Bruges was once called the “Venice of the North” for its lovely canals. Note the swans — the symbol of Bruges. Legend has it that a famously long-necked, 15th-century mayor collaborated with the Austrians and was beheaded by the townspeople for his betrayal. The angry Austrians cursed Bruges and said that similarly long-necked swans would forever haunt its canals to remind its citizens of the murder.