The 15 things to do in the Flemish Brabant province

Visit the Flemish Brabant province: what are the best things to do and see in this typically Belgian region?

Flemish Brabant is a province in Belgium. It is one of the ten provinces of the country with a million inhabitants. Geographically, it seems to be the capital of the country, Brussels ! Born from the split of former Brabant, it is the only bilingual province in the country. Visiting Flemish Brabant is therefore a must.

His township is Leuven, one of the most beautiful cities in the country. The Brabant was one of the most powerful of the Netherlands . Its territory once extended to Holland and encompassed Breda, Antwerp Today, Louvain, Dilbeek and Vilvorde are the largest cities in the province.

Are you wondering what to do in the Flemish Brabant province? Wanderlix is here for this! Here is our top of the must-see activities when visiting the Flemish Brabant province. You won't know what to start!

1. The castles of the Flemish Brabant

Beersel

The castle of Beersel is located south of Brussels. It is built between 1300 and 1310 and was part of a series of defensive fortresses around Brussels. All made of bricks, this beautiful building surprises with its elliptical shape. A walk-in levis bridge allows you to access it: medieval atmosphere guaranteed!

Horst

Rhode-Saint-Pierre Castle, also known as Horst Castle, is one of the most beautiful medieval castles in Belgium. It holds its greenish color of glauconite, a clay stone used during its construction. Surrounded by water, its dungeon dominates the centuries the tourists who have come to admire it.

Gaasbek

This beautiful castle was built around 1240 and then destroyed by the Bruxellois. 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. Do not hesitate to admire it when you come to visit the Flemish Brabant province.

2. The city of Louvain

The City Hall

What to do in Flemish Brabant in Leuven? Visit one of the most famous Gothic hotels in the world, of course! The first stone of this splendid monument was laid in 1439. The construction lasted almost thirty years. But, you'll see, it was worth it.

Collégiale Saint-Pierre de Louvain

This church is a Gothic monument built in the 15th century. Today it is easily found: it is right in front of the Louvain City Hall, between the Grand Place (Grote Markt) and the Place Mathieu de Layens (Mathieu de Layensplein).

The Great Beguinage

Leuven's great crushing is the oldest and largest of the city's two beguinages. It’s a must for those who come to visit the Flemish Brabant province. Located at the southern end of the city, it seduces by its rich history.

3. The road to Gordel by bike

What to do in the Flemish Brabant province when you love sport? Browse the Gordel (the belt), a loop that materializes the linguistic and administrative border between the Flanders and Brussels-Capital.

The Gordel is a route that makes it easy to admire the beauty of the region. The bucolic fields follow forests and meadows, birds sing and... you pedal!

4. Grimbergen Abbey

There it is must for gourmets. Grimbergen is a pretty city to visit in the Flemish Brabant province. The Abbey of Grimbergen, one of the most famous baroque churches in the country, is a baron abbey.

For beer enthusiasts, know that the Abbey Beer Museum is waiting for you to know all about this exquisite drink. Grimbergen is also the oldest observatory in the country and two pretty watermills.

5. The Forest of Hallerbos

Hal’s wood is called Hallerbos in Dutch. And yes, here, the two languages cohabit... more or less peacefully. But whatever: in this forest of 552 hectares south-east of Hal, linguistic conflicts are of no importance.

What seduces here is a natural phenomenon that surprises people who come to visit the Flemish Brabant province. Beautiful wild jacinths bloom in the undergrowth in early May. Ideal for a romantic getaway!

6. Hoegaarden

Hoegaarden is a former enclave of the Principality of Liège . The town is known for its breweries, including the main one, Hoegaarden, produces a succulent white beer particularly fruity.

Moderation is necessary when we come to visit these mythical breweries in the province of Flemish Brabant. Enjoy the opportunity to taste a carbonade or other typical dishes.

7. The botanical garden of Meise

The Meise Botanical Garden is located about ten kilometres from the centre of Brussels. It is one of the world’s largest plant gardens!

Located in a 92-hectare estate, it has two research departments, a herbarium of 3 million specimens and large collections of living plants. More than 18,000 different species can be contemplated!

8. The African Museum

This museum is a beautiful part of the country's colonial past. Belgium was a great exploration power before returning this small territory to the west of Europe!

It exhibits works of African art and constitutes a good cultural visit. When we look for what to do in the Flemish Brabant province, the African Museum and its unique collections in the world are uncontourable. Animal specimens, samples of all kinds and exciting archives await you.

9. Tervuren Park

This beautiful park is ideal for those looking for what to do in the Flemish Brabant province. Located between the communes of Tervueren and Vossem, it houses beautiful historical buildings.

In addition to the Palace of the Colonies and the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, you can see the ruins of Tervueren Castle and a pretty beech forest. In addition, eight ponds punctuate the bucolic visit in this beautiful green space.

10.Technopolis

Especially suitable for children, Technopolis is an unusual place to learn while having fun. Scientific experiments and technical extension workshops are proposed.

Machines can be ordered, experimented chemical protocols, and all framed by seasoned scientists. Ideal from 7 to 77 years old, Technopolis is an incontournable one when visiting the Flemish Brabant province.

11. Forest Museum of the Soignes Forest

What a splendor! The forest of Soignes occupies nearly 5,000 hectares southeast of Brussels. Beautiful opportunities for forest walks are offered to tourists.

The latter can visit the Flemish Brabant province in all peace. For the most motivated, the city of Waterloo, Napoleon’s nightmare that became hit by Abba, is accessible in a few hours.

A Forest Museum occupies the building of the historic farm of the former Priory of Groenendaal. Interesting exhibitions are presented.

12. The citadel of Diest

The citadel of Diest was built between 1845 and 1853 on the heights of the Allerheiligenberg. Diest, a fortified city, has chosen to integrate into this colossus an amazing neoclassical door made of stone.

The citadel has a pentagonal shape around a wide open square. This old barracks can now be visited with a guide. It is intended for history lovers who come to visit the Flemish Brabant province.

13. Fort of Breendonk

The fort of Breendonk is located in the town of Willebroeck. He served as a concentration camp (Auffanglager) during the Second World War. It is, with the Malines assembly camp, the only concentration camp established by the Nazis in Belgium.

This place of memory is full of information about the Nazi concentration system. It is also one of the best preserved remains of the Second World War.

More than a historical curiosity, the building can serve as an ideal memorable exit to raise awareness among the youngest.

14. Felixart Museum

What to do in the Flemish Brabant province? 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 classified farm.

It was in this field that the painter-fermier lived Felix De Boeck . He is one of the pioneers of abstract art in Belgium. It is divided into three distinct sectors: Aspects, Reflections and Talents.

15. Lake Schulens

It's pretty hot, don't you think? And yes, even in Belgium, the sun can hit hard during the summer period. When you visit the Flemish Brabant province, you can turn to Lake Schulen in these cases.

In Flemish, it is called Schulensmeer: this small freshwater lake is located on the river Demer between Hasselt and Diest.

It is, despite its modest size, the largest lake in Flanders. Walks, picnics, nautical activities... You will certainly find what to do. We trust you!

How do I go to the Flemish Brabant province?

To visit the Flemish Brabant province, it is best to go through the air. Brussels-National Airport, the largest in Belgium, welcomes visitors from all over the world. Take advantage of it Skyscanner , a smart flight comparison that will allow you to get there by finding you a flight at the best price.

Once on site, you are in the heart of Belgium, a European-important business hub. The dense and good quality road network is well suited to discover this fantastic region by car. Upon arrival you can rent one Very easily!

Second option, network public transport . Bus or train, it will be easy for you to move without taking your head.

Where to stay in the Flemish Brabant province?

Louvain , Dilbeek and Vilvorde are the largest cities in the Flemish Brabant province.

If you want to stay in these, opt for Airbnb or a hotel room. All budgets can find happiness! See you on this. Compare hotels to search for the most suitable establishment.

Otherwise, to visit the Flemish Brabant province in a more... authentic way, choose the simplicity of a hostel. In Belgian campaigns , he makes good living and... we eat very well. We hope to meet you on the spot very soon!