Belgium - A country full of diversity and culture
Belgium, the heart of Europe, is a country known for its cultural diversity, historical significance and culinary delights. With its three official languages – Dutch, French and German – Belgium offers a unique cultural mix that is reflected in its cities, architecture and cuisine.
Belgium is located in the heart of Europe and is easily accessible, whether by train, car or plane. The country offers a wide range of accommodation, from cozy vacation homes to luxurious hotels, making your stay pleasant and comfortable.
Belgium is rich in history and culture. From the medieval romance of Bruges to lively Brussels, there are many UNESCO World Heritage Sites and historic castles to discover. The cities are known for their impressive architecture and cultural events that take place throughout the year. Cities such as Ghent and Antwerp also offer a wealth of sights.
Belgium’s landscape is just as diverse as its culture. The rolling hills of the Ardennes offer excellent opportunities for hiking and cycling. On the North Sea coast, you can take long walks on the beach and enjoy the fresh sea air.
Belgium is a paradise for gourmets. Belgian chocolates and waffles are known worldwide and are a must for every visitor. Belgian fries, often served with a selection of sauces, are also a must-try. Not forgetting the wide variety of beers the country has to offer, from Trappist beers to Lambics.
Although the cost of living in Belgium can be slightly higher than in Germany, there are many ways to enjoy a vacation at a good price. Early booking and wellness deals offer attractive prices, so you can enjoy a vacation in Belgium without a big financial burden.
Discover travel destinations in Belgium
Antwerp is the second largest city in Belgium. The port city on the Scheldt attracts countless visitors every year, who are just as impressed by the historic atmosphere of the old town as they are by the mighty ships in the harbor.
A city trip to Brussels offers a number of special features that are hard to find anywhere else in Europe. The capital of Belgium is also the capital of the European Union.
Mechelen, a beautiful city in Belgium, is strategically located between Brussels and Antwerp. Here you will discover an interesting mix of history, culture and modern amenities. It's actually far too good to only spend a short time in the city, there are so many great destinations to discover in and around the city.
Travel informations
How to get here
By train
The Intercity Express (ICE) offers fast connections from Germany to Belgium. During the week, there are several connections that take travelers from German cities such as Cologne or Frankfurt to Brussels or Liège.
By plane
Belgium can be reached from various German airports. Direct flights to Brussels are offered by airlines such as Lufthansa, Eurowings, Ryanair and Brussels Airlines. Brussels Airport is the largest in the country and offers numerous international connections.
By bus
Various companies offer regular connections from different German cities to Brussels. These buses are often well equipped and offer a comfortable travel option.
By car
Belgium is accessible via a well-developed highway network. The main freeways connect Belgium with its neighboring countries, including Germany, France and the Netherlands.
Entry requirements
For EU citizens
EU citizens can travel to Belgium without any problems, as Belgium is part of the Schengen area. Entry is possible with a valid passport or identity card.
For non-EU citizens
To enter Belgium, non-EU citizens require a valid passport that has been issued within the last ten years and is valid for at least three months from the date of departure. Depending on your nationality, a visa may also be required. It is advisable to check the specific visa requirements with the Belgian embassy or consulate before traveling.
On the road in Belgium
By train
Train travel is one of the best ways to travel within Belgium. The country has a well-developed rail network that connects all major cities and many smaller towns. There are various ticket options, including day passes and special offers for tourists.
By bus
Buses are another option for traveling within Belgium, especially in rural areas or for shorter distances that are not directly accessible by train.
By car
Belgium has a well-developed road network and distances between cities are relatively short.
By bike
Belgium is a bicycle-friendly country with many cycle paths and an almost flat landscape that makes cycling pleasant.
Best time to visit
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a great time to visit Belgium. The average temperatures are between 8°C and 15°C. You should expect around 12 to 15 days per month at this time.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the most popular time to visit Belgium. Temperatures are warm, but rarely extremely hot, which is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The average temperature is between 16-25 degrees. However, it can also rain during this time, as Belgium has a high probability of precipitation all year round. In summer, you can expect around 10-12 days of rain a month.
Fall (September to November)
Autumn in Belgium offers mild temperatures that can range between 10-18 degrees. The probability of rain increases to 12-15 days per month.
Winter (December to February)
Winters in Belgium are mild but wet. It can rain 15-20 days a month. Snow is rare but possible. Temperatures average 3-7 degrees.
Language
Dutch, French and German are spoken in Belgium. This is highly dependent on the region visited.
Money
In Belgium you pay with the euro (EUR).
Tipping
In Belgium, tipping is already included in the price in many areas.
In Belgian restaurants, the tip is usually already included in the price. Service is often included in the bill, so it is not absolutely necessary to give an additional tip. Nevertheless, it is customary to leave a tip of around 5 to 10 percent of the bill for good service to express your appreciation.
Even in cabs, the tip is usually included in the fare. However, if you are satisfied with the service, you can round up the amount or leave a small additional tip, about 5 to 10 percent of the fare.
In hotels, it is customary to give a small tip to the room staff, especially if you are satisfied with the service. An amount of around 1 to 2 euros per day is appropriate. It is also customary to leave the tip at the end of your stay.
Travel adapter
Type C and E sockets are used in Belgium. These sockets are equipped with a mains voltage of 230 volts and a frequency of 50 Hertz, which is compatible with most European countries, including Germany.
For travelers from non-EU countries: If you are coming from a country that uses other types of sockets (e.g. type A or B in the USA), you will need a travel adapter to use your devices in Belgium. Make sure that your devices are compatible with the Belgian mains voltage of 230 V to avoid damage.
