Seven tips for an unforgettable spring in Flanders

Two people, a woman and a child, joyfully navigate a lush hedge maze. The greenery is vibrant, conveying a sense of fun and adventure.

Jan D'Hondt

At last, spring is in the air. Explore 'Toer de Geuze' around Brussels or taste the best white asparagus in our local dishes. Art fans will be amazed by Flemish Masters like Michaelina Wautier and Clara Peeters in the exhibition ‘Unforgettable’. For nature lovers, the Flemish parks are the perfect spot for a micro-adventure. And cycling fanatics can feel the fever of the spring classics live. In Flanders, we can't wait to welcome you this spring for this and even more excitement!

Toer de Geuze, an ode to our liquid heritage

The Belgian beer culture has 1,001 highlights. This spring, it's time to rediscover one of its key components. On 9 and 10 May, Toer de Geuze celebrates the ever-exciting lambic and geuze beers. This liquid gold is made exclusively in Pajottenland and the Senne Region, the area around Brussels. Numerous lambic breweries and geuze distilleries are opening their doors for guided tours, (exclusive) tastings and other treats. A delicious pilgrimage you really won't want to miss.

Cycling and walking tips: Hop on your bike and enjoy the wonderful Lambic-Geuze route. Along the Wildegisten route, you'll discover all the goodies during a picturesque walk.

Cliff Lucas

White asparagus, a culinary delight

Spring is a tremendous time for our Flemish food culture. It starts with the long-awaited asparagus season. From April to June, you'll find countless restaurants serving a true classic: asperges op Vlaamse wijze (Flemish-style asparagus). These silky steamed or cooked white asparagus are served with melted butter, soft-boiled egg and fresh parsley. It sounds simple, but it's irresistible. Besides that delicious regional product, you'll also get a great flavour of Flanders at culinary festivals like Gent Smaakt, Antwerpen Proeft or Ostendaise North Sea Food Fest. Eager for more? Our Goesting ambassadors adore demonstrating their passion for their products.

The Flemish Masters, a focus on female artists

The Flemish Masters are a concept in art history. Did you know that, for centuries, many female artists stood in the shadow of their male counterparts? Today, in our museums and exhibitions, we tell the stories of Jenny Montigny, Clara Peeters, Catharina van Hemessen and many other top artists. The Museum of Fine Arts Ghent highlights the artistic achievements of female artists in the Low Countries with the exhibition Unforgettable.

City trip tip: Visiting this exciting exhibition at the MSK? Then stay for a weekend in Ghent. This inspiring city has so much to offer.

KBC Antwerpen

The spring classics, a sporty celebration

With the arrival of spring, the cycling fever rises. Spring in Flanders is always shaped by the famous spring classics. These cycle races cover thrilling ground, rough slopes and challenging cobbles. While the cyclists tackle the course, a party unfolds. Starting with the E3 Classic, then Ghent-Wevelgem followed by Dwars door Vlaanderen. The ultimate highlight is the iconic Tour of Flanders, on the best Sunday of all. Always a really fun experience.

Tip for sporting heroes: Bit of a sportsperson yourself? If so, the Flandrien Challenge on STRAVA is for you. Anyone who conquers 59 iconic hill and cobble sections in less than 72 hours, deserves eternal glory. Your own personalised cobblestone will be inserted in the wall of fame at the Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen.

Four cyclists ride up a cobblestone path surrounded by lush greenery, focused and determined. The scene is vibrant, dynamic, and energetic.

(c)

Castles and gardens, experience history and heritage in lush, green surroundings

In Antwerp there's always something exciting to do, but beyond the city walls the beauty continues. We're delighted to take you to the castles and gardens on the banks of the river Scheldt. They will happily reveal their secrets. At Wissekerke Castle, you discover the story of the pioneering Vilain XIIII family. Bornem Castle brings you face to face with an impressive collection of etchings by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. The domain around charming D'Ursel Castle is ideal for a lovely walk. You can spend an unforgettable night in its De Notelaer Pavillion.

Cycling tip: Discover all these beautiful things on a bike or e-bike. Three castles, two forts and a mighty river: the Scheldt castles route has plenty to offer.

A yellow castle with tall towers and large windows is reflected in a surrounding moat. The sky is blue with scattered clouds, and trees are visible nearby.

Jurjen Drenth

A new art temple in Bruges

Historic Bruges is brimming with highlights. And yet another one is coming soon. On 8 May, Brusk will open its doors in the city centre. You're welcome to enjoy top-class exhibitions and events. This art hall will immediately kick off with two impressive exhibitions on very diverse subjects. Bigger Picture is a cultural historical exhibition that sheds a new light on Bruges as a Medieval metropolis. At the same time, you can see Latent City, on the work of Refik Anadol, an internationally celebrated pioneer in AI-driven art. So, this spring, there is more to do in Bruges than ever before.

Stroll through our nature parks

We really treasure our nature. So, when 24 May is celebrated as European Day of Parks, then Flanders is delighted to join in. Then, of course, we can't ignore the Hoge Kempen National Park. With 12,000 hectares of unspoiled nature, there are so many walks and micro-adventures just waiting to be enjoyed. Of course, there are also plenty of other places in Flanders for a fun micro-adventure. For example, between the vines in the Westhoek, from the water in Scheldt Valley National Park or in one of Flanders' other nature parks.

Walking tip: Flanders' Finest Walking routes offer you a wealth of wonderful walks, throughout Flanders. And the offer just keeps growing. So everyone wins.