The Flemish Region (in Dutch “Vlaams Gewest”) is one of the three official regions of the Kingdom of Belgium. Usually it is referred to as “Flanders” or “Vlaanderen” in Dutch. The official language is Dutch, sometimes colloquially referred to as Flemish.
Flanders is divided up into 5 provinces: Antwerp, East-Flanders, West-Flanders, Flemish Brabant and Limburg
Where is Flanders located?
Flanders is a region located in the northern part of Belgium. It is primarily Dutch-speaking and is bordered by the Netherlands to the north, France to the west, Wallonia (the French-speaking region of Belgium) to the south, and closes around the Brussels-Capital Region (which is officially bilingual).
Citytrips in Flanders
Packed with culture, historical buildings, art and musea, these Flemish cities are the perfect destination for your next city trip in Belgium. Did I already mention the excellent food and rich variety of beers?
All the above listed cities can be easily reached with public transport in less then 2h from Brussels. Traveling in between them is also very fast and convenient thanks to the Belgian railway services.
Holidays in Flanders
Thinking about spending your holiday in Flanders? Then have a look at the destinations below.
Flanders Fields and the Belgian Coast are located close to each-other. With Bruges also nearby, these area’s are a perfect holiday destination for car travels from the UK.
Cycling and walking enthousiasts will love the province of Limburg which has an extended cycling-route network allowing you to discover the entire province on bicycle. Walking enthousiasts can discover numerous walking routes through the heath-lands and forests of the National Park Hoge Kempen.
Accommodation in Flanders
Flanders has many excellent accommodations to offer. Hotels can be found in nearly every city. The big cities and typical tourist destinations also have cheaper hostels available. A popular alternative for romantic citytrips and getaways are smaller Bed and Breakfast’s. They can be found both in large cities as on the countryside. At the Belgian coast side you can also rent apartments and holiday houses.
Public Transport in Flanders
Flanders has a dense public transport network, making it easy for you to travel around without a car. The best and easiest way to travel in between larger cities is by train. Train lines are operated by the national railway company: NMBS/SNCB. All local busses and tram lines in Flanders are operated by De Lijn.
For more information about trains, trams and busses in Flanders; check the Belgium Public Transport Guide https://www.belgiumtravel.info/en/belgium-public-transport-guide/#flanders
More Flanders travel destinations
These cities and towns are smaller then the Big 5, but definitely worth a visit when traveling around in Flanders or Belgium.
Ostend (Oostende in Dutch) is Belgium’s largest coastal town.
Ypress is located in the Flanders Fields Area. During the first war the landscape of the area was in the centre of long and heavy battles between German and allied forces.
Hasselt is the capital of Limburg and well known for the traditional Jenever, a local specialty.