Do you prefer to keep it a little closer to home? Then you're absolutely right, because also in Belgium there are many beautiful and interesting places that are worth a visit.
1. Kalmthoutse Heide
What?
The largest heathland in the country (and it even extends into the Netherlands).
Where?
West of the municipality of Kalmthout.
Why?
Because the Kalmthoutse heath is so beautiful that even a song was written about it. Not only is there a beautiful nature area to walk through on the purple heath, but there is also a signposted footpath dedicated to Kalmthout's most famous resident: Willy Vandersteen, the spiritual father of comic heroes Suske en Wiske.
www.grensparkzk.be
2. Raversyde Domain
What?
A piece of the Atlantic Wall on the coast.
Where?
In Raversijde at sea, near Ostend.
Why?
Because this is one of the best preserved remnants of the German Atlantikwall from the war. You will find more than sixty bunkers, observation posts and artillery positions here. In addition, it is a protected coastal nature reserve and you can visit the medieval fishing village of Walraversijde.
www.raversyde.be
3. Park of Furfooz
What?
Perhaps the most beautiful signposted walk in the Ardennes.
Where?
In Furfooz on the Lesse River, not far from Dinant.
Why?
Because this is a truly spectacular part of the Ardennes, high above the Lesse, with dizzying rocks, remnants of a Roman bathhouse and sinister caves inhabited thousands of years ago by cavemen.
www.parcdefurfooz.be
4. High Fens
What?
A unique nature reserve, also called the last wilderness of Belgium.
Where?
Between Malmedy and Eupen in German-speaking Belgium.
Why?
Because the High Fens is the last place in Belgium where you can spend hours or even days without seeing anything of the inhabited world. The High Fens are good for endless hikes in summer, and brisk cross-country skiing in winter. And you'll get to the highest point in the country!
www.eastbelgium.com
5. Abbey of Villers
What?
The most spectacular abbey ruin in the country.
Where?
In Villers-la-Ville, not far from Ottignies.
Why?
Because this former 12th century Cistercian abbey is perhaps the most imposing ruin in our country. The abbey church alone is 94 meters long and 23 meters high, but there are also ruins of the refectory, the guesthouse, the monastery building and the abbot's palace.
www.villers.be
6. The Westhoek
What?
Flat land with wide views and impressive war cemeteries.
Where?
The region around Ypres and Poperinge.
Why?
Because the Westhoek was the battleground of the First World War, and that history is still tangible. Lots of British and Canadians come to explore between the war graves and trenches, so why not you? Be sure to visit the 'In Flanders Fields' museum in Ypres itself.
Great War Tour through Flanders Fields: Quasimodo Tours offers the best rated tours of the Great War at Flanders Fields, including all access passes, lunch package and a visit of the city of Ypres.
ISIC students who book a tour are offered 50% off and receive an exclusive 1+1 leisure pass for Cinema Lumière.
www.toerismewesthoek.be
7. Spa
What?
World famous spa in the heart of the Ardennes.
Where?
Spa is located about ten kilometres south of Verviers.
Why?
Because this historic spa literally became synonymous with, well, a spa: because 'spa' is a word used all over the world for thermal baths. Drink healing water straight from the source, have a massage and pamper yourself or just go for a brisk walk through the Ardennes.
www.thermesdespa.com
8. Hoge Kempen National Park
What?
The first Flemish nature reserve to be declared a National Park.
Where?
In the east of the province of Limburg.
Why?
In the former Limburg mining region lies a large nature park which, because of the landscape with overgrown terrils and flooded pits, sometimes even has a Scandinavian look. Also nice for cycling - Limburg is a cycling province - and for a nice meal with the family of the former Greek, Turkish and Italian miners.
www.nationaalparkhogekempen.be
9. Flemish Ardennes
What?
Beautiful vistas and legendary hills from cycling.
Where?
In the south of the province of East Flanders.
Why?
Because you want to conquer those cobbled hills with evocative names from the Tour of Flanders yourself. This hilly region is almost as beautiful as the real Ardennes, and a lot closer to home. You do not even have to bike: walking or a tour by car is also pleasant in the Flemish Ardennes.
www.toerismevlaamseardennen.be
10. Ship elevators of Hainaut
What?
Spectacular examples of engineering on the Centre Canal.
Where?
Between Mons and La Louvière.
Why?
Because they are mastodons. If you've never seen them before, you won't believe your eyes. Ships are hydraulically lifted up to fifteen meters high in a basin to bridge the gradient in this hilly region. The elevators are over a hundred years old and have been declared a World Cultural Heritage Site.
http://voiesdeau.hainaut.be/
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