The easily-accessible tastes of Flanders

Banner - De Harmonie Ronse © Piet De Kersgieter
Interior of a café with bar, wooden floor and guests at tables; a man in a wheelchair sits in front.
Discover our delicious regional dishes, iconic chocolate and Belgian beer culture, recognised as UNESCO World Heritage. You don't just taste food and drink in Flanders, you experience it! Inspiring brewers, chocolatiers, chefs, and makers take you on a journey through the flavours of Flanders. There is so much for everyone to discover. That's why you'll find inspiring culinary tips with an extra focus on comfort and accessibility. That way, you can enjoy all the deliciousness Flanders has to offer, without a care in the world.

Experience the magic of Belgian chocolate

The best of the best: our Belgian chocolate is world famous. Did you know that Belgium is home to some of the leading chocolatiers? What's more, Jean Neuhaus invented the praline here. Whether classic pralines are more your thing or perhaps unique chocolate creations, these chocolate experiences guarantee an unforgettable taste sensation!  

 

Chocolate Nation
Two girls look at a chocolate sculpture in a glass display case with a large snail-like head and miniature figures.

Chocolate Nation Antwerp

The impressive Chocolate Nation in Antwerp is one of the largest chocolate museums in the world. Here you will immerse yourself in the story of Belgian chocolate. There are 14 themed rooms which tell the complete story, from cocoa plantations to production in Flanders. There is an entrance with an accessible lift for wheelchair users. The walking routes in the museum are spacious, with automatic doors and a lift. Blind and visually impaired visitors can experience it all through an audio guide. For deaf and hard of hearing visitors, there are extensive texts and subtitles on a number of screens. Music, aromas and tastings will complete your visit!  
 

The chcolate Trail (c) chocolatier Vandenbulcke - ABS Agency (16)
Chocolate exhibition with large pralines on the ceiling and a snail sculpture, in a room with wavy patterns.

The Chocolate Trail Kortrijk

A passion for chocolate is also palpable at The Chocolate Trail in Kortrijk. On this experience tour at Chocolatier Vandenbulcke, you'll learn all about the production process, from bean to praline. This family-owned firm of chocolatiers offers a fascinating tour filled with stories, demonstrations and tastings. The venue is suitable for wheelchairs, with no barriers and wide doors. That means everyone can enjoy the experience in complete comfort. 

Discover Belgian beer culture

Flanders is home to a rich tradition of craft breweries, unique beer styles and traditional cafés. A fact that was not lost on UNESCO. They recognised Belgian beer culture as intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2016. Discover the craftsmanship and stories behind every glass. Adapted tours and a focus on accessibility mean that this experience can be enjoyed by all. 

 

Brewery De Koninck 04 © www.ilovelight.be
Round white logo on glass door with city illustration and text "DE KONINCK".

City brewery De Koninck in Antwerp

City brewery De Koninck (°1833) is a synonym for excellence in Antwerp. This veritable institution will explain all about the famous bolleke. Visitors go on an interactive tour bursting with visuals, aromas, tastes and a surprising glimpse into the brewing process. The brewery has an A+ accessibility label, meaning that it meets strict accessibility criteria. This venue is therefore easily accessible to wheelchair users. All videos are subtitled. Companions of wheelchair users get a free ticket. You can find more information in the accessibility finder.  

Finest Cycling Routes-72 - Sint Bernardus
Glass dome with beer glass and St. Bernardus bottle on a pedestal; in the background a person in a museum room.

St Bernardus Brewery in Watou

The charming village of Watou in the Westhoek is a big name in the beer world. St Bernardus Brewery brews the abbey beer of the same name. You can discover its sumptuous flavour on a Brewery Tour. The route runs over two floors, and is fully accessible to wheelchair users. The new brewing hall itself is not suitable for wheelchairs, but all the information is provided via audio guides and info panels. For people with hearing impairments, there are free booklets, videos and interactive screens.  Our accessibility finder provides more information. 

Bruges beer museum
Stacked gift packs with beer glass and bottles on a shop shelf at the Beer Museum.

Bruges Beer Experience

Historic Bruges stands out not only for its centuries-old buildings, but also for its Belgian beers. The Bruges Beer Experience beer museum  guides you through this enchanting world, with a focus on accessibility. Through a tablet, you will go on a journey through Belgian beer history, various beer styles and the brewing process. The museum itself is not suitable for wheelchairs. Blind and visually impaired visitors can listen to all texts via the tablet. For deaf and hard of hearing visitors, there are translations in Flemish Sign Language. The accessibility finder will help you with any other questions.

Brouwerij De Halve Maan (c) Jan Darthet (1)
Courtyard with terrace guests by a brick building, with signposts "Tickets" and "Brewery Visit" under a cloudy sky.

De Halve Maan Brewery in Bruges

De Halve Maan Brewery is Bruges' third gem in this list. De Halve Maan is known for its Brugse Zot, Straffe Hendrik, and Blanche De Bruges beers, as well as the low-alcohol Sportzot. The brewery is easily accessible. The tour is spread over four floors and is less suitable for those with reduced mobility or a visual impairment. A digital tour is available for these visitors. That way, you can experience the brewing process at your pace. A text booklet is available for visitors with hearing impairments. You can find more information in our accessibility finder. 

Brugge_Bourgogne_des_Flandres_toegankelijk_2023
Brewery tour: guide talks by a copper kettle, visitors listen beside sacks of malt.

Bourgogne des Flandres in Bruges

Discover the charming Bourgogne des Flandres, also nestled in the heart of Bruges. The brewer himself provides you with text and explanations during your visit. The brewery is housed in an 18th-century building that has been rebuilt and is now fully accessible. There is easy access, and wheelchair ramps and lifts take you through the rest of the building. The visit will seduce both your nose and your taste buds. You can sample home-brewed beers and jenevers in the brasserie.  More info? The accessibility finder will help you further. 

Want to discover more accessible breweries?

Flanders is bursting with craft breweries ready to welcome you, all with a focus on accessibility. Looking for information for your next day out or holiday? Or are you specifically looking for accessible accommodation?  

Discover our accessible offering

Use our AI travel guide to plan your visit to Flanders.

Lambiekland Angerik (c) Cliff Lucas (26)
Wooden wine barrels stacked in a cellar with a brick wall; blurred glasses and flowers in the foreground.

Discover regional Flemish products

Flanders has one of the world's most diverse and scintillating culinary landscapes. Many of our chefs prepare their dishes using local and seasonal ingredients. In doing so, they can count on the craftsmanship and experience of farmers, fishermen, hunters, cheesemakers ... Our Flemish regional products tell the story of the region: from artisanal drinks to typical specialities and agricultural traditions. Discover how local makers combine passion and expertise to create unique flavours. 

 

Jenevermuseum Hasselt 16
Visitor smells a scent flask in a museum display with white frames and photos of scent ingredients.

Jenever Museum Hasselt

The Jenever Museum in Hasselt immerses you in this regional product, from grain to glass. You will enjoy the fascinating exhibition, workshops or tastings. The museum is mostly suitable for wheelchairs and has a lift. Some areas have limited access, but the information from these rooms is available digitally or via interactive screens. For blind and visually impaired visitors, there are texts in large print. You'll find additional information in our accessibility finder. 

Stroopfabriek Borgloon
Three cyclists ride through an industrial area with red brick buildings and a tall chimney under a clear blue sky, conveying a sense of adventure.

Syrup Factory Borgloon

In the rolling fruit region of Haspengouw, Borgloon is the cradle of syrup-making. The attractively restored Syrup Factory is one of the last stalwarts of that tradition. This interactive fruit experience centre explains more about the syrup-making craft, in the shadow of the former installations. This site is accessible to wheelchair users. For blind and visually impaired visitors, colour contrasts and safety buttons ensure a pleasant visit. More questions about the facilities? Our accessibility finder provides all useful information. 

Lente in Mechelen_Toren (c) Visit Mechelen  (1)
Low-angle view of a church tower behind a statue, with trees and white flowers in the foreground.

't Grom - Museum of the Vegetable Region in Sint-Katelijne-Waver

Sint-Katelijne-Waver, near Mechelen, is the beating heart of our vegetable region. This river region has been the capital of Flemish vegetables for 150 years. 't Grom, the Museum of the Vegetable Region, tells the whole story. 't Grom is easily accessible, with a paved access path, wide and automatic sliding doors and a barrier-free route. Audio guides are available for blind and visually impaired visitors. For deaf and hard of hearing visitors, audio guides are available with neck loop. You can find more information in the accessibility finder

Bezoekerscentrum Hagelandse wijn
Two cyclists ride past a historic brick building with decorative gables in a sunny town square. Trees, parked cars, and clear skies enhance the peaceful scene.

Hageland wine visitor centre in Wezemaal

Belgian beer is world famous, but our wines are also worth discovering. At Hageland Wine visitor centre you will learn all about the history and processes of winemaking in this fertile region. This centre is easily accessible to wheelchair users. The wine cellar (Accessibility Label A) is also easily accessible, with a little assistance from a staff member. Find out more about the facilities at this visitor centre on our accessibility finder.

Looking for accessible places to eat?

Many catering establishments in Flanders do their best to accommodate individuals with disabilities or specific needs, as comfortably as possible. The 'Iedereen Overal' (Everyone Everywhere)' website divides establishments into bronze, silver and gold medals, according to their degree of accessibility. This website is only available in Dutch. Would you prefer to read it in your own language? Then use your browser’s translation option or a free online translation tool. We hope to welcome you soon! 

Café 'De Gouden Vis' - Mechelen 5 © Piet De Kersgieter
Two women sit at a cozy outdoor café, chatting over drinks. One has a dark drink, the other coffee. A vintage "Stout" sign and vines decorate the wall.