Travel to Belgium

If you ask any cultivated tourist to make a top 5 list of European destinations that he or she would recommend, Belgium will definitely be on that list. It is one of Europe's smallest yet most impressive countries, a cradle of architecture, history and art.

Being encompassed by Germany, Luxembourg, France and the Netherlands, Belgium can be seen as a true European heart. Belgium spreads over a surface of 30518 square kilometers while being called home by over 10 million people. It is also a country that takes full advantage of its varied physical geography, from the scenic mountainous region of Ardennes in the south to the breezy coastline of the North Sea. There are numerous attractions that you might want to see while visiting Belgium and it will take you quite a while to perform this task. However, if you are short on time, there are certain destinations that will help you understand this one-of-a-kind country.

The Ardennes are one of Belgium's most wonderful areas mostly due to their genuine wilderness and rich diversity of fauna and flora. You will surely be left amazed at the sight of vast forest covered hills crossed by crystal clear rivers and unlimited villages nestled by wide valleys. In this villages you will find, notably enough, that folklore and traditions are still effectively encompassed within people. It is also the place where voyagers may become accustomed to some of this region's most unique arts and crafts.

If you plan to visit the Ardennes you might want to take that trip during springtime. It is the optimum season to take pleasure in the numerous sports and attractions offered here. Those interested in walking, mountain biking, fishing, climbing or even horse riding will have many choices to choose from. Winter sports fans will also feel like home in the Ardennes. Cross country skiing or snow racing are just some of the activities that make the Ardennes such a pleasant paradise during the winter. Speaking of fun, visiting some of the caves in this area might be exceptionally interesting and worthwhile.

Belgium is renowned for its long and rich history, so if you are looking for some of the best conserved castles and citadels in Europe, this is the right place to be. Smart people, the Belgian are surely aware of the important role of these silent beholders of the past. Numerous special events held within these walls try to recreate as authentic as possible the dark times of the Middle Ages. Situated in a fascinating valley in Ardennes, the town of Spa is certainly the world's most acclaimed site of healing hot springs. The town has a very long history, dating since the Roman Empire, when it was known under the name of Aquae Spadanae. The town of Spa is so renowned that it has inherently became an eponymous for any source of hot mineral springs. Today, any place that benefits from a natural water source is known under the name of "spa".

Motorsports fans are also quite intrigued in Spa as it annually holds the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix, on the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps which is one of the most difficult, yet beautiful circuit in Formula One. Rain is almost a must during the Formula One weekend each year so the thousands of racing fans will most likely be treated with probably the best race of the entire Formula One season.

Located at the crossroads of the old continent, often referred to as "the essence of Europe", Belgium is a small yet densely populated country in Northern Europe that borders the North Sea, Germany, Luxembourg , France and the Netherlands. Famous for its chocolate and beer, Belgium attracts millions of tourists every year mainly due to an interesting combination of nature and history. Perhaps one of the best examples is the Ardennes region located in southern Belgium, in the south-eastern part of Wallonia region. The Ardennes is a vastly forested plateau host to abundant wildlife and beautiful landscapes; the Ardennes form the so-called "green lung" of Belgium – a perfect place to visit for those who love the flora and fauna as well as for those interested in folklore and old traditions.

Due to its strategic location, the region has been at the centre of numerous historical events: starting with the Roman legions, the invasion of the Germanic tribes, the region was occupied in turns by the Spanish, Austrians and the French. One of the most famous historical events linked to the region is the Battle of the Bulge that took place in the Ardennes during the Second World War. At the end of 1944, the Allied Armies of USA, Britain and Canada were on the brink of attacking Germany. Hitler thought that the alliance in the western front could be weakened by splitting the British and American line in half. Therefore he ordered a massive counter-offensive whose goal was to take back the French territory, to divide, encircle and destroy the enemy armies.

The official historical name of the battle is the Ardennes Offensive; the Germans called it the Operation "Watch on the Rhine" after their hymn "Die Wacht am Rhein" while the French named it "la Bataille des Ardennes". Considered to be a part of the Ardennes-Alsace campaign, the battle that took place between 16 December 1944 and 25 January 1945 is known to the general public as the Battle of the Bulge due to the fact that the Germans created a bulge in the Allied front line. The offensive was supported by three German armies and was fought against what were mainly American forces. Hitler wanted to capture the major port of Antwerp thus eliminating an important source of supplies for the Allies, and after that to surround and destroy the enemy armies. The counter-offensive was planned as a secret operation and, although the US intelligence predicted a massive German attack, the Allies were caught by surprise.

The strategy of the Germans consisted of a massive armored attack. The winter in Ardennes with extremely low temperatures, low clouds and heavy fog favored the Germans because it minimized the advantage of the Allies. At the beginning the attackers had a great success and managed to punch a bulge in the enemy front line. However, this lasted only a few days.

Because of the fierce resistance they faced and the reinforcements received by the Allies, the Germans were not able to stick to the timetable as planned. The improving weather conditions allowed the Allies to use their air force by launching devastating attacks and by bombing the enemy supply lines. Because of this, the Germans soon found themselves unable to supply their armored force with fuel which was a turning point in the battle. When the shortage of fuel became critical, the Germans were forced in numerous occasions to abandon their equipment in order to avoid being surrounded or captured. Because of massive losses of forces and equipment, on the 7th of January 1945 Hitler decided to stop any offensive operations in the Ardennes and started the withdrawal of his forces.

The Battle of the Bulge remains an important battle in the history of the Second World War, especially for the Americans who paid the highest price in terms of forces involved and registered casualties. The Ardennes region still reflects the echoes of this event represented in numerous battlefield museums, memorials and historical monuments. Therefore the Belgium Ardennes remains one of the most visited places in Belgium, a mixture of nature, tourism and history visited by historians, veterans of the Second World War as well as by common travelers eager to discover one of the most beautiful regions in Europe.

Brussels is one European capital that's easy to miss on your grand tour of Europe. The whole little country of Belgium is easy to miss, but it's one that you really shouldn't. It has lots to offer. This grand old city is not only the capital of Belgium, it's the Capital of the European Union. Something you'll have to get used to in all of Belgium, is that there are two languages... everywhere. Dutch and French, so you'll often see signs in both languages. It's Brussels in English... "Brussel" in Dutch and "Bruxelles" in French. You'll get along fine in either language or English. Our friends in Belgium slip from one language to another with ease that puts us to shame.

Right in the center of the city is where you want to be. "La Grand Place" or "Grote Markt" is the main square right in the heart of the old town. This huge cobble stone square is surrounded by the city tower and 300 year old buildings... most of which were guild halls. There are really only a few old streets left around the square, but they're fun to wander. Shop for chocolates. Have Belgian Waffles with caramelized sugar on the square. (Luikse wafel or gaufre de Liege). Definitely have a beer. The Belgians are known for their beers... there are over a hundred breweries in this little country producing hundreds of different brands and many types of beer!

When you stop to eat, you'll have to have mussels (moules). You can have French fries (fritjes or frites) with them, or have fritjes as a snack. If you want to eat those fries as the Belgians do, have them with mayonnaise. The first time we visited friends in Belgium, they made it a point to serve us Brussels sprouts... but you don't have to eat those if you don't want to! If you order any of these as a snack, you can take them and sit on steps or benches around the square just as the locals do. Just a short walk from the Grand Place-Grote Markt is the Manneken Pis. EVERYONE wants to see this fountain with its funny little statue. And it is little.... smaller that you think it will be... especially since it's reputation precedes it all over the world. You know what we're talking about... the funny bronze statue of a little boy... well, Manneken Pis says it all doesn't it? Maybe he had one too many beers?

There is a museum full of little outfits that have been created for the little boy... if you're lucky (or unlucky depending on your viewpoint), you might even see him dressed in one, but they are usually kept in the museum. Signs will direct you to the corner where he stands. For a little culture, visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts off one end of the main square. There are two museums linked together here, the Ancient Art Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. If you like early Flemish masters, the Ancient Art Museum is for you. You probably don't need to spend more than two or three days in Brussels to see it well before you move on to other areas of Belgium or Europe, but really, it's a great city that you shouldn't miss.

Belgium is famous for its world class chocolate. However chocolate isn’t all the Belgium has to offer. Belgium has many tourist attractions ranging from exquisite architecture, romantic cruises and delicious food. If you are interested in diamonds visit Antwerp, located towards northern Belgium closer to Dutch border. Antwerp is nicknamed the world’s diamond trading centre and you will be delighted with the different qualities of precious gems you can discover. Antwerp also has other tourist attraction such as a host of museums and galleries waiting to be explored.

Visit Luxembourg to be transported to another time and place. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is widely known as a walker’s paradise. Take in the many historical sites that Luxembourg has to offer. Famous for it’s casemates, an extensive network of underground galleries which were carved from the cities own rocks, this is an experience not to be missed. Also stop by the Grand-Duke’s residence to discover majestic architecture and medieval houses.

Namur, located towards the south of Belgium, dates back to having foundations in the Roman era. Along with being rich in architecture and history Namur is also famous for its churches and cathedrals. When in Namur make sure to sample its many mouth watering delicacies. Meats, salads, Flamiche, red wine and chilled beer are local foods that have to be tried out. If you are interested in perfumes, visit Perfumes Guy Delforge where you will be able to learn the process involved in making exquisite fragrances.

Liege, a city which is a beautiful blend of the past and the future is a discovery that will delight any tourist. Hunt for antiques at an outdoor market, shop along the traffic free alleys and indulge in restaurants where each meal seems to taste better than the last. Travelling around Belgium is relatively easy. Belgium has an extensive train network which connects the whole country and therefore makes travelling around easy, comfortable and safe. You can also rent a car if you wish or take the bus.

When it comes to studying abroad many a scholars and intellectuals are making a beeline for every resource accessible to make sure they are not unprepared when opportunity knocks on their door. In earlier times, people used to tag the states as the only destination to pursue your higher education related requirements. In this article we will be discussing various options available when it comes to study in Belgium or study in Norway, the reasons for you to choose these duo and many other interesting facets.

Amid European countries, Belgium is aptly emerging as the most preferred study abroad destination due to a number of reasons. The lively and urbane communal panorama at Belgium amplified with edifying, mix of racial aspects and ambient milieu makes it the most sought after study after destination. The weather in Belgium is very gleaming, gratifying and congenial making it fitting for education purposes and when you are not studying you can chip in for an assortment of extra curricular activities, which will sweep you off your feet.

The multi ethnic environment topped with mouth watering cuisines will also take you to a voyage which will seem like a dream to you. Apart from cuisine and a nice weather, Belgium is also preferred for its fashion industry and girl's best friends (yes you guessed it right; diamonds). The international standard of teaching and sheer number of courses offered at Belgian institutes will amaze you.

Now coming on to the amazing country Norway, it is also distinguished for proffering world class edification solution to its takers and the best part of study in Norway is that education cost is null. Students will only have to cough out accommodation and other expenses which are a prerequisite and there is always the option of student scholarships. The weather here is awesome and augmented with the hospitality of the natives; you might never feel like leaving Norway.

Such is the rage for study in Norway that nearly a million students come to this country every year for their higher education needs and requirements. The sheer abundance of under graduate and post graduate programmes offered at the top universities in Norway will surely sweep you off your feet. The medium of teaching is English thereby making it simpler for foreign students who might hesitate to study there for the reason that they do not connect with the local Norwegian language.

Now let us sneak a quick look through some of the universities and colleges in Belgium and Norway. When it comes to the most renowned universities in Belgium, some of the names which top the list are: - Haute Ecole de la Province de Liège, Haute Ecole EPHEC, Katholieke Hogeschool Kempen University, University of Antwerp (UA), University of Kent, Hasselt University, and a lot more.

On similar terms, if we were to close in on the most distinguished colleges and universities in Norway, we will come across names such as: - Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Tech, University of Agder (UiA), University of Bergen (UiB), University of Oslo, University of Stavanger, etc.

So, you have decided you are moving to Belgium? Whatever your reasons, whether for work, love, family, or just adventure, there are many things you will need to do before you leave and when you arrive in Belgium. Moving to a foreign country, even a country that is part of the European union, may be a lot more complicated than you think. Many of these things may apply to those moving to other countries as well, such as if you are moving to Holland.

Some countries require you to apply for something called a certification of registration, while others may require a Visa, such as a working Visa. You should look up this kind of information on official government sites for the country you plan to move to. Never just assume that you can enter a country without certain paperwork. There will always be paperwork of some kind to take care of both beforehand and when you arrive.

Think about your car. Do you want to bring one with you or buy one when you arrive? How does this work where you are moving to? Look up this information. What about schools? Do you have children that will need to be put in schools? Will you be hoping to attend university? What about flats, electricity, and gas? How are these handled in Belgium? Will you need to get these arranged before you leave or after you arrive? Do you have a place to live if you don't have a flat or house yet?

If you are moving to Belgium (or moving to another European country such as moving to Holland), you may assume that life there will not be that hard to figure out since it's Europe, and thus not as hard to get used to as say life in China or South America might be, but you should remember that any foreign country poses challenges and difficulties that you might not have thought of before hand. Try to do as much research before hand as you can.

Dining in Brussels is a real treat; foodies around the world consider this city to be home to some of the best cuisine in the world. Brussels is known by some as the world capital of waffles, chocolate, beer and - the French Fry. Yes, you read that right, the French Fry.

Belgian legend says that when British and/or American soldiers were arriving in Belgium during the first World War, they tried the Belgian Fries. However, as most of the native people and members of the Belgian Army spoke French, they (the Americans and British soldiers) called the fried potatoes French Fries. French Fries, however, are now served a little different than Belgian fries. The Belgian-style fries typically come in a paper cone, are made from freshly cut potatoes (never frozen), fried twice and served with mayonnaise as a dipping sauce. Known as "Frieten", they are the national snack of Belgium. Delicious!

Belgium is world renowned for their chocolate - there is even a museum dedicated to this delightful treat, The Chocolaterie Planete Chocolate. Here they give tours and offer workshop which teach visitors the fine art of chocolate making.

Have you ever had lambic style beer? It is some of the best out there. This beer is only brewed in and around the city of Brussels. Lambic beer is made from yeasts and bacteria native to the Senne Valley, through spontaneous fermentation unlike traditional beers. The flavor of a lambic differs from other styles of beer in that they have a strong aroma that accompanies the flavor. There are many variations of this beer, the most popular being the lambic that has fruit syrup added. If you love good food, then Brussels is an ideal destination for some great eating, if nothing else. Your stomach will thank you for finding a cheap flight to Brussels to partake in this gastronomic adventure- and so will your memory in years to come.

If you don't know it already, beer and Belgium go together. Trappist Monastery beers are a unique and terrific little sub-set of Belgian beers, and you could set up a great tour around Belgium to include sampling what the monks so lovingly produce.

For centuries, the Trappist monks have been brewing these beers. Six of Belgium's Trappist monasteries are authorized to use the Authentic Trappist Product label. In order for beers to have this designation, the entire production process must be carried out, or supervised, by Trappist monks inside a Trappist monastery. That doesn't mean that Trappist beers are all alike though. There is lots of variety. There are some twenty different beers brewed by those six monasteries. Some of these monastery breweries are very old... the oldest having brewed beer for about 1,000 years. They use only the best natural ingredients and the beers are made using traditional, non-mechanized processes.

These monasteries are scattered in a ring around the country. Plot them out on a map, rent a car and drive. You should allow about three days at least to see them all. The monasteries themselves are not usually open to the public, but the churches are, and you can sample the beers nearby. We always think it's fun to know where beer and wine are made... see the source even if you can't tour it. There are occasional "open door days" when you can tour some of them. You must have a reservation for those tours. For the rest of the year, you can sample the Trappist Monastery beers in local cafes. Some monasteries have an abbey shop where you can try them. Most are also sold all over Belgium... you'll be supporting the monks if you buy some because all the profits go to monastery maintenance and the charitable work done by those religious communities.

Here are the monasteries: Saint Sixtus of Westvleteren -- near Ypres (leper); Our Lady of Scourmont, Chimay; Our Lady of Saint-Remy, Rochefort; Saint Benedict, Achel; Our Lady of Orval, near the village of Florenville; Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Westmalle. Sample Westvleteren's rich, malty beer in the welcome center cafe De Vrede across the street from the abbey. Their beer is sold only at the abbey and only with a reservation!

Taste Chimay's classic Blue Beer with a piece of the abbey's beer flavored cheese. There is a museum in the foundations of the 18th century buildings at Our Lady of Orval. Tour Orval's medieval abby ruins, then taste the beer. Orval also makes bread and cheese that go well with their beer. The abbey's beer and cheese can be bought in the abbey shop. Some of Orval's beers are even exported. At the bottom of their webpage, they pray you drink with wisdom... They say, "A beer brewed with knowledge is tasted with wisdom."

Try Rochefort's dark, sweet beers, which are available in different strengths. There are plenty of beers to try in Belgium, and there are plenty of cute little cities to visit, but if you want to take a driving tour with a different twist, hop in your rental car and ramble around the country sampling Trappist Monastery Beers.