7 unusual places to (re) discover in Belgium

No need to cross the border for a vacation that throws it. Our compatriot Emma Verhaeghe, travel blogger and Belgophile in the soul, thus embarked on a journey to the rediscovery of the kingdom. In doing so, she has mapped more than 200 unknown places and gathered them on her “Belgium Hotspots Map” (or map of places not to be missed in Belgium). Exclusively for Weekend, she shares 7 unusual places to (re) discover.

In a previous life, Emma Verhaeghe – better known as her blog Emma’s Roadmap – preferred to plan her trips as far from our borders. So she traveled the world, from Canada to the borders of Europe. “For me, Belgium was synonymous with rain, bad roads and places of mediocre interest. Nothing and no one could have convinced me to take a vacation in my own country, ”she says. Until Covid’s pandemic arrived five years ago, coming to thwart all of her travel projects – and all the projects. “After a while, I felt terribly tired of staying at home, so I went to explore my own country. And I was completely surprised by the discovery everywhere in Belgium of unusual and magnificent places that I had never heard of. ”

This is why she decided to bring together all the unique places she discovered on an interactive map, the Belgium Hotspots Map. Thanks to this map, it wishes to show foreign tourists that our country is not a simple step on the holiday route in France or Germany.

“Belgium is worth more than one day in Brussels with waffles, fries and atomium. You can easily devote a week or two to discover the whole country. It is a multiple facet holiday destination which is also aimed at demanding tourists: historic cities with fairy tales, via magnificent views and unknown hiking trails, ”says our guide. Which is not only for foreign tourists with its card, but also invites its compatriots to go out more often in their own region.

“I want to show that our country conceals many hidden jewels and that, sometimes, a few kilometers from home, we find things just as beautiful as abroad”. The proof by seven.

1. The Furfooz nature reserve

“Furfooz was one of my first outings in Belgium during the Cavid, and she was immediately one of my favorites. It is a natural reserve located near Dinant, with an adventurous four -kilometer walk that goes through prehistoric caves, a reconstituted Roman bath and the vestiges of a medieval castle. At one point, we cross a cave and we are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the valley. My first reaction was to ask me if I was still well in Belgium. The most adventurous of us can go down to Dinant Evasion after the hike for an altitude path or a kayak excursion on the lesse. Nearby, the castle of Walzin and the Abbey of Maredsous are also worth visited ”.

Rue du Camp Romain 79, 5500 Dinant, more info via www.reservedefurfooz.be.

2. The Bieley Rocher

“It is near Bütgenbach is, in my humble opinion, one of the most beautiful points of view in Belgium. A hike of 6 or 16 kilometers will take you to a rocky formation which overlooks a green valley. Besides, we can only reach this point of view by making a long way through Germany. What struck me: the absolute calm that reigns there. It is therefore the perfect alternative to other walks in the nature of our country that are invaded by visitors. Please note, the place is on a military training ground, so you have to check in advance that there are no shooting exercises. Those who want to keep their hiking shoes after this outing can go to the Hautes Fagnes. You can visit the magnificent medieval castle of Reinhardstein and the highest waterfall in Belgium. If you want to refresh yourself this summer, the lakes of Robertville and Bütgenbach also offer a variety of nautical activities. ”

Hohe Mark, 4750 Bütgenbach, plus d’Anfo via www.butgenbach.info.

3. The flint museum

“This museum in the Fourons region is by far the strangest that I have ever visited in Belgium. It is located in the Eben -zer tower, built after the Second World War by artist Robert Garcet as a monument to peace. This imposing structure, decorated with a flying bull and other mythical figures, symbolizes the link between humanity and the gods. To complete your day, you can visit the Limburg village of Kanne and its quarries of Marne. These limestone careers are home not only a chapel, but also a mushroom. And that’s not all: in the village, there is a baker that prepares his rice pies with rice kept in the caves. I would never have thought that a stone tower and a part of pie can be so surprising. ”

Croquishein thaier 15, 4690 are backed, plus the infos via www.musee-du-silex.be

4. The ghost hotel in Mechelen

“Everyone knows the abandoned working -class working village of Doel, but few know the existence of the ghost hotel in Mechelen. In the middle of the Vrijbroek park is however the unfinished “park hotel” which has never welcomed a single customer. In the 1970s, it should have become a large hotel complex, but instead, its unfinished structure fell into ruins and was slowly invaded by plants and animals. For years, the abandoned site has attracted illegal urbexers, until the city of Mechelen officially opened it as a secure ruin at the start of this year. And it is also worth visiting by non-urbexers. Indeed, from the roof, we have a breathtaking view of the park and the rest of the city. It is not necessary to book, but the number of visitors is limited ”.

Parkhotel, 2800 Mechelen

5. Le Winter Garden

“As long as you are in the vicinity of Mechelen, the winter garden of the Ursulinen Institute is also to be seen absolutely. It is one of the most magical places in Belgium. Founded by ursuline nuns, this former international boarding school for girls located in eleven-lud-vrouw-wover is an impressive and historic complex, in particular with its breathtaking art-style winter garden dating from the 1900s. The dome in colored stained glass in the center of the space constitutes an architectural masterpiece. You can visit not only the garden, but also certain parts of the school to learn more about its history. My advice: book a guided tour. You will thus have access to the church and to other parts of the school that individual visitors cannot see. It is preferable to book in advance, because the places are limited and sell quickly. Finish your day with a visit to the Saint-Rombaut cathedral or by a simple walk in the picturesque city of Mechelen ”.

Bosstraat 9a, 2861 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Plus d’Ofos via www.visitwintertuin.be

6. The Roseraie de Coloma

“The Columa Roseraie in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre is one of the largest and most impressive in Europe. This enchanting place is a real invitation for flower lovers in search of a summer getaway. We discover more than 3,000 varieties of roses from all over the world, carefully arranged in a park accessible free from May to October. Plan at least an hour to go around – it is not a simple flower floor. After the visit, extend the pleasure over a drink at the Brasserie du Domaine, or set it up on the nearby Gaasbeek castle, one of the most beautiful heritage jewels in Belgium ”.

Rue Saint-Sébastien 18, 1600 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, more info via www.colomaspl.be

7. Le château the Larnes

“Belgium has more than three thousand castles, but rare are those which are preserved as well as the castle of Laarne. A stone’s throw away, this medieval fortress surrounded by water reveals an admirably preserved interior. On the estate, with its perfectly maintained French garden, it feels like transported to a fairy tale. During all the summer holidays, the castle opens its doors every afternoon-except Saturday-to visitors. An experience not to be missed: the video video, in which a medieval character immerses you in the history of this enchanting place and evokes the famous witchcraft trials which took place there. Want to close this chivalrous day with panache? Book a night in the Ooidonk castle, recently renovated. In the morning, the squire will serve you a royal breakfast. ”

Eekhoekstraat 5, 9270 Laarne, Plus d’Ofos via www.kasteelvanlaarne.be