All About Belgium
All About Belgium
Situated at the heart of Europe—anchored by Brussels Midi/Zuid and the headquarters of the EU and NATO—Belgium packs dense history, diverse art, and lively culture into a compact, rail-friendly nation smaller than Maryland.
A Crossroads of History and Culture
Bridging France, Germany, and the Netherlands, Belgium features distinct linguistic regions: Dutch-speaking Flanders, French-speaking Wallonia, and a small German-speaking community. This fusion has shaped a rich artistic legacy spanning Flemish masters (Rubens, Van Eyck, Magritte) to global comic book icons like Tintin and the Smurfs.
Fun Things to Do in Belgium
Belgium’s efficient rail network allows fast connections across medieval towns, urban hubs, and natural landscapes:
- Canals & Architecture: Explore the canals of Bruges and Ghent or admire the guild houses of Brussels' Grand-Place and Antwerp's diamond district.
- Culinary Delights: Savor authentic frites, Liège waffles, artisanal pralines, North Sea mussels, and Trappist ales.
- Nature & Coast: Hike or kayak in the forested Ardennes or ride the Kusttram along the North Sea.
Special Events and Festivals
- Winter & Spring: Experience the UNESCO-listed Carnival of Binche with its costumed Gilles in February/March, or view spring bluebells in Hallerbos and floral displays at Ghent Floralia.
- Summer & Autumn: Enjoy massive music festivals like Tomorrowland and Rock Werchter, Ghent's 10-day Gentse Feesten, the biennial Flower Carpet on the Grand-Place, and autumn beer celebrations.
- Winter Markets: Visit festive holiday markets such as Brussels' Winter Wonders and Bruges' Winter Glow.
Weather and When to Go
Belgium experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild weather and frequent light rain.
- Spring (Mar–May): Mild (50°F–64°F / 10°C–18°C) with blooming parks and occasional showers.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Warmest and sunniest (70°F–73°F / 21°C–23°C) and peak festival season.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Crisp foliage in the Ardennes, cooling from 65°F to 49°F (18°C to 9°C).
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Chilly and damp (40°F–43°F / 4°C–6°C) with potential Ardennes snow and quiet museums.
Trains in Belgium
Operated as the NMBS (Dutch), SNCB (French), and NGBE (German), Belgium's railway system makes nationwide travel seamless using a Eurail or Interrail Pass.
