Best attractions and places to see in Flanders include a rich array of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features across its Dutch-speaking northern region. The area is characterized by medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and picturesque canals, offering diverse points of interest. Flanders provides both urban exploration and serene natural escapes, from bustling market squares to national parks and coastal areas.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
Highlight • Bridge
Showing Translation
Tip by
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Cycleway
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Bridge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • River
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Showing Translation
Tip by
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions in Flanders.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Flanders
Belgium’s Hoge Kempen and Meuse Valley – Bram Tankink’s best rides
From Flanders to the Ardennes — GR 5 in Belgium
The Meuse Cycle Route - Follow the Meuse from the hills to the harbor
Streek-GR Hageland – Hollow roads and endless fields
Trappist abbeys cycle route – Between beers and heritage
Flanders Divide - Across Flanders
Around the World in 80 Days
From Amsterdam to London - along the North Sea and across the water
The North Sea Coast Cycle Route — Netherlands and Belgium
The Meuse Cycle Route - Follow the Meuse from the hills to the harbor
Connecterra is the main gateway to Hoge Kempen National Park. This unique area is located on the former mine site of Eisden, bordering Dilsen-Stokkem. A quarter of a century ago, the mine was still in full operation; now it is a true nature paradise. Great plans are underway for this area in the coming years, respecting both nature and cultural heritage. The walking area has been developed and the routes offer some of the most beautiful panoramas of Flanders, with a breathtaking setting of mountains and lakes. In total, five routes lead you through the area. The walking area connects to the 'Mechelse Heide' and 'Station As' walking paths. In the new visitor centre, you will find information about the national park and can relax with a drink in the tearoom. Outside, children can have fun in the playground. The spiral tower is accessible up to the first floor and offers a glimpse of what Connecterra has to offer.
0
0
The cycle path through the water leads cyclists over a 212-meter-long and three-meter-wide concrete path, with water at eye level on both sides. Swans and other waterfowl swim along the banks, curiously watching the cyclists. Since its opening, interest in this unique cycle path has been enormous. On average, 800 visitors per day explore this unforgettable part of the Limburg cycle network, with peaks on Saturdays and Sundays, and on some days even up to 5,000 cyclists.
0
0
The coal mining past lives on...
7
1
The two winding towers commemorate the history of coal mining. In less than a decade, the history of coal mining in the Hoge Kempen region drastically changed the landscape. The last coal mine (Eisden) closed in 1901. In those 1989 years, the landscape transformed from a "rural" landscape of mainly heathland, moors, and dunes to an "industrial" landscape with winding towers, slag heaps, pine forests for timber harvesting, and quarries for raw materials.
3
0
Windmills, just as you would imagine in this area.
6
1
The Bruges registry office (Oude Civiele Griffie), right next to the town hall on Burg Square, is the former court of justice and one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The Renaissance façade dates from the 16th century and is decorated with several gilded statues: the central figure is Justitia, on the left you can see Moses with the tablets of the law. From the river it is a brick building with small turrets; you pass it on a boat tour. The building is connected to the town hall by a small bridge that leads over a footpath.
6
0
The "Oude Civiele Griffie", the Old Civil Chancellery, was completed in 1537 and is located on Burg Square in Bruges between the State House of the Bruges Free Office and the Town Hall. It is considered one of the oldest Renaissance buildings in Flanders. The front façade, which is decorated with numerous sculptures, was built from natural stone. The building has been restored and extended several times, most recently in 2001. It has been a listed building since 1942.
5
0
The characterful setting of the Bonifacius Bridge and the adjacent Arentshof will delight many visitors. Here you will find an irresistible combination of impressive history and warm romance . Situated along the picturesque canals, the Arentshof creates a unique atmosphere with its tall trees, hidden benches, mysterious artwork and beautiful views of the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk and the Gruuthuse Palace. Here you can literally watch the world go by: tour boats sail past and people stroll in wonder across the square while the hooves of horse-drawn carriages resound throughout the day. Don't be fooled one bit further, because the charming, centuries-old Bonifacius Bridge dates back to the early 20th century and is one of Bruges' youngest bridges . While you admire the charming canals with overhanging (half-timbered) houses and passing boats, you will undoubtedly feel a sense of humility when you look up at the tower of the Church of Our Lady. Carefully chosen lighting gives this treasured place of love an enchanting dimension at night. Source: https://www.routeyou.com/de-be/location/view/51952623/bonifacius-brucke-liebesbrucke-brugge
6
0
Flanders offers innovative cycling experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in nature. You can try Cycling Through the Water — Fietsen Door Het Water (Bokrijk), where you ride at eye level with the water for over 200 meters. Another popular option is Cycling through the Trees in Hechtel-Eksel, an architectural marvel that gradually rises to 10 meters, offering unique views among the treetops.
Absolutely. Flanders is rich in history. The Market Square, Bruges, is a historical heart with the impressive 83-meter-high Belfry and colorful gabled houses. In Bruges, you can also visit the Bruges Town Hall, one of the oldest in the Low Countries, and explore the picturesque Bruges Canals (Brugse Reien), often referred to as the 'Venice of the North'.
Beyond its cities, Flanders boasts beautiful natural areas. The Hoge Kempen National Park offers extensive pine forests and blooming heather. You can also visit the Zwin Nature Reserve, a coastal area known for its unique ecosystem, or enjoy the serene Maas River Dike Cycling Path for scenic views along the river.
Many attractions in Flanders are suitable for families. The unique cycling experiences like Cycling Through the Water and Cycling through the Trees are popular with all ages. Historical sites such as the Market Square, Bruges, and the Bruges Canals offer engaging experiences for children and adults alike. The Eisden Mine Headframes and Visitor Center also provides an interesting historical and educational outing.
Flanders offers a variety of outdoor activities. For running enthusiasts, there are numerous trails like the 'Loop around the water sports course' or 'Exploring in the Kluisbos'. Hikers can enjoy routes such as the 'Duinbossen Trail' or the 'Mechelse Heide Red Triangle Trail'. Cyclists have options like the 'Tour of Flanders cycling route: blue loop' or the 'Flandrien Loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for Running Trails in Flanders, Hiking in Flanders, and Road Cycling Routes in Flanders.
Yes, you can visit the Eisden Mine Headframes and Visitor Center, located within the Connecterra area of the Hoge Kempen National Park. This site offers a glimpse into the region's industrial past and its transformation into a natural and recreational area.
Flanders is full of photogenic locations. The Market Square, Bruges, with its Belfry and historic buildings, is a classic. The Bonifacius Bridge in Bruges, despite being one of the city's youngest, offers a mysterious and romantic atmosphere perfect for capturing the essence of the canals and overhanging half-timbered houses. The unique Cycling Through the Water path also provides striking visual opportunities.
Yes, you can encounter historical windmills that add to the picturesque landscape of Flanders. An example is the Schellemolen Windmill, Damme, which stands as a testament to the region's heritage and offers a charming viewpoint.
To truly experience the 'Venice of the North,' take a boat cruise along the Bruges Canals (Brugse Reien). This offers a unique perspective of the city's medieval architecture, charming bridges like the Bonifacius Bridge, and hidden corners that are not accessible by foot.
Yes, Flanders is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites. The historic Beguinages in cities like Bruges, Leuven, and Lier are recognized for their unique architectural and cultural significance. For a comprehensive list of World Heritage Sites in Belgium, you can refer to Wikipedia.
Flanders offers a rich cultural scene. In Antwerp, you can visit the Rubenshuis, the former home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens, or the MAS Museum. Ghent's museum district is also notable. Bruges features unique experiences like the Historium Brugge, the Bruges Beer Experience, the Frietmuseum, and Choco-Story, a chocolate museum, offering diverse cultural insights.
For more detailed information on various Flemish destinations, including cities like Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges, you can visit the official tourism website for the region. A good starting point is visitflanders.com.


Are you keen on exploring more awesome places nearby? Browse our guides:
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: