Welcome to Belgium

Belgium is a land of contrasts — and one of the quickest travel destinations for German vacationers. On just 30,528 km² (similar in size to North Rhine-Westphalia) you will find:

• Three languages, three cultures — Flanders (Dutch) in the north, Wallonia (French) in the south, and a small German-speaking community in the east around Eupen
• UNESCO World Heritage galore — Bruges (historic old town), Grand Place Brussels, Hanseatic Beguinages, belfries of Flanders and Wallonia, mining sites, 4 other entries
• Beer capital of the world — over 1,500 types of beer, six Trappist breweries (the only ones worldwide with official Trappist certification) and the "Belgian beer culture" is UNESCO intangible cultural heritage
• World-class chocolate — Brussels and Bruges are centers of the finest pralines; brands like Godiva, Neuhaus, Leonidas, and Pierre Marcolini
• Art treasures — the Flemish masters (van Eyck, Rubens, Bruegel), René Magritte, Hergé (Tintin); world-class museums in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent
• Comic culture — Belgium is home to Tintin, the Smurfs, Lucky Luke, and Asterix (yes, French-Belgian!)
• Culinary delights — Moules-frites (mussels with fries), Carbonnade flamande (beef stew with beer), Waterzooi, endive gratin — hearty and high-quality
• Proximity to Germany — Brussels from Cologne by train in ~1:45 h, Ghent and Bruges by car in 3-4 h from Düsseldorf

Anyone who thinks Belgium is "small and unspectacular" underestimates the density of culture, history, and enjoyment. Perfect for city trips and extended weekends.

Belgium has a temperate maritime climate — mild, humid, and often changeable. Summers are warm, winters rarely extremely cold, rain showers possible year-round.

Spring (March–May)

Mild (10-18 °C), cities come to life, tulip parks in the Netherlands (Keukenhof — close to the border). In April/May the Ghent Flower Show (Gent Floralies, every 5 years) or the rhododendrons in Tervuren Park.

Summer (June–August)

Peak season, 20-25 °C, many festivals. The North Sea coast (De Panne, Oostende, Knokke) fills up, long daylight until 10 p.m. Brussels/Antwerp can be muggy. World-class festivals: Tomorrowland (Boom, end of July), Rock Werchter.

Autumn (September–November)

Best time for city trips: mild, few tourists, golden parks. Bruges and Ghent are particularly atmospheric in autumn. Beer season with fresh Lambic beers.

Winter (December–February)

Cool (rarely below -5 °C), but atmospheric: Christmas markets in Brussels (Plaisirs d'Hiver), Bruges, Ghent, Liège. In January and February Carnival high season in Binche (UNESCO Carnival, day before Ash Wednesday), Aalst, and Malmedy.

Recommendation

• City trips: May-June, September-October
• North Sea coast: July-August
• Christmas markets: last week of November to December 23
• Carnival: February-March (date varies)

By train

The fastest and most convenient connection from Germany. ICE/Thalys/Eurostar connect Germany with Belgium:

• Cologne → Brussels: approx. 1:45 h (Eurostar, hourly)
• Frankfurt → Brussels: approx. 3:00 h (ICE)
• Aachen → Brussels: approx. 1:15 h

From Brussels-Midi/Zuid there are hourly connections to Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, and Liège. The Belgian railway is called SNCB/NMBS.

By car

The motorway network is toll-free for cars. Direct connections: A44/E40 Aachen → Liège → Brussels (approx. 2 h). A40 → Antwerp. Attention: city toll in Antwerp for foreign vehicles must be registered via the Belgian LEZ app (“Low Emission Zone") — high fines for non-registration.

By plane

Brussels-Zaventem Airport (BRU), alongside Brussels South Charleroi (CRL, Ryanair hub). Flight time from DE 1 h, but train is usually faster and more eco-friendly.

Entry

Belgium is an EU and Schengen member. Identity card is sufficient for Germans, Austrians, Swiss.

Belgium is slightly more expensive than Germany, roughly on the price level of the Netherlands. Brussels is the most expensive, Flanders and Wallonia are more moderate.

Daily budget per person (guidelines)

• Backpacker: €50-80 (hostel, simple food, public transport)
• Mid-range: €100-180 (3-star hotel, restaurants, museum entries)
• Comfort: €200-350 (4-star, upscale dining, guided tours)

Typical prices

• Belgian beer in a café: €3.50-6 (specialty beers €6-10)
• Portion of moules-frites: €22-30
• Waffle from a stand: €3-5
• Bag of fries (Friture): €3-5
• Praline 100 g: €8-15 (boutique quality)
• Museum entry: €10-15
• 3-star hotel: €80-150 in Brussels, €70-120 in Flanders
• Day ticket Brussels public transport: approx. €8

Saving money

• Museums: Many museums in Brussels are free every first Wednesday of the month from 1 p.m.
• Brussels Card for museum packages, worth it for 3+ museums
• Lunchtime menus in restaurants often 40-50% cheaper than in the evening
• Eating at the Friture instead of a restaurant saves a lot