Flanders

In the middle ages, the northern, Dutch-speaking part of Belgium was a flourishing trade region. And today you can find many traces of that rich past. Just think of the world-famous painting of the Flemish Primitives.

Bruges is known as ‘the Venice of the North’, thanks to its network of inland waterways and idyllic bridges. The historic city centre is a Unesco World Heritage Site and is a beautifully preserved example of medieval grandeur. Visiting Bruges feels like being transported back in time.

The former textile city of Ghent is today a hip university city: it breathes a young, cultural atmosphere and houses trendy shops. You can visit imposing Gothic churches and the Gravensteen - a medieval castle - is also a true public attraction.

The harbour city of Antwerp on the Scheldt enjoys international fame for its fashion and diamonds. Visit the iconic Cathedral of Our Lady and the Rubens House, the city residence of the great master. The Central Station is one of the finest railway stations in the world and is located adjacent to the 19th-century zoo.

During World War I, the area around Ypres was a bloody battlefield. The Flanders Field Museum offers a fitting tribute to this war-drenched past. You can also visit the trenches and the military cemetery or attend to the daily Last Post ceremony at the Menin gate

Use the longest coastal tram line in the world to discover the Belgian coast with numerous attractive seaside resorts such as Ostend or Knokke-Heist. The latter is located near the Zwin nature park, a unique flood area with rare fauna and flora.

More information: visitflanders.com/en.