Flanders

Welcome to FlandersFlanders is the region in the North of Belgium. Whether you're interested in Art & Design, History, Architecture, Beer, Fashion, Cycling, Chocolate, Waffles and other culinary delights, or are looking for a romantic weekend, Flanders is the perfect bite size region to explore.

From 1914 to 1918, Flanders Fields was a major battle theatre on the Western Front during the First World War. A million soldiers from more than 50 different countries were wounded, missing or killed in action here. Entire cities and villages were destroyed, their population scattered across Europe and beyond. The destruction of the city of Ypres and the brutal conditions endured during the Battle of Passchendaele (Third Battle of Ypres) became worldwide symbols for the senselessness of war. Today, the peaceful region still bears witness to this history through its monuments, museums, cemeteries and the countless individual stories that link it with the world.

Remembrance of the First World War will always live on in Flanders. In places such as the Menin Gate, where the Last Post sounds every evening, Tyne Cot Memorial and Cemetery (the largest Commonwealth military cemetery in the world) and the many, many memorials dedicated to the fallen and the missing. Also, the poem, ‘In Flanders Fields’, by John McCrae, went on to inspire the use of the poppy, which once grew on the battlefields of Flanders Fields, to become an enduring symbol of remembrance across the world. Discover more with the VISITFLANDERS Welcome Back to Flanders Fields visitor pass, offering discounted or free entry to locations, tours and guides when you book a stay directly with a participating accommodation provider.

Flanders is also a paradise for cyclists. Are you ready to get on your bike and explore its beautiful sceneries, picturesque villages and artistic cities? If you are a cycling-race enthusiast, a trip to Flanders is nothing less than a pilgrimage to the most hallowed grounds in the sport.

The region is home to a multitude of world-class museums, galleries and art centres and a wealth of art events throughout the year. With artists including Jan van Eyck and James Ensor, as well as sculptors and photographers, art lovers will find plenty to immerse themselves in on a trip to Flanders.

We have fries, beer and chocolate, but there is so much more to discover. Small-scale microbreweries are emerging, young chefs are innovating in the kitchen with zero waste, experimenting with local ingredients. Chocolatiers are redefining the classic praline, and street food is taking over our streets.

Many aficionados view Belgium as the fatherland of beer, especially since our brewing heritage dates back many centuries, yet still provides influence and inspiration to modern-day brewers. Beer is a part of our DNA, and the historic significance of our beer culture is even recognised by UNESCO, who inscribed the Belgian beer culture to their list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2016.

With 94 Michelin-starred restaurants, Flanders has one of the world’s highest densities of top-class eateries. So, anyone who wants to eat at the highest level in Flanders will have no difficulty. However, Flanders has a great offer for everyone’s budget.

Best Time to Visit

There is no bad time to visit Flanders whatever time of year you visit. From our springtime cycling classics to long summer days on the beach through to brisk autumnal walks. From Armistice Day in November to cosy winter nights in a welcoming bar after exploring a Christmas market in a beautiful city. In fact, if you visit Flanders during the winter months, there is a good chance you will feel like you have a fairy-tale destination such as Bruges all to yourself. There really is something for everyone in Flanders all year round.