48 hours in Diest
Day 1
City Museum ‘De Hofstadt’
To learn about the history of this charming town, we'll start off by visiting the City Museum ‘De Hofstadt’. Once the residence of the Lords of Diest, you can go there today to discover how the town has grown and changed over the centuries. At the museum, you can also admire Flemish masterpieces that form part of the ‘Flemish Masters in Situ’ project. Thanks to interactive elements and child-friendly offerings, the museum is also a great stop for families. Click here for more practical information about visiting the City Museum ‘De Hofstadt’.
Tip!
Will you be there on Wednesdays between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.? If so, take a stroll past the weekly Hageland Market on the Grote Markt, just minutes from the city museum. Amongst the market stalls, you'll find fresh local produce, flowers, clothing and other local specialities.
The Beguinage
After that, take a walk to the Beguinage of Diest, a peaceful place that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this historic place, you immediately experience what it felt like to live in a medieval beguinage. The beguinage church, dedicated to Saint Catherine, is part of the Flemish Masters in Situ project. On the first Sunday of the month, you can also browse around the cosy book and antiques market here.
Local delicacies
After a cultural walk, it's time to enjoy the local flavours. In one of the welcoming cafes and restaurants in the centre, you can taste some local products so characteristic of Diest. Some of those come from the local Stroobants roastery, which has been an established feature in the town for many years and is known for its traditional, hand-roasted coffee. Visitors with a sweet tooth will also find just what they're looking for: the characteristic Diest Halve Maantjes (crescent-shaped biscuits) are prepared at biscuiterie Stuckens. These fine biscuits get their name from their shape and are made to a traditional recipe. With their soft texture and subtle, sweet taste, they have been a beloved speciality in the Diest for generations.
Day 2
Exploring the green Webbekoms Broek
On your second day, you can head out into nature. Within walking distance of town centre is Webbekoms Broek, a vast natural area of some 240 acres. The Webbekoms Broek walk on the De Merode hiking network (about 6 km) takes you through open landscapes where you can spot lots and lots of waterfowl. From the historic ramparts, you also have a great view of the area and the town. Along the way, you'll pass the visitors' centre, where an interactive exhibition explains how the area serves as a catchment basin for the water of the river Demer during heavy rainfall. So beware, it's sometimes very swampy there.
Locally brewed craft beers
After your walk in nature, it's time to get acquainted with the local Diest beers. Diest has a strong tradition of craft brewing and is home to several local breweries today. One of their products you can try is the Diesters Gildebier, which references the town's historic guilds, or you can discover the creations of the De Loterbol and Enigma breweries, which are known for their passion and craftsmanship and for experimenting with different flavours and styles. In the cafes and restaurants in the town centre, you can often sample several local beers, ideally in combination with a meat stew or a cheese board.
Did you know ... that the beguinage in Diest is on the UNESCO World Heritage List? It is one of the best-preserved beguinages in Flanders and provides a unique insight into the life of beguines from the Middle Ages onwards.
Visit Saint Sulpicius' Church
Round off your stay with a visit to the impressive Saint Sulpicius' Church. This Gothic church, which is a fine example of the Demer Gothic style, was built between 1321 and 1533 in ironstone and white limestone. Inside, you'll not only discover a rich interior, but also artworks that form part of the Flemish Masters in Situ project.
Fancy exploring more of Diest by bike? If so, the Flanders’ Finest Cycling Route: Reynvaart route comes highly recommended. Or you could end your visit to Diest at Provinciedomein Halve Maan, where the youngest members of your party can have fun on the playgrounds and the sandy beach. Walking in the various nature reserves is also a great thing to do or you could follow in the footsteps of the princes of Orange-Nassau during the Orange Walk.
Masters of Imagination: out and about in Leuven
© Cedric-Verhelst
