18 beautiful places in Belgium that make you feel abroad

So you want to travel around the world, but for some reason it is currently impossible… Whether it is due to Covid-19, financial or family situations,… don’t worry! You can still visit beautiful places in Belgium that will make you feel as if you are abroad!

Belgium has a lot to offer and you will be surprised what you can find here! With a little imagination you can travel around the world within this small country, so let that inner child out and let the imagination and magic work!

For the non Belgians; I challenge you to find similar places in your own country! I am sure you will find some! Don’t hesitate to share them in the comments!

If you love visiting castles, you can not miss out on my article about castles in Belgium! Or maybe you are interested in doing a castle road trip in Wallonia? There are also plenty of hidden gems in Belgium waiting for you to discover and unique places to stay! But now let’s see which countries you can travel to within Belgium!

This post will be updated regularly, since I still have a list of more beautiful places to visit that will make you feel abroad as well! First publication on January 29, 2021 – last update January 29, 2022

18 beautiful places in Belgium that make you feel abroad

• 18 beautiful places in Belgium that make you feel abroad
  • ROME, ITALY: Hendrik Conscience Square in Antwerp
  • LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE: Zellaer Castle in Bonheiden
  • THE PROVENCE, FRANCE: Sun flower fields
  • THE PROVENCE, FRANCE: Limburg Lavendel
  • THE PROVENCE, FRANCE: Torgny
  • DORDOGNE, FRANCE: Château de Walzin
  • BULB REGION (Bollenstreek), THE NETHERLANDS: Meerdonk
  • SCOTLAND, UNITED KINGDOM: Galloway cows at Hobokense Polder
  • SCOTLAND, UNITED KINGDOM: Cascade de Reinhardstein
  • GERMANY: Bouillon
  • GERMANY: Nismes
  • LAPLAND, FINLAND: Libramont-Chevigny
  • CANADA: Lac de Nisramont
  • NEW ZEALAND: The Hobbit House at Rochefort
  • JAPAN: Pink cherry blossoms
  • JAPAN: Japanese Garden in Hasselt
  • SERENGETI NP, TANZANIA: The Kalmthout Heath
  • SAHARA DESERT: Nature Reserve of Westhoek
• Pin these beautiful places in Belgium that make you feel abroad for later!

ROME, ITALY: Hendrik Conscience Square in Antwerp

The Hendrik Conscience Square is one of the most charming squares in Antwerp. Its main features are the beautiful baroque Carolus Borromeus church, the statue of Hendrik Conscience with the fountain and the old city library. Since the exterior of the church is inspired by the Chiesa del Gesù in Rome, the square has a real Italian vibe. Especially when you hear the fountain flowing. So if you want to feel as if you are in Rome, come here on a sunny day with an ice cream and enjoy the view!

LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE: Zellaer Castle in Bonheiden

The Loire region in France is known for its wine production and châteaux. In Bonheiden you will find Zellaer castle on a beautiful domain, which is open to visitors. According to literature the castle is a smaller version of a 15th century Loire castle. So grab some wine and cheese and go for a picnic next to the castle’s moats. It is definitely one of my favorite beautiful places in Belgium that makes me feel abroad!

If you want to discover more about this castle check out my article Most beautiful castles in Belgium.

THE PROVENCE, FRANCE: Sun flower fields

I think we all know the photos of the magnificent sun flower fields in the Provence, the region in southeastern France. Luckily you do not have to go all the way to France to enjoy sun flower fields. Also in Belgium you can find several sun flower fields all over the country. All you have to do is take your bike and go for a cycle tour in a rural area. I am sure you will encounter sun flower fields, as they are getting more and more popular!

I encountered fields in Aartselaar and Wijnegem, but I know there are also fields in Damme, Helleketelbos,… So they are widely spread over Belgium. More and more sun flower fields are planted in nature reserves to help the biodiversity.

THE PROVENCE, FRANCE: Limburg Lavendel

Most lavender is grown commercially in the Provence region of France, where the climate is suitable for lavender production, with moderate winters and warm, sunny summers. But also in Belgium we have a little lavender paradise! In the shadows of Abbey Herkenrode in the Limburg region, you can find the lavender field and mediterranean garden of Limburg Lavendel. It is the perfect place to have a nice relaxed afternoon in the summertime. There is a cafetaria with a beautiful terrace offering drinks and even lavender icecream, which is delicious! At the little shop you can buy all sorts of lavender products and honey. The people working here are super friendly, but what else do you expect from the always hospitable people from Limburg?

THE PROVENCE, FRANCE: Torgny

Yes, we have a lot of places that look similar to the Provence in Belgium, even though the climate is very different! In the most southern part of Belgium there is an extremely gorgeous place that just cannot be missed in this list of beautiful places in Belgium that make you feel abroad! Torgny is simply stunning! The little village looks like a fairytale with its soft yellow houses decorated with flowers and the lavender growing in the tiny front yards. If this does not yet convince you of the similarity to the Provence; there are also beautiful vineyards covering the hills surrounding the town and you can go wine tasting!

DORDOGNE, FRANCE: Château de Walzin

Just like the Dordogne in France, the area south of Dinant is known for its (cliffside) castles by the river. A very popular activity in both areas is canoeing. So to experience the ultimate Dordogne feeling, rent a canoe and sail down the Lesse river to admire the Walzin castle. You can also walk to a viewpoint to get a better view on the magnificent fairy-tale castle.

More info about this castle you can find in my Wallonia Road Trip article.

BULB REGION (Bollenstreek), THE NETHERLANDS: Meerdonk

Near the border with the Netherlands in the region called Waasland, you can find the little town called Meerdonk. Since it is situated in a polder area, it is the ideal place for Dutch farmers to grow tulips. The fields change from time to time, but most fields are situated at the Rode Moerpolder and the Koningskieldrechtpolder. So just put those bikes on your car and go for a lovely bike trip in this area!

Also be aware that there are a lot of streets where you are not allowed to drive/park a car. Don’t annoy the local farmers by driving on these roads and block their tractors. Do not step in the fields without permission and don’t step on the flowers or pick them!

SCOTLAND, UNITED KINGDOM: Galloway cows at Hobokense Polder

At the Hobokense Polder, situated southwest from Antwerp, you can walk in between the Galloways. Galloways are a breed of beef cattle that originates from the Galloway region of Scotland. They are often used in nature reserves (such as the Hobokense Polder) as large grazers. They are not aggressive, but they can be very curious, so don’t be surprised if one starts following you. It always happens to me!

SCOTLAND, UNITED KINGDOM: Cascade de Reinhardstein

Scotland has numerous impressive waterfalls and also in Belgium we have a cool waterfall being the Cascade de Reinhardstein. This 60 m high waterfall is the highest of Belgium and is situated in the beautiful Warche valley, where you can do several wonderful hikes along the river. As if this isn’t enough already, you can also visit the Reinhardstein castle that overlooks the whole valley.

GERMANY: Bouillon

Germany is known for its splendid nature and epic hanging bridges. Belgium doesn’t have giant cliffs or mountains, but it does have a charming hanging bridge called Passerelle de l’Epine crossing the Semois river near Bouillon.

GERMANY: Nismes

I think everyone with an Instagram account knows about the Harz Railway in Germany by now. But did you know that Belgium also has a steam railway? You will encounter it while hiking to Fondry des Chiens. The train unfortunately currently does not run due to Covid-19. Find out more about the hiking trail in my 10 best hikes in the Belgian Ardennes article!

LAPLAND, FINLAND: Libramont-Chevigny

When it has snowed in the Belgian Ardennes, it turns into a winter wonderland that immediately makes you forget that you are still in Belgium. While most Belgians always seem to go to the High Fens during those magical times, I prefer to enjoy the snow in the woods. Libramont-Chevigny is one of those places that turns into a Belgian version of Lapland. With snow covered pine trees, open fields and numerous trails leading through the forest, you immediately feel as if you are in Lapland.

So bring your (dog) sled and enjoy the winter wonderland vibes to the fullest!

CANADA: Lac de Nisramont

Especially during autumn the Lac de Nisramont becomes a place in Belgium that makes you feel as if you are abroad. During autumn this lake, created by a dam on the river Ourthe, is surrounded by the most beautiful autumn foliage. The wooden cabin on the bank of the river gives it an extra Canada vibe. So I definitely recommend hiking here during autumn!

NEW ZEALAND: The Hobbit House at Rochefort

If you think you can only find hobbit houses in New Zealand; you are wrong. The hobbit house at the Domaine de Chevetogne will give you instant New Zealand feels. Not only is the house itself super cute, also its surroundings have some serious fairy-tale vibes. The house is located in a forest and looks over a pond with a bridge surrounded with lush vegetation.

JAPAN: Pink cherry blossoms

What I love most about Spring are the blossoms. In the town where I grew up is a street that turns into a pink cherry blossom heaven for about two weeks every year. I love to give it a visit every year to admire its short term beauty. I am sure there is a cherry blossom street somewhere in your neighborhood as well!

JAPAN: Japanese Garden in Hasselt

We have a little piece of Japan here in Belgium, which is called the Japanese Garden! With its 2.5 hectares, it is the biggest Japanese garden of Europe. The best time to visit this place is during April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom! I have to admire the gardeners here. They make sure not a single leaf or petal stays on the ground. They keep everything super neat. Make sure to book your ticket for a stroll around the garden. My favorite part was definitely the waterfall!

If you like to shoot photos without any disturbance, it is possible to book a shoot via their website. That is what I did and I absolutely loved having the garden all to myself! Book your tickets (6€) here.

SERENGETI NP, TANZANIA: The Kalmthout Heath

Another beautiful place in Belgium that will make you feel abroad instantly is the Kalmthout Heath. In August this place is very popular to visit because of the blooming purple heath. But all year round this place has areas that look like an African savanna. The landscape consists of heath, fens, dunes, forests, meadows and polders. It is only a 30 min drive from Antwerp. There are various hiking trails ranging from 1.7 to 24 km.

SAHARA DESERT: Nature Reserve of Westhoek

Belgium does not have many dunes anymore, but at the border with France, you’ll find the nature reserve of Westhoek. You can hike there amid sand dunes, grassland & wetlands. Even during autumn, when the sun is shining it can get very warm in this area! After only 10 minutes walking you will think you have been teleported to the Sahara desert!

Pin these beautiful places in Belgium that make you feel abroad for later!

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