Top short trip destinations in Belgium

Belgium is more or less on Germany's doorstep. From North Rhine-Westphalia it is only a stone's throw to the neighboring country to the west. Despite its small area, Belgium is a very diverse country. There are not only beautiful medieval cities to discover here, but also untouched natural landscapes.

With its international airport, Brussels can be reached from all regions of Germany within an hour and a half by plane. And even by car you don't have to go far from North Rhine-Westphalia to the capital of Belgium.

As the quasi-capital of Europe, Brussels is worth a trip not only for those who are passionate about Europe and interested in politics. Because there is much more to visit here than just the institutions of the European Union. At first glance, Brussels is certainly not the most beautiful city in Belgium, but it is definitely the most vibrant and interesting.

In the Belgian capital you can discover a colorful mix of different architectural styles and unusual museums. And for foodies, Brussels is worth a visit anyway. The city's gastronomic scene is one of the best in Europe. In addition to the world-famous Belgian fries, waffles, chocolate and beer, numerous other culinary delicacies are served here.

Belgium's second largest city does not have its own international airport, but is only around 40 kilometers from Brussels Airport. Antwerp is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful historical cities in Europe. In the Middle Ages, the capital of Flanders was one of the most important cities in Europe. In addition to the imposing Cathedral of Our Lady, numerous other buildings bear witness to the city's former wealth.

Antwerp is best known for two things: diamonds and fashion. In no other city in the world are so many diamonds refined and sold as here. A true paradise for jewelry fans! But if you're a fashion enthusiast, you'll also get your money's worth in Antwerp. The city has developed into a hotspot for European couture in recent decades.

Bruges is around 100 kilometers west of Brussels. A visit to the city is a journey back in time to the Middle Ages. Very few cities in Europe have such a large, beautiful and well-preserved medieval city center as Bruges.

In the 15th century, Bruges was one of the most important Hanseatic cities. To this day, a large part of the city center that was built during Bruges' heyday has been preserved. No wonder the entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you walk through the old streets and along the picturesque canals of Bruges, you will see Europe 500 years ago in front of you.

The Ardennes are only known to a few people outside Belgium. If you travel to the forest-covered hilly landscape south of Liège and not far from the German border, you will immerse yourself in an area full of nature and solitude. In no other area of ​​Belgium do you meet so few other people and can go hiking as well as in the Ardennes.

But it's not just hikers who love the untouched nature of the Ardennes. There is also a lot to experience and discover here for cyclists, mountain bikers, horse riders and canoeists and kayakers.

The plateau of the High Fens, which extends over an area of ​​around 600 square kilometers across parts of the Eifel, is also a very popular destination for hikers and walkers. The High Fens is one of the last remaining raised moors in Europe. Some of it is up to 700 meters above sea level.

A hike through the High Fens is a very special experience. Some of the hiking routes run directly on wooden footbridges through the marshlands.