Travel to Belgium

The heartbeat of Europe, the country Belgium attracts numerous travelers every year .Country where three official languages are spoken ,has a glorious past, fine art, foodstuff and structural designs at every nook and corner, when it is compared to the countries in its vicinity.

Snuggled between the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and France, Belgium covers approximately 30,527 square kilometres and is a dwelling to almost 10 lakh people. Extended from the charming and pleasing Ardennes area in the south to the desolate North Sea shoreline in the North, it is crisscrossed lengthily by a set of canals.

Belgium became an integral part of the Frankish empire in the year 1100 and had the benefit of a Golden Age at some stage in the 14th century under the governance of the French Duke of Burgundy. This was a golden period and a time of immense riches and creativity when the town of Antwerp became the supreme port in Europe. The country was attacked two times by Germany, firstly in in 1914 and then another time in 1940. Belgium's populace is separated between Flemish speakers that comprises almost 60% and French speakers who are almost 40%.

The  Belgians are accredited with inventing oil painting and the master pieces of such artists as Van Eyck, Brueghel and Rubens are well known all over the world. The nation is in addition celebrated for such miscellaneous activities as making best chocolate and lace-making, beer and comic strips. Herge, the originator of the distinguished comic strip Tintin, was Belgian. The capital city of the country, Brussels, is the capital of the European Union too. It has Europe's most gorgeous and fine-looking central square, the Grand Place. The most excellent restaurants in the country can be found on the Rue des Bouchers, which is just a short distance from the Grand Place. At this particular place you can taste lobster, crab and mussels washed down with outstanding Belgian beer.

The town of Bruges is Europe's most conserved middle aged city. It has two medieval centers and some of the most beautiful and commendable art collections in the  country. Antwerp is a must visit place to gulp in its air of discolored magnificence and its vivacious cafés and bars. Take pleasure in a walk in the gorgeous Ardennes area of deep valleys and high forests. Let the strength of this most European of countries pierce your soul and etch some lifetime memories.

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.

Belgium tends to be underrated as a holiday destination. This is a pity as it has much to offer the holidaymaker, whether it is culture, beaches or places of historical interest. If you are planning a trip there then you need to seek Belgium travel advice from a reliable source. To help you plan your visit here is an introduction to 6 places to visit in Belgium during your stay.

Together with its Dutch neighbour, Belgium has long been associated with the exciting world of diamonds. The Belgian city of Antwerp has long being regarded as the center of the diamond trade in Belgium and, not surprisingly, is home to the world's largest Diamond Museum. A visit to the museum is a must for any lover of diamonds. There are sound and light displays depicting the journey that a diamond makes from the time it is mined until it is cut, polished and becomes part of an item of jewellery. For many the most fascinating exhibit will be the replica of the British crown jewels, including the two largest diamonds in the world, the Koh-I-Noor and the Cullinan.

The Ardennes region of Belgium is well-known as an area of outstanding beauty, ideal for touring and taking in the views. One of the major towns in the Ardennes is the town of Spa, whose name is now synonymous with baths and springs of healing waters. Spa has been on the map as a center for baths and hot springs since the 14 century and was considered as the resort to go to by the European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today Spa retains its old world charm but the baths have been extensively modernized and expanded. The main complex of baths is located at "Les Thermes De Spa", where the visitor can relax in the healing waters or take a sauna or massage. The modern world of motor racing visits Spa once a year as it is home to the historic Formula One Grand Prix circuit at Spa-Francorchamps. All in all an area to be included in any visit to Belgium.

Most people will recall learning about the Battle of Waterloo in their school history lessons. The city of Waterloo where the battle took place in 1815, is located not far from the Belgian capital, Brussels. For visitors wishing to find out more about the events of 1815 there are museums and monuments commemorating the Duke of Wellingtons victory over the Emperor Napoleon. The battlefield has been preserved and it is possible to wander over the fields where the battle took place. A panoramic view over surrounding area can be had from the top of "La Butte du Lion", a mound with the statue of a lion at the top, said to have been built as a symbol of the the allied forces' victory. The Wellington museum, housed in the former allied army headquarters and reputed to be where Wellington stayed during the battle, has many exhibits of items from the time.

Sometimes called the Venice of the North, the town of Bruges in the Belgian province of Flanders, is famed for its historical center enclosed by the many canals. Bruges is an ancient town and a large number of old medieval buildings are still standing, adding to the beauty of the place. As a center of lace-making, Bruges is still probably the most well-known and highly regarded town. Lace products of the highest quality are on sale in just about every shop and lace makers can be seen sitting in their doorways engaging in their craft. There are demonstrations of bobbin lace making at the Kantcentrum near the center of the city. Other notable attractions are the four windmills which are the only ones remaining from the many that were built into the ancient city walls. Each one has a small museum.

One of the largest and well-known collections of Flemish art can be found at The Royal Museum of Fine Art in Brussels. There are more than 20,000 works ranging from Flemish and Dutch Old Masters to paintings from the present day. Flemish paintings by such illustrious figures as Rubens and van Dyck are well represented and include 20 works by Rubens. These are housed in their own salon. Paintings by many Dutch Old Masters such as Rembrandt are also featured. This is a very large collection of art, spread over two buildings, and if you want to make the most of it you will need to allocate plenty of time.

For those who are interested in finding out more about Flemish painters and paintings, a visit to the Groeninge Museum in Bruges should be on the agenda. Although the museum concentrates its collection on the works of local artists, there are several paintings from other areas in Belgium. Housed in its own section is an important exhibition of paintings by the so-called Flemish primitive group of painters. Foremost among these was the artist Jan van Eyck. In 1985 the museum took over the Herbert Collection, which is a collection of paintings from the expressionist era.

Choosing the six places to visit in Belgium was not easy as the country has so many attractions to offer the tourist. Belgium does not yet have the popularity as a tourist destination as some other countries but it is hoped that after reading the above you will be keen to find out more about what the country has to offer the visitor. To help you in your preparations for your holiday don't forget to obtain reliable Belgium travel advice so that you are aware of any special requirements you need to comply with.

A jester throws toy cats down from the belfry of Ieper on the second Sunday in May. Meanwhile in a parade, dozens of floats and 2,000 actors explore and present the role of the cat in history, literature, and folklore. This is the famous Cat festival of Belgium, an event which happens every 3 years. It is just one of the surprises awaiting the visitor who expects simple normality in this country which is often perceived as straight-laced as befits a city at the heart of EU sobriety.

You get the best of two worlds in Belgium. The north of the country is Flemish, while the south is French-speaking. Small wonder it?s the heart of the EU. Here, you can cut through the European red tape to sample beer, chocolate and other Belgian delights.

Here are 10 great reasons to visit Belgium to help start your holiday planning.

Belgium is a place that buzzes with cutting-edge design and a contemporary lifestyle, while retaining age-old traditions. You can be sitting in an old-fashioned coffee shop one minute and admiring the latest fashions in a trend-setting boutique the next. The country also has a quirkiness that never ceases to amaze - from cheeky statues to weird and wonderful festivals.

Cities: Brussels, with its stunning Grand Place and art nouveau heritage, and picture-perfect Bruges, with its pretty canals and medieval buildings, are the shining stars - but it is also worth discovering trendy Antwerp, historic Liege and quaint Ghent.

Chocolate: Forget the diet and enjoy some of the richest, smoothest chocolate to be found anywhere. Wherever you go in Belgium, you won't have to look far. The country has more than 2,000 tempting chocolate shops. Beer: Tickle the taste buds with over 400 different types of beer. Some of the best is made by Trappist monks.

Dining: Local favourites include waffles, mussels, and chips with mayonnaise. Gourmets are spoilt for choice. The country boasts more Michelin star-rated restaurants per head of population than France. Battlefields: Famous battlefields such as Passendale and vast cemeteries such as Tyne Cot are sober reminders of the Great War. The Last Post is sounded every evening at the Menin Gate in Ypres, where the excellent In Flanders Fields museum tells the story of the region's role in World War I.

Beaches: Have some family fun at over a dozen seaside resorts along the coast of Belgium. Top spots include Ostend and Knokke. Art: Belgium's great artistic heritage is reflected in the grand masters and also in famous cartoon characters. Rubens and Van Dyck lived in Antwerp. Brussels has museums dedicated to Magritte and comic-strip heroes such as Tintin.

Fashion: Funky Antwerp is the capital of cool. Home to one of Europe's leading fashion schools, the city boasts designer boutiques as well as stylish restaurants, bars and clubs.

Countryside: Head for the hills of the Ardennes and explore dense forest and deep valleys. Take a hike or bike ride through wooded trails or try the excitement of canoeing and paragliding.

Festivals: Belgians love to party. Few events are more unusual than the colourful Cat Parade, staged every three years in Ypres to celebrate all things feline.

Continuous availability of bargain flights to Belgium - plus rail too - is another reason to consider a visit to this great country of constant surprises.