Visiting the province of Flemish Brabant: what are the best things to see and do in this typically Belgian region?
Flemish Brabant is a province in Belgium. Home to one million inhabitants, it is one of the country’s ten provinces. Geographically, it seems to encircle the country’s capital, Brussels! Born of the split of the former Brabant, it is the country’s only bilingual province. So a visit to Flemish Brabant is a must.
Its capital is Leuven, one of the country’s most beautiful cities. Brabant was one of the most powerful duchies in the Netherlands. Its territory once extended as far as Holland, and included Breda, Antwerp, Mechelen… Today, Leuven, Dilbeek and Vilvoorde are the province’s largest cities.
Wondering what to do in the province of Flemish Brabant? That’s what Generation Voyage is here for! Here are our top must-do activities when visiting the province of Flemish Brabant. You won’t know where to start!
1. The castles of Flemish Brabant
Beersel
Photo credit: Shutterstock – leoks
Beersel Castle is located south of Brussels. Built between 1300 and 1310, it was one of a series of defensive fortresses surrounding Brussels. Made entirely of brick, this handsome edifice is surprisingly elliptical in shape. A working drawbridge gives access to the fortress: medieval atmosphere guaranteed!
Horst
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Hernan J. Martin
Château de Rhode-Saint-Pierre, also known as Château de Horst, is one of Belgium’s finest medieval castles. Its greenish color comes from the glauconite, a clayey stone used in its construction. Surrounded by water, its keep dominates the tourists who come to admire it, despite the centuries.
Gaasbek
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Ivan Yohan
This beautiful castle was built around 1240, then destroyed by the inhabitants of Brussels. Rebuilt in the 16th century, it is now one of the most beautiful in the country! It houses a museum of prestigious works of art and historical objects. Don’t hesitate to come and admire it when you visit the province of Flemish Brabant.
2. The city of Leuven
The Town Hall
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mistervlad
What to do in Leuven’s Flemish Brabant region? Visit one of the world’s most famous Gothic town halls, of course! The foundation stone for this splendid monument was laid in 1439. It took almost thirty years to build. But, you’ll see, it was worth it.
Collégiale Saint-Pierre de Louvain
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Frank Bach
This church is a Gothic monument built in the 15th century. Today, it’s easy to find: it’s right in front of Leuven’s town hall, between the Grand-Place (Grote Markt) and Place Mathieu de Layens (Mathieu de Layensplein).
Le Grand Béguinage
Photo credit: Shutterstock – monysasu
Leuven’s Grand Beguinage is the oldest and largest of the city’s two beguinages. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting the province of Flemish Brabant. Located at the southern end of the city, it has a rich history.
3. The Gordel route by bike
Photo credit: Facebook – Jasper Huis
What can you do in the province of Flemish Brabant if you love sports? Ride the Gordel (the belt), a loop that marks the linguistic and administrative border between Flanders and Brussels-Capital.
The Gordel is an easy way to admire the beauty of the region. Pastoral fields give way to forests and meadows, birds sing and… you pedal!
4. Grimbergen Abbey
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Bakusova
This is a must for gourmets. Grimbergen is a lovely town to visit in the province of Flemish Brabant. Grimbergen Abbey, one of the country’s best-known Baroque churches, is a canons’ abbey.
For beer lovers, there’s a store and an abbey beer museum where you can learn all about this exquisite beverage. Grimbergen also boasts the country’s oldest observatory and two pretty watermills.
5. Hallerbos forest
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Piskalova Olga
Hal’s wood is called Hallerbos in Dutch. And yes, both languages cohabit here… more or less peacefully, in fact. But no matter: in this 552-hectare forest to the south-east of Hal, language conflicts are of no importance.
A natural phenomenon that takes visitors to the province of Flemish Brabant by surprise. Splendid wild hyacinths bloom in the undergrowth at the beginning of May. Ideal for a romantic getaway!
6. Hoegaarden
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pertfoto
Hoegaarden is a former enclave of the Principality of Liège. The municipality is famous for its breweries, of which the main one, Hoegaarden, produces a luscious, particularly fruity white beer.
Moderation is essential when visiting these legendary breweries in the province of Flemish Brabant. Take the opportunity to sample a carbonade or other typical dish.
7. Meise Botanical Garden
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Werner Lerooy
The Botanical Garden of Meise is located about ten kilometers from the center of Brussels. It’s one of the largest plant gardens in the world!
Set in a 92-hectare estate, it includes two research departments, a herbarium with 3 million specimens and vast collections of living plants. More than 18,000 different species are on display!
8. The Africa Museum
Photo credit: Facebook – AfricaMuseum Belgium
This museum focuses on the country’s colonial past. Belgium was a great power of exploration before becoming once again this small territory in the west of Europe!
It exhibits African works of art and makes for a great cultural visit. When you’re looking for something to do in the province of Flemish Brabant, the Africa Museum and its unique collections are a must. Animal specimens, samples of all kinds and fascinating archives await you.
9. Tervuren Park
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Danny Schepers
This pretty park is ideal for anyone looking for something to do in the province of Flemish Brabant. Located between the communes of Tervueren and Vossem, it is home to some beautiful historic buildings.
In addition to the Palais des Colonies and the Saint-Hubert chapel, the ruins of the Château de Tervueren can also be seen, as well as an attractive beech forest. Eight ponds punctuate the bucolic visit to this beautiful green area.
10 Technopolis
Photo credit: Facebook – Technopolis
Especially for children, Technopolis is an unusual place to learn while having fun. Scientific experiments and technical workshops are on offer.
Machines can be operated, chemical protocols tested, and all under the supervision of experienced scientists. Ideal for ages 7 to 77, Technopolis is a must-see when visiting the province of Flemish Brabant.
11. Soignes Forest Museum
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Forêt de Soignes – Zoniënwoud
What splendor! The Forêt de Soignes covers almost 5,000 hectares to the south-east of Brussels. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of forest walks.
They can visit the province of Flemish Brabant with complete peace of mind. For the more motivated, the town of Waterloo, Napoleon’s nightmare turned Abba hit, is just a few hours away.
A forest museum occupies the historic farm building of the former Groenendaal priory. Interesting exhibits are on show.
12. Diest citadel
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Johan Bakker
The Diest citadel was built between 1845 and 1853 on the heights of the Allerheiligenberg. Diest, a fortified town, chose to integrate an astonishing neoclassical ashlar gate into this colossus.
The citadel has a pentagonal shape surrounding a vast open square. Today, this former barracks can be visited in the company of a guide. It is ideal for history buffs visiting the province of Flemish Brabant.
13. Breendonk Fort
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Fort van Breendonk
Fort Breendonk is located in the municipality of Willebroeck. It served as a concentration camp (Auffanglager) during the Second World War. Along with the Mechelen assembly camp, it is the only concentration camp set up by the Nazis in Belgium.
This place of memory is packed with information about the Nazi concentration camp system. It is also one of the best-preserved remnants of the Second World War.
More than just a historical curiosity, the building is an ideal memorial outing for youngsters.
14. Felixart Museum
Photo credit: Facebook – FeliXart Museum
What to do in the province of Flemish Brabant? Discover the permanent collection and exhibitions of the FeliXart Museum! This beautiful space is entirely devoted to historical and contemporary avant-garde art. It is located in Drogenbos, next to a large orchard and a listed farm.
This is where the painter and farmer Felix De Boeck lived. He was one of the pioneers of abstract art in Belgium. It is divided into three distinct sectors: Aspects, Réflexions and Talents.
15. Lake Schulens
Photo credit: Shutterstock – FotoGui
It’s pretty hot, isn’t it? Yes, even in Belgium, the sun can beat down hard during the summer months. When you’re visiting the province of Flemish Brabant, you can turn to Lake Schulen.
In Flemish, it’s called Schulensmeer: this small freshwater lake is located on the River Démer between Hasselt and Diest.
Despite its modest size, it’s the largest lake in Flanders. Walks, picnics, water sports… you’re sure to find something to do here. We’re sure you will!
How do I get to the province of Flemish Brabant?
The best way to visit the province of Flemish Brabant is by air. Brussels-National airport, Belgium’s largest, welcomes visitors from all over the world. Take advantage of Skyscanner, an intelligent flight comparator that will help you get there by finding you a flight at the best price.
Once there, you’re in the heart of Belgium, a commercial hub of European importance. The dense, high-quality road network lends itself well to exploring this fantastic region by car. As soon as you arrive, it’s easy to rent one!
The second option is public transport. Bus or train, you’ll have no trouble getting around.
Where to stay in the province of Flemish Brabant?
Leuven, Dilbeek and Vilvoorde are the largest cities in the province of Flemish Brabant.
If you want to stay in these, opt for Airbnb or a hotel room. There’s something for every budget! Visit this hotel comparator to find the most suitable establishment.
Or, for a more… authentic way to visit the province of Flemish Brabant, opt for the simplicity of an inn. In the Belgian countryside, life is good and… the food is very good. We hope to see you there very soon!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Belgium