Experience a wonderful winter break in Flanders

Micro-avonturen LS Grenzeloos Bocageland

Two people wearing winter jackets walk along a frosty rural path. The landscape is cold and misty, with fields and trees covered in frost, evoking a serene, tranquil mood.

Winter is in the country. But even at this time of year, Flanders still radiates a warm glow. In our historic cities, you will discover belfries, beguinages and medieval town squares set within a cosy winter atmosphere. The Flemish Masters will make your heart beat faster and Belgian chocolate will make your mouth water. The craftsmanship of Belgium's beer culture, which has been recognised by UNESCO as Intangible World Heritage for 10 years now, will give you a warm feeling inside. Flanders in winter welcomes you with open arms.

Immerse yourself in Belgian chocolate

When temperatures drop, providing your own dose of warmth is easy. Belgian chocolate is exactly what you need. Because who wouldn't melt at the sight of this iconic treat? Immerse yourself in a world of taste at the top chocolatiers in the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries in Brussels, where pralines were invented more than 150 years ago. Or discover the age-old story of that delicacy at Chocolate Nation in Antwerp or Choco Story in Brussels. Afterwards, you can roll up your sleeves and have a try at chocolate-making yourself at a chocolate workshop. Prefer to explore on your own? The Chocolate Trail is an engaging tour full of tasty highlights and surprises.

Accessibility Tip: Flanders welcomes everyone with open arms. Numerous museums and attractions pay particular attention to accessibility. Got any questions? If so, you can find full information about accessibility here.

A child peers eagerly over a glass display case filled with various chocolates, showcasing curiosity and desire. The background has neatly arranged confections.

Jonathan Ramael

Sample Belgian beer culture, UNESCO World Heritage

And on the subject of iconic culinary heritage, what about Belgian beer culture? Our country is the birthplace of beer. For centuries, monasteries and family-run breweries have been developing this unique craft. The result is a huge range of top-quality beer styles and flavour profiles. It is therefore no coincidence that UNESCO regards our Belgian beer culture as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a label we have already been wearing with pride for 10 years now. Want to explore all these great things? Rent a bike and explore the Lambic and Geuze Route. There, you'll discover some unique exponents of Belgian beer located within a beautiful rolling landscape. Prefer to go on foot? If so, the Wild Yeast Walk will take you past centuries-old breweries and authentic cafés.

Accessibility Tip: Flanders' breweries and pubs are also there for everyone. Discover the answers to all your accessibility questions here.

A man pours beer from a bottle held in a wicker basket at a bar counter, surrounded by empty glasses. The atmosphere is warm and inviting.

VISIT Vlaams-Brabant Cliff Lucas

Stroll through Bruges, a romantic winter wonderland

Does Bruges ever look more beautiful than in winter? The medieval city centre, with its cobblestone streets and winding waterways, is a romantic winter wonderland. During Winter Glow, it becomes even more picturesque, as a kilometres-long parade of light traverses the heart of the city. That fairy-tale walk leads you past unique installations in unexpected places. Fancy experiencing just a little bit of art as well? Then perhaps the Master Tour Bruges is something for you, as it takes you to the artistic highlights of Bruges. In St John's Hospital, for example, you'll come across four masterpieces by the Flemish Master Hans Memling. A wonderful adventure in an art city that is world class.

Accessibility Tip: The Master Tours take you to numerous enchanting places, in Bruges and also in the rest of Flanders. Click on this link to find all the information you need about the accessibility of those special locations.

Christmas in Bruges 08 © Toerisme Brugge copyright always obligatory

Historic brick buildings reflect in a calm canal in Bruges at night. Warm orange lights illuminate the scene, creating a serene and magical atmosphere.

Visit the Castle of the Counts, the winter wonder castle in Ghent

Can't get enough of medieval heritage in its winter coat? If so, some beautiful sights also await you at the Castle of the Counts in Ghent. At this time of year, this mystical castle suddenly reveals itself as a winter wonder castle. There, you can discover the swirling history of the castle, in a magical atmosphere with fairy lights, decorations and festive music. A magical warmth and cosiness swirls between the spiral staircases inside the thick castle walls. And by the way, the castle's keep will provide you with a unique view of the beautifully illuminated city centre. It's well worth it a visit.

Accessibility Tip: Unfortunately, the Castle of the Counts is not wheelchair accessible, but that is being worked on. However, a visio guide is already available for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing. A visual step-by-step plan has also been developed for people with autism.

Majestic medieval castle with illuminated walls, surrounded by a calm moat. The evening sky adds a serene, historic ambiance. Nearby, trees and buildings.

Tom D'Haenens

Discover the Leuven beguinage by candlelight

Visit cosy Leuven this winter and feel the warmth of the city in all of its beauty. The Great Beguinage is a fine example. With its inviting cobbled streets and whitewashed façades, it is one of the 13 beguinages in Flanders included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. During the end-of-year festival Winter Season Leuven, you can discover its beauty by candlelight. Once there, you can set off on an unforgettable heritage walk, while the shadows cast by thousands of candles dance along the façades of the buildings. The accompanying carillon and choral music will make the experience complete. Goosebumps guaranteed!

Accessibility Tip: The beguinage is freely accessible at any time, though the cobblestones can be challenging for wheelchairs.

Narrow cobblestone street at night, flanked by old brick buildings. Warm lights illuminate doorways, casting a cozy glow. A few blurred figures walk ahead.

Willem Govaerts

Enjoy elite winter sports on two wheels

Flanders is the birthplace of cycling. With their nasty hills and cobblestones, our iconic springtime classics provide proof of that year in year out, but we also live up to that good name in the winter months as well. That is the time when the riders take to the fields and our weekends are dominated by races in forests and on muddy, sandy or frozen fields. So put on your rubber boots and enjoy a unique blend of first-class sport and ambience! And then, in the final weeks of winter, the classic opening weekends of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne once again pave the way towards the classic events that take place in the springtime.

Accessibility Tip: You can also discover Flanders as a cycling country by yourself on a (modified) bicycle or e-bike. There really is a wealth of accessible bicycle routes here for you to discover.

A cyclist wearing a blue jersey and white helmet rides past a cheering crowd behind red barriers. The scene feels intense and dynamic.

Flanders Classics

Flanders has a lot to offer this winter, but it doesn't stop there. More great things are still to come in 2026, when we will be shining a spotlight on the Female Masters in Flanders. Want to know more about Michaelina Wautier, the leading lady of the baroque period, about Clara Peeters, the queen of still life, or about the sculpture pioneer Maria Faydherbe? If so, be sure to sign up for our newsletter, using the button at the bottom of this page.

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