Travel Guide: Which Countries Surround Belgium
Introduction
Belgium, located in Western Europe, is surrounded by four countries – the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and France. Despite its small size, Belgium offers a plethora of experiences for travelers. From its world-renowned chocolate to its stunning architecture, Belgium has something to offer everyone. This travel guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the top attractions, hidden gems, and experiences in the countries surrounding Belgium.
Top Attractions
The countries surrounding Belgium offer a wide range of top attractions. In the Netherlands, Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House are must-sees. Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin are also popular tourist destinations. Luxembourg’s Bock Casemates and the Grand Ducal Palace are worth a visit, while France’s Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles are iconic attractions.
Hidden Gems
For those looking for something off the beaten path, the countries surrounding Belgium offer plenty of hidden gems. In the Netherlands, the Kinderdijk windmills and the Dutch Wadden Islands are worth a visit. Germany’s Spreewald Forest and the Moselle Valley are hidden gems, while Luxembourg’s Ardennes region and the Mullerthal Trail offer stunning natural beauty. France’s Loire Valley and the Dune of Pilat are also hidden gems.
Food Scene
The food scene in the countries surrounding Belgium is diverse and delicious. In the Netherlands, try traditional Dutch pancakes and stroopwafels. Germany offers schnitzel, sausages, and pretzels, while Luxembourg’s cuisine is a blend of French and German influences. In France, indulge in croissants, cheese, and wine.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget is possible in the countries surrounding Belgium. Take advantage of free walking tours and visit museums on their free days. In Germany, opt for a cheaper meal at a traditional German beer hall. In France, visit local markets for affordable snacks and picnic supplies.
Outdoor Adventures
The countries surrounding Belgium offer a variety of outdoor adventures. In the Netherlands, cycle through the countryside or take a boat tour through Amsterdam’s canals. Germany offers hiking in the Black Forest and skiing in the Bavarian Alps. Luxembourg has numerous hiking trails and opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. France’s Mont Blanc offers world-class skiing and hiking.
Historical Landmarks
The countries surrounding Belgium are steeped in history and offer numerous historical landmarks. In the Netherlands, visit the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum. Germany’s Berlin Wall and the Cologne Cathedral are must-sees. Luxembourg’s Vianden Castle and the American Cemetery are historical landmarks, while France’s Palace of Versailles and the Normandy American Cemetery are also worth a visit.
Family-Friendly Activities
The countries surrounding Belgium offer plenty of family-friendly activities. In the Netherlands, visit the Efteling theme park or the NEMO Science Museum. Germany’s Europa-Park and the Legoland Discovery Centre are popular with families. Luxembourg’s Parc Merveilleux and the National Museum of Natural History are great for children, while France’s Disneyland Paris and the Parc Asterix are sure to delight.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
For those looking for unique experiences, the countries surrounding Belgium have plenty to offer. In the Netherlands, visit the abandoned village of Doel or the Keukenhof Gardens. Germany’s Rakotzbrücke Bridge and the abandoned Beelitz-Heilstätten Sanatorium are off-the-beaten-path experiences. Luxembourg’s underground caves and the abandoned village of Hirtzbach are also worth a visit. In France, visit the abandoned village of Oradour-sur-Glane or the underground quarry of Les Carrieres de Lumieres.
Natural Wonders
The countries surrounding Belgium offer stunning natural wonders. In the Netherlands, visit the Wadden Sea and the Frisian Islands. Germany’s Bavarian Forest and the Rhine Gorge are natural wonders, while Luxembourg’s Mullerthal Trail and the Upper Sûre Lake are also worth a visit. France’s Gorges du Verdon and the Calanques National Park offer breathtaking natural beauty.
Vibrant Nightlife
The countries surrounding Belgium offer vibrant nightlife. In the Netherlands, Amsterdam’s Red Light District and Leidseplein offer a lively atmosphere. Germany’s Berlin and Frankfurt have a buzzing nightlife scene, while Luxembourg’s Grund area and the Rives de Clausen are popular spots. France’s Paris and Marseille offer a vibrant nightlife scene.
Local Markets
The countries surrounding Belgium offer a variety of local markets. In the Netherlands, visit the Albert Cuyp Market in Amsterdam or the flower market in Lisse. Germany’s Christmas markets are a must-see, while Luxembourg’s weekly farmers’ markets offer fresh produce. France’s Marché des Enfants Rouges and the Nice Flower Market are also worth a visit.
Beaches and Mountains
The countries surrounding Belgium offer a mix of beaches and mountains. In the Netherlands, visit the beaches of Scheveningen or Zandvoort. Germany’s Zugspitze and the Bavarian Alps offer breathtaking mountain views, while the beaches of Sylt and Usedom are popular destinations. Luxembourg’s Ardennes region offers scenic mountain views, while France’s French Riviera and the Pyrenees Mountains are also worth a visit.
Cultural Immersion
The countries surrounding Belgium offer plenty of opportunities for cultural immersion. In the Netherlands, visit the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum. Germany’s Oktoberfest and the Berlin Wall offer a glimpse into the country’s culture, while Luxembourg’s National Museum of History and Art showcases the country’s heritage. France’s Louvre Museum and the Palace of Versailles offer an insight into the country’s history and culture.
Art and Music Scene
The countries surrounding Belgium offer a vibrant art and music scene. In the Netherlands, visit the Rijksmuseum and the Concertgebouw for classical music. Germany’s Berlin has a thriving contemporary art scene, while Luxembourg’s Philharmonie and the Mudam Museum offer a mix of classical and contemporary art and music. France’s Louvre Museum and the Opéra Garnier offer a glimpse into the country’s art and music scene.
Walking Tours
The countries surrounding Belgium offer a variety of walking tours. In the Netherlands, take a walking tour through Amsterdam’s Jordaan neighborhood or the Red Light District. Germany’s Berlin offers walking tours through its historical sites, while Luxembourg’s Old Town offers a glimpse into the country’s history. France’s Montmartre and the Latin Quarter offer walking tours through its vibrant neighborhoods.
Architectural Marvels
The countries surrounding Belgium are home to numerous architectural marvels. In the Netherlands, visit the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum. Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle and the Brandenburg Gate are architectural wonders, while Luxembourg’s Vianden Castle and the Grand Ducal Palace are also worth a visit. France’s Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles are iconic architectural marvels.
Historical Sites
The countries surrounding Belgium are steeped in history and offer numerous historical sites. In the Netherlands, visit the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum. Germany’s Berlin Wall and the Cologne Cathedral are must-sees. Luxembourg’s Vianden Castle and the American Cemetery are historical landmarks, while France’s Palace of Versailles and the Normandy American Cemetery are also worth a visit.
Biking Routes
The countries surrounding Belgium offer a variety of biking routes. In the Netherlands, cycle through the countryside or take a bike tour through Amsterdam’s canals. Germany’s Moselle Valley and the Black Forest offer scenic bike routes, while Luxembourg’s Mullerthal Trail and the Vennbahn cycle path are also popular. France’s Loire Valley and the Canal du Midi offer stunning bike routes.
Wellness Retreats
The countries surrounding Belgium offer numerous wellness retreats. In the Netherlands, visit the Thermae 2000 spa or the De Zwaluwhoeve spa. Germany’s Baden-Baden and the Black Forest offer wellness retreats, while Luxembourg’s Mondorf-les-Bains spa and the Domaine Thermal offer rejuvenating experiences. France’s Cote d’Azur and the Pyrenees Mountains offer wellness retreats with stunning views.
Adventure Sports
The countries surrounding Belgium offer numerous adventure sports. In the Netherlands, try kite surfing or windsurfing on the North Sea. Germany’s Bavarian Alps offer skiing and snowboarding, while Luxembourg’s Sûre River offers kayaking and canoeing. France’s Mont Blanc offers world-class skiing and hiking, while the Verdon Gorge offers rock climbing and rafting.
Overall, the countries surrounding Belgium offer a diverse range of experiences for travelers. Whether you’re looking for top attractions, hidden gems, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, or cultural immersion, these countries have something to offer everyone. Use this travel guide as a starting point to plan your next adventure.