A short guide about Adventure travel to Belgium
Thinking of travelling to Belgium? Well this densely populated egg shaped low-lying country sits on the edge of the North Sea coast, and belongs to the Benelux Region. Her immediate neighbours are France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands, and because Belgium sits at the crossroads of Western Europe – their capital’s are close to her capital; Brussels.
Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830, and was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. But it has prospered in the past half century into a modern, technologically advanced European state, and a member of NATO and the EU.
Belgium consists of three regions; Flanders is the northern, Dutch-speaking region of the country, it is mostly flat and includes well known cities, such as; Antwerp – Belgium’s second largest city, with a giant cathedral, medieval streets and artistic heritage. Bruges – was the world's biggest city in the 14th century, and is now the largest and most beautiful historic centre in Europe. Ghent is a small cozy town providing canals, a rich history and lively student population. Other towns to visit are Leuven; dominated by one of Europe's oldest universities, the small medieval town of Mechelen. The town of Ypres is best known for its destruction during the First World War, and is marked by memorials and cemeteries.
Brussels is the bilingual capital region of the country and headquarters of the EU, providing a nice historic centre and several museums of interest. In the southern Wallonia French-speaking region you’ll find Liege with a beautiful cityscape – along a wide river, providing hiking and resorts in the nearby hills. Or tour the small town of Dinant in a stunning natural setting; a popular spot for adventure sports such as canoeing and rock-climbing.
Tourabout has categorized quite a number of vacation packages that travel through the heart of Belgium, while usually combining her neighboring countries; via a stylish river canal cruise or a guided coach tour with Windmills, lakes, sculpted gardens, tulips and through the valleys of Ardennes.