Discover 8 extraordinary destinations in Flanders

Header - Bosland-Uitkijktoren Lommelse Sahara_© BjornSnelders
Child plays on a swing between wooden poles in a forest.
Think you already know all there is to know about Flanders? Think again! From the desert-like landscape in the Lommel Sahara to a spectacular cable car over Flanders Fields, and from the fairytale D'Ursel Castle to the vineyards of the hilly Hageland region and much more. Flanders is packed with surprises. Be amazed by these eight places you'd never expect to find in Flanders.

Walk through the Lommel Sahara, a desert among the pines

In National Parc Bosland, you can walk for hours through the lush greenery and then suddenly find yourself in another world. A world that is a vast sandy, dune-filled landscape. The Lommel Sahara offers a unique contrast to the fragrant pine trees surrounding it. The clear blue lake in the middle of this desert wilderness makes it even more special. Did you bring your walking shoes? Then head out on the Sahara Walk through this national park. Feel like an adventure? Let the children romp in the woods, discover art in nature or climb the Giant of Bosland watchtower. These micro adventures guarantee maximum fun. 

Discover the vineyards of the Hageland region

Think of vineyards and you probably envision a sunny, southern setting. But you'll also find that atmosphere a little further north, in Flanders. The Hageland, east of Leuven, is a top-level wine region. Vines have been cultivated and wine produced here since the Middle Ages. Many estates still make these typically fresh, fruity wines. The Wijngaardberg Walk takes you through this wine wonderland. Stop by the Hageland Wines Visitor Centre to learn more about this delicious product. There's even an old quarry that reveals the typical ironstone soil. You can also stroll along a rare vineyard stone wall, which protects the vines from the harsh northerly winds. Enjoy a whirlwind wine adventure. 

Zuiderlijke helling van de wijngaardberg_© Toerisme Vlaams-Brabant
Rows of grapevines on a rolling vineyard overlooking fields and hills in the distance.

Defy gravity at Helsheaven

Most cathedrals, churches and chapels have their foundations firmly anchored in the ground. But Borgloon, a little village in the heart of the fruit region of Haspengouw, ignores the laws of gravity. Here you can admire Helsheaven, a floating chapel. This wooden structure is made from felled cherry trees and 'hangs' over the landscape, so to speak. Located a little further along is the added bonus of the 'see-through church' Reading Between the Lines, another spectacular and surprising sight. Want to explore more of Haspengouw? The Fruity Landscapes with Spiritcycle route takes you through a rolling landscape of orchards, art in the open air, heritage and the region's fruity treasures. 

Borgloon_Helsheaven_© David Peskens
A man in shorts and a shirt takes a photo of a small, stone structure resembling a chapel floating with no visible support, set on a grassy field under a blue sky.

Step into a fairy tale at D'Ursel Castle

Not all fairy tale castles have pointed towers, battlements and gargoyles. Sometimes they're 'just' stately, dreamy and ochre-yellow, which is the case at D'Ursel Castle, just a stone's throw from Antwerp. You enter the estate through a grand monumental gateway. From there, walking paths take you past an impressive moated castle surrounded by water features and old tree-lined avenues. You can visit the castle itself during events or as part of a guided tour. Interested? Check out the castle's website, where you can also see photos of its beautiful interior. 

Castle d'Ursel - Kasteel d'Ursel
Yellow castle by the water with stone bridge and reflection, surrounded by trees under blue sky.

Explore the rolling dunes along the North Sea

There are special obstacles standing between our North Sea coast and the rest of Flanders. This is where you'll find the dunes. These sand hills are a beautiful walking region. The Station-to-Station walks are a great way to get started. These are longer-distance walking routes that go from station-to-station. This GR Station-to-Station walk takes you from De Panne to Nieuwpoort. You'll navigate a mosaic of dunes, grasslands and forests. Be sure to keep your eyes open along the way and you just might see some seals pop up along our North Sea coast. It's an impressive added bonus of this walk. 

Westhoekreservaat, De Panne_© Bart Heirweg (1)
Sand dunes with swaying marram grass under a blue sky with white clouds.

Enjoy unique cycling adventures in Limburg

You can cycle just about anywhere in Flanders. And we really mean anywhere. For example, in Limburg, you can cycle through the water, among the treetops or along Limburg's rich mining past. Cycling through Water follows a path straight through a huge pond. Halfway through, the water is at eye level. Cycling through the Trees literally takes you to higher levels, among the green treetops, while Cycling between Terrils is an exploration of this province's mining past. Enjoy three unique, unforgettable cycling experiences.  

Cycling through water and cycling through the heathland
Aerial view of a long footbridge over a lake, with two hikers and forest on the far side.

Soar over Flanders Fields with the Cordoba cable car

You could be forgiven for thinking that the Alps extend all the way to the far west of Flanders. Just like in the high mountains, the extraordinary Cordoba cable car takes you over the rolling Flanders Fields. This region was one of the most important battlefields of the First World War. The many war cemeteries, monuments and memorials keep that memory alive. The Cordoba chairlift offers unique views of the region. You glide above the vineyards in sacred serenity. In good weather, you can even see the North Sea.  

Kabelbaan Cordoba (Heuvelland) - veggiewayfarer
Two people on the Cordoba cable car in Heuvelland

Enjoy Flanders' most beautiful panorama in Terhills

Limburg has a rich mining past and is perfect for long walks and hikes. In Terhills, you kill two birds with one stone. This is one of the nine gateways to the Hoge Kempen National Park. The Terhills walking route begins at the huge mining headframes, remnants of the region's mining industry. From there, you head out into pristine nature. Explore a landscape of mountains and lakes that eventually leads you to perhaps the most beautiful panorama in Flanders. 

Toerisme Vlaanderen - Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen - TerHills_© Bjorn Snelders - 5 (1)
A man enjoys the view over the Hoge Kempen National Park.

These eight unique destinations are guaranteed to inspire surprise and wonder during your visit to Flanders. But there is so much more to discover. Delve into our ancient heritage and the genius of the Flemish Masters. Enjoy our vibrant art cities and unparalleled culinary culture. Plan your next trip based on these inspiring itineraries, or map out your bespoke journey using our AI travel guide. See you in Flanders soon!

Last updated on

More to discover

brussels-Kunstberg-toerists-2_© Piet De Kersgieter
Man with backpack reads on a hill overlooking a historic city and a tall church tower in the distance.

Things to do in Flanders this autumn?

Experience autumn in Flanders with exhibitions by the Flemish Masters, Belgian beer festivals, Design Museum Ghent and World War I commemorative events.