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The region of Flemish Brabant - divided into the areas of ‘Groene Gordel’ and of ‘Hageland’ – will surprise you with its hilly scenery, rolling fields, pastures, woods, orchards, and vineyards. Here, you will also find charming villages, castles, and, of course, the pleasant historic town of Leuven. The 15th century gothic town hall is well worth a visit – it is one of the most beautiful town halls of Belgium and even of Europe. Don’t forget to visit the ‘Begijnhof’ or to just relax at one of the outdoor cafes on the ‘Grote Markt’. This region offers many pleasures and delicacies, such as a number of famous local beers: Stella Artois, Hoegaarden, Grimbergen, Lambiek, Geuze or Kriek. Try out the fresh white whine from Hageland, with a regional speciality such as chicory or asparagus. Brabant has plenty of walking and cycling opportunities to offer. Hageland, the region of fruits, is known for its orchards and vineyards, and in spring you can enjoy the blossoms! Don’t forget to visit villages such as Diest, Zoutleeuw and Tienen. And, in the hilly ‘Groene Gordel’ you can walk and cycle amidst forests, fields, and castles. You will find a signposted cycle route network of 300 kilometres, between Leuven and Brussels. Many areas in Flemish Brabant have signposted footpaths. In and around the ‘Zoniënwoud’ alone, nine walks have been set out. And, last but not least, you can take the children to one of the Provincial Domains: Halve Maan, the Vinne, Huizingen, and Kessel-Lo.
Places of interest
- The historic university town of Leuven. Worth a visit: the 15th century gothic town hall – it is one of the most beautiful town halls in Belgium and even in Europe. The ‘Begijnhof’ is also well worth a visit, as well as the university library (visits by appointment only).
- One of these abbeys: Averbode, Affligem, or the Norbertine Abbey of Grimbergen, with its brewery of the well-known Grimbergen abbey beer.
- The basilica of Scherpenheuvel.
- In the sugar town of Tienen, you can visit the sugar museum.
- The historic village of Hoegaarden. You really should not skip the brewery of the Hoegaarden beer.
- This region has many castles, some of which are open to visitors: Kasteel Van Beersel (a mediaeval castle), Kasteel Van Gaasbeek, and kasteel Van Horst.
- The Africa Museum in Tervuren is situated in a palace, surrounded by French gardens.
- Another great idea: a boat trip on the Zeekanaal, the Brussels-Charleroi canal, and the Leuven-Mechelen canal.
- Obviously, you should not miss the capital Brussels.
- Fun for the kids: Miniature park Mini-Europe.
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More regions of Belgium, Antwerp, Brabant, Hainaut, Limburg, Liège, Namur, East Flanders, West Flanders
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