Experience a wonderful winter holiday in Flanders

Joel Hoylaerts

Even in winter temperatures, Flanders will keep you nice and warm. Get close to our Flemish Masters where they are at home, cycle between the Terrils in Hoge Kempen National Park in Limburg and discover (or rediscover) Leuven during KU Leuven’s dazzling celebration of six centuries. And the Flemish cuisine classics will also feel like a warm blanket once again this winter.

Experience our Flemish Masters where they are at home

Anyone who wants to summarise European art history in a few sentences cannot ignore the Flemish Masters. Geniuses such as Bruegel, Rubens and van Eyck are among the all-time greats. You can see their work in the world’s major museums. But nowhere do you get to know them better than here, in Flanders. Flemish Masters in situ leads you to the places where they lived and worked. You will discover their works in the locations for which they were created. You look through their eyes, as it were, when genius moved them. Get close to our Flemish Masters on a journey of discovery along the River Lys or by the sea; discover themed routes per artist or choose your own Master Tour from one place to another.

Kruisafneming - Peter Paul Rubens in Antwerpen, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe-kathedraal (publiek domain)

Double enjoyment of Flemish Masters at KMSKB

These Flemish Masters also play the leading roles in two exhibitions this winter at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels(KMSKB). Drafts - From Rubens to Khnopff is entirely devoted to sketching. This exhibition explores how a masterpiece takes shape. A fascinating journey through some 100 works of art immerses you in the genius of the Flemish Masters. Old drawings - From Bruegel to Rubens in turn brings the age-old art of drawing to life. This ranges from the meticulous style of Pieter Bruegel to the swirling style of Rubens. These are two examples of Flemish mastery that will leave you speechless.

Workshop Flemish Masters - KMSKB, Brussels - January 29, 2018 26

Cycling between Terrils in Hoge Kempen National Park

Walking and cycling paradiseLimburg has a new attraction: Cycling between Terrils. This cycling adventure is also an introduction to Limburg’s rich mining past. This route connects Eisden’s iconic mining terrils with a 380-metre-long floating pontoon bridge. This is how you can discover the remarkable landscape of Hoge Kempen National Park from a new 360° perspective. But it doesn’t stop there. For example, how about Cycling through Water, where you pedal through a huge body of water? Or Cycling through the Trees, a path that takes you to higher realms. These adventures can only be experienced in Limburg.

Visit Limburg

Top-level sports on two wheels in the winter

Flanders is known as the birthplace of cycle racing. Our spring classics, with their gruelling climbs and cobblestones, are iconic. But there is also a lot you can do in the winter. That is when the riders head into the field. Our weekends are filled with races on muddy, sandy or frozen fields and forests. Pull on your wellington boots and discover a unique mix of top-level sport and ambience. When that winter is about to end, the spring cycling season is already waiting for us. At the end of February, the major events Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne usher in a new season of spring classics.

Flanders Classics

KU Leuven celebrates its 600th anniversary

If even wonder, curiosity and knowledge aren’t worth celebrating, what is? In 2025, KU Leuven will celebrate its 600th anniversary. That makes it one of the oldest universities in Europe. Today, it is still a beacon for knowledge and science. We’re celebrating this with a jam-packed anniversary year. M Leuven and the University Library are focusing on 600 years of history. The heritage walking tours take you past the university’s historical gems. The art and science route And So, Change Comes in Waves brings together new works by seven artists and as many poets. And that is just a selection from the impressive programme of exhibitions, science festivals, inspiring lectures, heritage, music, poetry and art. You can experience it all in vibrant Leuven.

Leuven Uitzicht vanuit provinciehuis (c) Lander Loeckx

Visit Leuven

A breath of fresh air on the Flemish coast

Sun, sea and sand are often mentioned in the same breath. But our Flemish coast is also a wonderful walking destination in winter. In De Panne, a seaside resort near the French border, the Westerpunt is a highlight on such a walk. This architectural masterpiece offers a beautiful view of the sea and the dunes. From here, you can easily find your way to the Westhoek Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy yourself among trees, dunes and the sea. Seasoned walkers start their extensive Grote Routepaden walk here. Or just map out your own artistic walk. The Beaufort Sculpture Park is a stimulating permanent open-air exhibition along the entire North Sea coast of Belgium. That’s worth a winter walk.

couchflucht

Winter or not: Eternal Spring in Mechelen

Anyone who is already longing for budding flowers and floral splendour will enjoy being in Mechelen this winter. There, the Hof van Busleyden will welcome you to Eternal Spring. Gardens and Tapestries in the Renaissance. This lavish exhibition pays homage to the rebirth of nature. Eternal Spring brings the splendour of lush Renaissance gardens to life with an impressive collection of centuries-old tapestries. In turn, the permanent collection of this city palace and museum immerses you in the heyday of the Burgundian Renaissance. A new world opens up to you there.

Stadspaleis en tuinen (c) Sophie Nuytten - Museum Hof van Busleyden

Flemish cuisine, a warm blanket

When temperatures hover around freezing, the Flemish seek some warmth in the kitchen. Our winter culinary classics feel like a warm blanket. Would you like some examples? Delicious beef stew or vol-au-vent with fries. Or that other icon: Belgian endive with ham and cheese sauce. Those softly stewed heads of Belgian endive are wrapped in boiled ham and a creamy cheese sauce is spooned over them. Of course, that includes pairing with beer. A plate of vol-au-vent goes wonderfully with a fruity Tripel Karmeliet. The dark abbey beer Westmalle Dubbel will bring out the best in your stew. In turn, strong blonde Duvel is the perfect companion for your Belgian endive with ham and cheese sauce. A Flemish culinary classic + a delicious Belgian beer = winter bliss.

Witloof met ham en kaassaus en Duvel | Belgian endive with ham and cheese sauce and Duvel

As you see, Flanders is making it extra cosy this winter with lots of winter activities. But the above is only part of what is on offer. Do you need even more inspiration? Flanders’ art cities welcome you with open arms for an inspiring and heartwarming visit. Welcome!