So far, Belgium has been one of the rather unknown holiday destinations in Europe. But that can still change over the years: from the scenic beauty of the Ardennes to vibrant cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Charleroi to seaside resorts like Ostend , you’ll find everything your heart desires in Belgium.
If you are considering a trip to Belgium, you want to discover the facets of a country that is not one of the classic destinations for Central Europeans. After your return, you will certainly be pleasantly surprised and recommend the country to your friends as a future travel destination.
A city trip is a great way to explore the cultural part of Belgium. With its extraordinary sights, the state capital Brussels is a real highlight during your holiday in Germany’s neighbouring country. The sacred buildings in particular attract people’s attention. The main church of Brussels is the Gothic Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, built in the late Middle Ages and not to be missed with its 69-meter-high towers.
If you are a lover of museums on different topics, you will quickly find what you are looking for in Antwerp. Among other things, the house and workshop of the Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens are located there, which now function as a museum. In Ghent, you will have the opportunity to cruise the canals on a boat. It is also advisable to pay a little attention to the green park landscapes in the city with its picturesque charm. The Südpark and the Citadel Park are very popular.
Hiking in the Ardennes
If hiking is one of your personal preferences, the Ardennes is the perfect holiday destination for you. With its impressive peaks, a variety of green forests, idyllic river valleys and romantic villages, the beautiful landscape immediately conquers the hearts of nature lovers. Enjoy the small castles that you will encounter in the valley of the Ourthe. The untouched nature with its species-rich flora and fauna is an interesting contrast to life in the big cities. In the warmer months, climbing, horseback riding, kayaking and canoeing are very popular in addition to hiking. In winter, on the other hand, skiers and cross-country skiers get their money’s worth in the Ardennes. You will enjoy this stay regardless of the season.
Bathing enthusiasts would certainly have fun on a holiday in Belgium. The coast is 65 kilometres long and has 15 villages, which are particularly popular with families with children with their fine sandy beaches. A day trip to Bruges is a must during a stay on the Belgian coast. After all, the city has a real World Heritage Site with its medieval city center.
Don’t forget to try one or the other culinary delicacy. Fish and seafood are very popular in Flanders , as are asparagus with potatoes.
The inhabitants of Wallonia like to eat game and like side dishes in the form of vegetables or French fries. The cuisine of this region is strongly based on French food.
Whether Flanders or Wallonia, everyone will be fed in Belgium. The enthusiasm about the specialties is expressed again and again in the statements of the tourists.
Travel information Belgium
Capital | Brussels |
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Form of government | federal hereditary monarchy, parliamentary democracy |
Currency | Euro (EUR) |
Area | approx. 30,530 km² |
Population | approx. 11,322,000 (as of 2017) |
Languages | Dutch, French, German |
Electricity grid | 230 Volt / 50 Hz |
Area code | +32 |
Time zone | UTC+1 CET UTC+2 CEST (March to October) |