to Bruges is Brussels Airport. The airport is located northeast of the Belgian capital, approximately 110km (68 miles) from Bruges. Many Airlines offer direct flights to Brussels including British Airways, Air France, Brussels Airlines and EasyJet. Book your flights to Bruges with Kiwi Flights.
  • You can book an airport transfer from Brussels Airport to your hotel
• You can catch trains to Bruges from all over Europe and Belgium. High-speed trains run frequently between London, Paris and Brussels, where you can connect to a Bruges train. Search and book trains to Bruges with Omio
• Flix Bus has buses running daily to Bruges from destinations inside Belgium and International destinations. Search for your bus tickets to Bruges
• Belgium has some great Highways for driving. You can easily access France, Luxembourg, England and the Netherlands in a matter of hours. Search your Rental Car today!

How to get around Bruges with teenagers

Public transport in Bruges is by bus. Frequent buses are running from the train station into the city centre.

The buses going to the city centre stop within easy walking distance of the main shopping streets, historical buildings, and museums making it easy to get around on your Bruges for a kid’s holiday. Taxis and UBER are available in the city.

Bruges for international visitors

International travel to Belgium requires a bit more thought. You will need travel insurance as Medical care is not cheap. If you want good quality care, it will cost you a fortune if you don’t have travel insurance. 

The official currency of Belgium is the Euro. If you use your bank account from home you will be stung with high transaction fees, while your mobile phone calls will all be charged at an international rate. These are just some of the things you need to think about on a vacation with teens.

• For International travellers, travel insurance is a must get a quote through Insurance Masters and don’t go home with a huge bill for medical expenses.
• Do you need a visa to visit Bruges? The country of Belgium may require you to have a visa or an ETA (Electronic travel authorization) to enter the country. You can check and buy these documents at iVisa.
• Load a Revolut Travel Money card with Euros for your visit and save on transaction fees
• Make phone calls with an international sim card that you can buy before leaving home or buy a voucher for a virtual e-sim for your mobile phone.
• A 4G pocket Wi-Fi modem is essential for accessing the internet. You can rent a pocket modem that you can pick up at the airport or your hotel or buy a pocket modem that you can use on all future trips with your phone, tablet, or computer.
• Make sure you grab a VPN for your family travel in Belgium. Surf shark VPN has plans available from one month to one year to help keep your data safe from hackers and malware while travelling.

The ultimate list of things to do in Bruges with teenagers

If you are planning to visit the great city of Bruges, then you have to know the best locations that you have to visit in the city. Here are some of the top places in Bruges to visit with teenagers

Bruges City Centre

The historic city centre of Bruges is a picturesque destination that is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, charming streets, and beautiful canals.

The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to many stunning historic buildings that date back to the 13th century.

One of the highlights of the historic centre is the Main Markt Square, which is a bustling hub of activity with many outdoor cafes and restaurants. Historic buildings, including the Belfry Tower, the Provincial Court, and the Gothic-style City Hall surround the square.

As you wander through the charming streets of the historic centre, you’ll come across many other historic buildings and landmarks, including the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Church of Our Lady, and the Groeninge Museum. The city centre is also known for its many canals, which offer a unique way to explore the city and take in the stunning views.

Canal tour of Bruges

Bruges is a city built on Canals, much like Venice. You see Bruges used to be a seaport in medieval times, Brugge-Zeebrugge Canal, a waterway restored in 1896 and 1907 to connect Brugge back to the North Sea.

Bruges is home to over 90 bridges around the city, a boat trip will be one of the fun things to do in Bruges and show you medieval buildings, secret gardens, romantic bridges and swans cruising the waters.

There are many canal tours you can take in Bruges, including the guided boat trip and walk tour.

Walking tour in Bruges

The great thing about a walking tour with a local is finding sites that tourists don’t normally visit. A walking tour will include Market Place, Saaihalle (1399), Huis ter Beurze (the first stock exchange), the Toll House, Gothic City Hall, the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Liberty of Bruges.

Most walking tours will take around 2 hours to complete, probably the right amount of time to keep teens engaged in the city of Bruges.

Belgium Waffle Making in Bruges

Another popular activity in Bruges for families is learning how to make traditional Belgian waffles.

You can join a waffle-making class where you’ll get hands-on experience in mixing the batter, using the waffle iron, and creating delicious toppings.

It’s a fun and interactive way to immerse yourself in Belgian culinary culture. By the end of the class, you’ll have the skills to make perfect Belgian waffles at home. So why not add a sweet and tasty experience to your visit to Bruges?

Bruges sights to see – Cathedral of the Holy Blood

This is a bit offbeat or dark tourism attraction for teenagers in Bruges. The Cathedral of the Holy Blood is said to contain a cloth stain vile of the Blood of Jesus Christ.

The chapel itself is an amazing 12th-century design, but the blood draws visitors of all backgrounds, from the deeply religious to the sceptics and just the plain curious to know what the fuss is all about.

The legend behind the Blood is that following the Crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea wiped the blood from the body of Christ and the cloth was preserved.

Watch a football match.

Football (soccer) is one of the most popular sports today. Club Brugge is the team to follow in this town. The club first started running around the pitch in 1891.

The club constantly wins Belgium’s top-flight league and competes in European competitions. The football season in Europe runs from September through April.

Bruges play their games at the 29,000-seat Jan Breydel Stadium. Watching football is a great experience for visiting kids in Bruges.

See a windmill in Bruges

Windmills are more closely related to the Netherlands, but with Belgium being so close you can also see them in the countryside and cities of Belgium. The old city ramparts have long since ceased to be a defensive structure and are now a green area that encircles the city.

Along the ramparts sits four traditional windmills, with 2 of them dating back to the 17th century. A map of Bruges from the 16th century shows 23 working windmills in Bruges at one stage.

Travel back in time in the Historium. 

If you want your teenager to learn more about Bruges and its history but are not the biggest fan of walking around museums the entire day, take them to the Historium. Every visitor becomes immersed in Bruges’ Golden Century in five different parts. 

In Historium Story, you listen to a love story while walking through the different theme rooms. Accompanied by film, movie and special effects, you’ll learn all the important facts about Medieval Bruges, the trade and Jan van Eyck’s famous art. 

With the Historium Virtual Reality, there are different possibilities to experience walking around in Medieval Bruges. The first option is an 8-minute trip that you take in one of the virtual reality booths. You can see and use your hands while doing so!

Other options are available, including an outdoor experience where you head out into the city with your VR cardboard glasses. Historium Exhibition is an interactive exhibition where you’ll learn more about the city’s layout and architecture. 

On the Panoramic Deck, you can enjoy some great views over Bruges’ Market Square and your teen will love taking selfies with the Belfry in the background. 

The last part of the experience is the Historium Tower. You can climb this neo-gothic tower that stands 35m tall and has a 360-degree view of the city.

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Chocolate workshop at Choco-story Museum 

Belgian chocolate is famous worldwide and often referred to as a work of art. In Bruges’ chocolate museum, you’ll learn all there is to know about chocolate’s evolution and production process. There are also demonstrations and you get to taste the delicious candy.

Do you love Fries?

The Fries Museum is a unique and quirky attraction dedicated to the history and culture of French fries (friet or frites in Dutch). The museum is the first and only museum in the world dedicated to French fries. Kids can learn about the history of potatoes, the fries’ origin, and this beloved snack’s cultural significance. Book your date with fries today.

Why not save a few dollars on your vacation and book a combined entry ticket to Choco-Story Bruges + Fries Museum Bruges

Unique ghost, horror and history tours in Bruges

With a history stretching back centuries, York is home to many myths, ghosts and legends. Several tours incorporate themes of ghosts, the supernatural and a bloody past that the city has witnessed.

Below are some of the best tours that will inform, entertain and scare you in Bruges

• The Dark Side of Bruges
• Alternative Bruges Night Tour: Dark Stories & (Haunted) History
• Walking Tour Bruges: Exciting Stories, Mysteries, People

The Blacksmiths Gate

The old city of Bruges used to be walled and had town gates for entry. Today one of the most fascinating surviving town gates is Blacksmiths Gate. What makes this gate so unique is the human skull that adorns the Yellow brick facade.

In reality, it is a replica of a skull that was placed there as a warning for traitors. Prominent citizens in the 1600s conspired against the city with the French and had their heads chopped off and displayed. The remnants of the original skull are housed in the Archaeological Museum in Bruges.

Horse Drawn Carriage ride

Horse-drawn carriage rides are an excellent way to explore the city’s stunning architecture and historic landmarks. As you trot through the cobblestone streets, you’ll be able to take in the breathtaking medieval buildings, charming bridges, and quaint canals that have made Bruges famous worldwide.

This can be an excellent way to learn more about Bruges’s historic city centre and culture. Many carriage drivers know the city’s past and can offer interesting insights and anecdotes about its famous landmarks and hidden gems.

Bruges things to do- Electric Scooter tour

How much fun does an electric scooter tour sound for a family travel vacation? Join a private tour on an electric scooter and experience Bruges from a different perspective. Give your feet a rest on a guided tour while you zip around the city on a scooter.

Your guide will take you to the most important landmarks in Bruges. Pass the beautiful townhouses, significant buildings of Market Square, and much more on this family fun tour.

The Belfry Tower

The Belfry Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bruges, located in the central Market Square. The tower stands at over 83 meters tall and dates back to the 13th century. It has a carillon of 47 bells and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visiting the Belfry Tower with your teenage children is a great way to experience the history and beauty of Bruges. You can climb to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the city and take in the sights and sounds of this charming and historic destination

Things to do in Bruges with kids – Scavenger hunts

If you are looking for great vacations with teen ideas, look no further than a family scavenger hunt. Instead of a traditional sightseeing tour, get to know Bruges uniquely with a scavenger hunt.

On your hunt, you will discover both famous and lesser-known sights of the city as you solve clues and tackle challenges to complete the adventure. Scavenger hunts are entirely unique things to do in Bruges with teens.

Bellewaerde Aquapark – Bruges with kids

Bellewaerde Aquapark is a water park in Ypres, Belgium, near Bruges. The water park features a mix of fun water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and interactive water play areas. Teens can enjoy the adrenaline rush from exciting slides.

Minnewater Park Explore Bruges

Minnewater Park is one of the city’s most beautiful and tranquil gardens. This picturesque park is a must-visit destination, particularly during the summer, when the flowers bloom and the sun shines.

The park is a peaceful oasis surrounded by waterways, and it is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. As you wander the park, you’ll come across many historic landmarks and beautiful gardens dating back to the Middle Ages.

One of the highlights of Minnewater Park is the tranquil lake, surrounded by beautiful weeping willows and charming footbridges. This peaceful garden is a popular spot for picnics and strolls, and it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Bruges

Hot air ballooning in Bruges

Hot Air Ballons flights provide a different perspective on the world below. From high in the sky, everything looks so small and insignificant. The experience is peaceful and calming, as well as exciting and adventurous. The views are also beautiful and scenic, making the flight all the more worth it.

See all Bruges’s canals, churches, bridges and towers from a hot air balloon and float over the picturesque little towns such as Damme and Oostkerke. Book your experience today.

Learn about the universe Cozmix. 

At Cozmix, the public observatory on the outskirts of Bruges, your teenager will love learning about the galaxy.  There’s a powerful telescope in the Observatory Tower that allows you to see the sun, moon and planets from nearby, but there’s also a planetarium where experiences become interactive.

You get to fly over Mars and through the rings of Saturn. There’s a planet pathway and a dome with 7,000 stars projected. 

Cozmix is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and an entry ticket costs €6 for adults and €5 for youngsters < 17.  You can reach the observatory by bicycle in about 25 minutes (from the station) or in 40 minutes (including a 20-minute walk) by bus. 

Most Instagramable spot in Bruges

There are several beautiful places to visit in Bruges. Bruges is an amazing city, a photographer’s delight. The most popular location for an Instagram photo is Rozenhoedkaai. This is the perfect place for a morning or evening selfie in summer or winter.

The location provides a picture of the canal splitting down either side of the buildings. If you get the sun right, it will have an amazing reflection. Book an Instagrammable spot for Bruges tour

Escape rooms in Bruges for teens

For those new to Escape rooms, this is a quick run down.

An escape room, also known as an “escape game”, is a physical adventure game in which players solve puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategy to complete the objectives at hand. Escape rooms may consist of a large, single room or span multiple rooms.

Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot which is hidden within the rooms. If your teen likes this stuff it is definitely one of the top things to do in Bruges with teenagers.

Amazing Escape: you can choose between two different rooms, Mission Michelangelo and Upside Down. I’m Mission Michelangelo, you need to find a stolen statue that the Nazis took during the war. In upside-down find your way out of a house where everything is upside-down.

Watching a movie in Bruges

Most teenagers love going to the movies, and what better place to do so than in a strange country? You can see the latest blockbusters at Kinepolis or pick one of the alternative European, Asian or Latin American ones at Cinema Lumière.  

Pin Bowling in Bruges with teenagers

Nothing like a good bit of family competition to get everyone going. 10 pin bowling in Bruges is a great family activity for all. You will find bowling alleys all over the city for your family to have some fun at. Bowling can make Bruges fun for young travellers.

Bowl Inn: The Bowl Inn features ten-pin bowling and food and beverage choices.

Address: Koning Leopold III Laan 68, 8200 Bruges

Kite Surfing in Bruges

Kite surfing is a fun way to spend your day on the water. You can find out what it’s like by learning how to kitesurf! Kite surfing is not as difficult as it may seem, and adventurous teens will love this new experience in Belgium. Royal Kite Surf School offers you a flexible training program.

This can include a taster or multiday lessons for the more enthusiastic teens. Explore your options for Bruges Kite Surfing.

Things to do in Bruges – Bike riding

Bike tours in Bruges offer a sense of adventure and exploration, allowing teenagers to discover new places and hidden gems.

Joining a bike tour allows teenagers to socialize and bond with other participants.

Most cities have bike rental options available so you can explore independently. It’s a convenient and affordable way to see sites like Damme and Lissewege on your own. Plan a Bruges bike tour today.

Shopping in Bruges

Bruges’s main shopping area is between t’Zand and Market Square. You will find big brand international chain stores located on Steenstraat. There is a regular Saturday market on T’zand Square, while the Folklore Market runs Saturday, Sunday, and holidays every Friday from June until September, from 10 AM to 6 PM.

It should not be too hard to find souvenirs in Bruges, the city is famous for beer, chocolate and lace. You will find these items selling all over the city.

Free things to do in Bruges with teens

There are many things to do with kids in Bruges. Bruges offers some of the best free things to do with your teenage family members. These free activities in the city of Bruges are perfect for keeping everyone happy and entertained without spending any money.

There are also plenty of affordable restaurants and shops where you can shop for souvenirs without breaking the bank. Some of our recommendations for free family activities in Bruges are as follows

Day trips from Bruges

When you travel with teenagers, doing day trips with them is pretty easy, and there are so many day trips from Bruges. The best family holidays in Belgium should include some day trips from Bruges with teenagers.

Ypres and surroundings WW1 sites

Just 45 minutes to the South of Bruges, you can find the endless fields of De Westhoek, one of the biggest battlefields of WWI. When you take a day trip to Ypres and the surrounding villages, you’ll learn all about the Great War. 

There are many things to do in Ypres including the famous Flanders Fields Museum, the Tyne Cot Memorial, the daily Last Post ceremony and the trenches of Hill 62.

The museum has recently been renovated and is now an interactive experience where you are assigned the identity of a soldier.  If you’re visiting Bruges with teenagers, adding a portion of WWI history to the schedule is a must!

There are guided excursions possible from Bruges, or you can just go by yourself (it’s probably best by car because many of the sights are located around Ypres rather than in the centre). 

Brussels

Brussels is the capital city of Belgium. Brussels is a new city by European standards. When it became the capital in the late 18th century, many buildings in the old town were destroyed to make way for brand-new ministries, palaces, schools, army barracks and office blocks.

Most attractions in Brussels are fairly close together, within easy walking distance of each other. Popular attractions include the Atomium,  Basilique du Sacré Coeur, Mini-Europe, Belgian Comic Strip Center, Autoworld, Marché du Midi – Zuidmarkt and much more.

ZWIN Nature Park 

Zwin Nature Park is an interactive park where visitors get to learn about local and migratory birds. This natural reserve is situated on the border of the Belgian/Dutch coastline and is, therefore, perfect to combine with a day at the beach (either in Knokke (BE) or in Cadzand (NL)).

There are two indoor learning points. In the Exhibition, you go on a journey with one of the park’s ten migratory birds (you get assigned one at the entrance) and you’ll learn exactly how to fly in the simulator.

The Observation Centre allows you clear views over the Zwin Plain.  There are lots to see outdoors as well. Check out the Cabin Trail, where you can head into several huts, all focusing on a different theme, such as feeding, ringing, stories, etc. 

Where to eat in Bruges with teens

Bruges is a world-renowned city and as such, offers a great diversity of restaurants and tea rooms. You can pick almost any cuisine, from Belgian to Asian to Turkish and Lebanese.  It would be best if you didn’t miss eating ice cream at Gelataria Da Vinci when you’re in town.  

Also, make sure to check out Grand-Café De Republiek at least once. This restaurant (and shop) connected to Cinema Lumière serves lunch, tapas, dinner and is also a late-night pub. It’s the city’s cultural hotspot, so you’ll get a creative boost every time you step inside.  

Ultimately, head over to Bistro ‘t Zwarte Huis for great Belgian food. This restaurant serves great food and has a lively music scene for dining on your family break in Brugges

Street food in Bruges

Street food is a popular way to eat in many parts of the world. It’s a quick and easy way to get some delicious local food without having to go to a full restaurant. Street food can be found in many different styles and options.

Bruges is a city with a rich culinary culture, and it offers a variety of delicious street food options that are perfect for travelers who love to explore local flavours.

One of the most famous street foods in Bruges is the Belgian frites, a type of thick-cut French fries often served with a variety of sauces like mayonnaise, ketchup, and curry sauce. These fries are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside and are a must-try for anyone visiting the city.

Another popular street food in Bruges is the waffle, which is a traditional Belgian treat made with a yeast-leavened batter that is cooked in a special waffle iron. Belgian waffles are thicker and fluffier than regular waffles and are often served with a variety of toppings like whipped cream, fresh fruit, chocolate, and caramel sauce.

If you’re looking for a savoury street food, you might want to try the Belgian meatballs, which are made with a combination of ground beef and pork and are often served with a rich tomato sauce and a side of Belgian frites.

Belgium is also known for its chocolate, and you’ll find a variety of chocolate shops and vendors selling chocolate truffles, pralines, and other chocolate treats on the streets of Bruges. Be sure to try a few handmade chocolate samples and take some home as souvenirs!

For older teens visiting Bruges

The legal drinking age in Belgium for teens drinking beer and wine is 16 years of age. Bruges is a city known for its beer and beer tours. For this reason, we would be remiss not to mention this as an option for parents and older teens who like beer. During the 15th century the city no less than 54 breweries within its walls. Today, Bruges has three working Breweries, Bourgogne des Flandres, De Halve Maan and Fort Lapin. There are a huge number of tours that include beer and beer tasting. Some tours include a city walk and beer tasting, food tours with beer tastings and more. You can browse beer-related tours here.

Travel accessories for teenagers

For teenagers, travelling can be a fun and exciting experience. However, there are a few things that they need to take into account to make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible. One of these is ensuring that they have the necessary travel accessories.

• Powerbank to keep phones going
• Action camera
• Foldable jewellery case for girls
• Bluetooth travel speaker
• Compression packing cubes for luggage

• Lightweight daypack
• Travel journal
• Travel neck wallet
• Wearable super soft travel blanket
• Scarf with hidden pockets for money & cards

Essential tips for Bruges with teens

Bruges is one of the best family city breaks in Europe and place to vacation with teenagers. There are many things to consider when planning your family vacation to Belgium. Here is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about the city to help you make your family vacation to Bruges easy and hassle-free.

Are you looking to book flights, hotels, apartments, tours, airport transfers, travel insurance and more? Are you just not sure what companies you can trust to book your travel online? We have a resource page that is full of companies that we personally use and book through for all trips from a weekend away to long term travel around the world. Click here to search our travel resources page.

Where to stay in Bruges

At the top of the article, we suggested some accommodation choices. If you are looking for a wider variety of family hotels in Bruges, please find below an interactive map from Booking.com to find your perfect stay for your Bruges vacation. The family accommodation in Bruges offers spacious rooms and excellent amenities for a comfortable stay.

Booking.com

Weather in Bruges

The best time to visit Bruges is from June to August when the weather is mild. During June, July and August, you are most likely to experience good weather, with average temperatures sitting between 20 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celcius. The coldest month is February with an average maximum temperature of 6°C 

This article was written with Babs from Next Stop Belgium for us here at Wyld Family Travel.  We hope this article has you inspired to visit Bruges with teenagers. There are so many things to do with teenagers in Bruges that will entertain you for your family’s stay in Bruges.

Travelling with young adults, teens, and tweens has just as many issues as travelling with young children. Choosing the best teenage vacation destinations, working out a budget, deciding what bags and suitcases to take, travelling essentials, and more can be time-consuming. Planning family travel with teenagers and tweens can be stressful, and finding the best travel tips is essential.

 Our Travel with Teenagers Destination Guides have you covered! With insights from around the globe, these guides will spark inspiration for your next family vacation, making it an epic adventure with your teens.

For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Belgium, click our Belgium Destination Guide page for more brilliant family travel inspiration.

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More travel inspiration for your family vacation with teens

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