7 tips for an unforgettable summer trip to Flanders

Kris Jacobs

In the footsteps of the Flemish Masters or the lords and ladies of the castle Enjoying the creations of a top Ostend chef who cooks with the freshest North Sea fish. On a micro-adventure during a refreshing hike in Flanders' nature parks. And much more, because there's something to do in every corner of Flanders. Get inspired now, and find out here where you will soon be walking or cycling into the summer sun.

Enjoy the flavours of the North Sea in Ostend

On 21 and 22 June, we'll be kicking off the summer with the Ostendaise North Sea Food Fest. The name says it all: Ostend will once again be hosting its annual food festival, starring the flavours of the North Sea. Top chefs from this Flemish seaside town will conjure up tasty dishes for you using incredibly fresh North Sea fish and local products. Did you know that Oostduinkerke, about 20 km down the coast from Ostend, is the only place in the world where they still catch grey shrimp using traditional methods? The Brabant draught horses wading through the waves, with riders in bright yellow wellies and raincoats, have even been recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.

Ostend Food Festival

Flanders’ Finest Cycling Tip: With the Green Ribbon Cycle Route in Ostend you can enjoy a delightful loop around Ostend and the Flemish coast. Pedal along the coastline, past the fishing port, and through the city’s surprisingly green outskirts.

Westtoer APB

In the footsteps of Flemish Masters by the sea

Ostend has plenty to offer culture lovers. In 2025, the art trail The Crystal Ship will once again transform the town into an open-air gallery, with amazing new street art by international artists. In the permanent Beaufort Sculpture Park, discover artworks such as 'Monument for a Wolluk' and 'Rock Strangers'. But most importantly, Ostend is the hometown of Flemish Master James Ensor. His former residence is now an immersive visitor centre where you can explore his interior, letters, and photographs. Paul Delvaux and Constant Permeke also found inspiration by the Flemish coast. The Masters by the Sea tour in Flanders takes you in their footsteps; discover coastal museums, artists’ homes, and charming churches.

Flemish Masters in Situ – location Masters by the Sea

Toerisme Oostende vzw - James Ensorhuis - Nick Decombel Fotografie

Castles and gardens in Brussels and its green surroundings

Have you heard of Count Egmont and Everard ’t Serclaes? These two historic figures lead you on a treasure trail of stories, from the iconic Grand-Place in Brussels to the majestic castles nestled in the lush green outskirts in Flemish Brabant. Explore the area either on foot or by bike, and enjoy a perfect blend of nature and heritage. Highlights include Gaasbeek Castle, Bouchout Castle in Meise Botanical Garden, and Beersel Castle. Enjoy the magnificent rose garden with more than 3,000 varieties of roses from all over the world in the Coloma Estate, or discover the protected rock garden in the Huizingen Castle Estate. Originally designed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair.

Explore the castles in the green outskirts of Brussels

Flanders’ Finest Cycling Tip: The Castles Route takes you through the hilly Pajottenland, known as the birthplace of Lambic and Geuze.

Castle of Huizingen, greenery and grandeur

Lander Loeckx

A micro-adventure in the Flemish natural parks = max happiness!

Set off on a mini-expedition with your family and friends to our Flemish nature parks this summer. Stimulate your senses in the fruit estates, vineyards, and breweries of the Hageland to the historic university town of Leuven. Get to know the Flemish Ardennes like a true local. In the natural splendour of the Scheldt Valley National Park, you will discover centuries-old stories of the artistic cities of Antwerp and Ghent. Tucked away in a remote corner of Flanders, you can find the Westhoek. The rest of the world primarily knows this region as Flanders Fields, a major battleground during World War I. You can find a wealth of historical heritage here, climb the highest peak in Flanders, or explore the region with the famous Cordoba cable car. The Lys region is home to extensive areas of greenery, as well as bustling cities such as Ghent and Kortrijk.
Tip: Follow in the footsteps of the Flemish Masters Masters by the Sea.

Experience the most amazing micro-adventures in our Flemish nature areas

Micro-avonturen nationaal park Scheldevallei

Explore Flanders with the Treinstappers from Grote Routepaden

The concept is clear: you reach the start of your walk by public transport, and that's how you safely travel back (or continue your journey) afterwards. So you walk from station to station. It's an environmentally friendly way to travel – and the train journey gives you the perfect opportunity to plan your route in advance. The day walks that we selected from a larger offer are between 18 and 27 km and have a lot of attractions in store: abbeys, breweries, nature reserves, visitor centres, castles, etc., as well as many hidden gems and stunning greenery. The Station-to-station walks are a great way to get to know the Flemish long-distance walking routes, known as GRs. New: Beverlo-Zolder and Hever-Eppegem!

On the trail with the GR Treinstappers

Provincie Antwerpen

Welcome to the UCI 2025 Para-cycling Road World Championships

From 28 to 31 August, the municipality of Ronse will host the UCI 2025 Para-cycling Road World Championships. Ronse is located in the Flemish Ardennes, the cycling region par excellence in Flanders. We welcome you warmly! Are you specifically searching for accessible lodging or looking for inspiration for a trip? Our accessibility finder will give you more information about our accessible offerings. Cycling through the rivers and lakes of Limburg, by the coast, or along the most beautiful spots of Flemish Brabant? Lots of our cycle routes are feasible and enjoyable for anyone with an adapted bicycle or e-bike.

Accessible cycle routes in Flanders

Belgian Beer Weekend in Brussels

Did you know that every Belgian beer has its own glass? Or that in addition to food & beer pairing in Flanders, you can also go for beer & chocolate pairing? Or that our traditional cafes are old and authentic but, above all, the ultimate atmospheric places for tasting special beers and having a chat with the locals? Our Belgian beer culture is on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Why? And what is it that makes Belgian beer so unique? You can find out for yourself at the Belgian Beer Weekend from 5 to 7 September in Brussels. An ideal end to a varied and unforgettable summer in Flanders!

Belgian Beer Weekend in Brussels

Flanders’ Finest Cycling Tip: The Lambic and Geuze Route takes you through the wonderfully rolling countryside of Pajottenland and Senne Valley.

Milo Profi, copyright always obligatory

Whether you like to hike or bike, enjoy bustling cities, past galleries and street art, or through peaceful nature. It promises to be another summer full of highlights in Flanders. And who knows, you might end your day with your toes in the sand on the Flemish coast!
Tip: The coastal tram, the longest tram line in the world, takes you 67 kilometres along the coastline from Knokke to De Panne. We are happy to welcome you back to Flanders this summer.