Ghent is the capital as well as the largest city of the province of East Flanders. It is both culturally and historically significant. Ghent arose at the confluence of the rivers Lys and Scheldt and was one of the most important commercial cities in Europe during the Middle Ages. Today, Ghent is still the beating heart of the area and is surrounded by a few regions worth visiting.
The Lys Valley, as the name suggest, is fed by water. You can cycle or walk along the water of the rivers Lys and Scheldt, as well as a number of canals. There are also various local museums as well as bars and restaurants where you can take a break.
The Meetjesland area is also great for walking and cycling, thanks in part to the region’s tranquil creek areas. The flat land is the picturesque backdrop for some beautiful farms and castles and is wonderfully peaceful.
Meadows, brooks, valleys and cities: the Scheldeland region has it all. The rivers Scheldt, Dender and Rupel guide you through the region, which is attractive for walkers, cyclists and kayakers.
The border region Waasland shows how harmonious the combination of nature and industry can be: here, you’ll find both stunning creek areas and the impressive man-made landscape of the Port of Antwerp. The region also has a completely unique border park worth visiting.
The Flemish Ardennes aren’t too far away from Ghent either. This rolling landscape is home to stunning walking routes with impressive views. In addition, you will find some of Flanders’s most challenging cycling routes here.
The other Flemish art cities are never really far away in Ghent either. Antwerp, for example, not only breathes timeless classical art, but also and especially contemporary, edgy and fashion-oriented culture.
Bruges, on the other hand, offers an overwhelming panorama of the Middle Ages, with a wealth of historic buildings, prestigious museums and streets for which the word ‘picturesque’ seems to be invented.
Gorgeous art nouveau and world-class museums: our capital Brussels is an art city with international allure. You get to experience the bustling life of a real metropolis for free.
Smaller, but no less worthwhile is Leuven, an art and university city on a human scale. From religious and cultural heritage to beer histories and contemporary art: Leuven has it all.
Last but not least, there is Mechelen, an art city with important heritage from the 15th and 16th centuries. Palaces and old buildings along the quays of the river Dijle, an impressive cathedral and even a toy museum: Mechelen has something to everyone’s liking.
