38 Hidden gems in Belgium: unique off the beaten path places you need to visit

If you are looking for hidden gems and off the beaten path places in Belgium, then you’ve come to the right place! Finding dreamy and unique places to visit in Belgium became one of my favorite things to do, ever since Covid-19 decided to turn up. It became clear traveling to far away places wouldn’t be that simple anymore and I really wanted to make the best of it by continuing to explore and travel… in my home country.

I found some pretty unique hidden gems and secret places in Belgium; dreamy castles, fairy-tale houses, waterfalls, flower fields,… Some are easy to find, others are more private and hidden. It turns out even in Belgium you can still travel around the world or apparate straight into a fairytale with a little imagination! I received a lot of reactions on my Instagram of amazed followers, almost unable to believe these unique locations are in Belgium, so here it goes: the secret is out!

Since I will keep exploring Belgium, being my home country, I will keep updating this post! So don’t hesitate to check this post regularly!
First published in June 2020 – Last update Dec 2021

38 Hidden gems in Belgium: unique off the beaten path places

TABLE OF CONTENT

• 38 Hidden gems in Belgium: unique off the beaten path places
  • Hidden gems in Wallonia
    • Hobbit house in Rochefort
    • Wizard’s cabin near Namur, Belgium’s best kept secret place
    • Maison de Hary Cot in Wéris
    • Dolmen/menhirs in Wéris
    • Bieley Felsen in Bütgenbach, a real unique place in Belgium
    • Saint Remacle Cave in Auby-sur-Semois
    • Train tunnel in Nismes
    • La passerelle du Moulin de l’Epine in Bouillon
    • Château de Walzin in Dinant
    • Les Aiguilles de Chaleux in Hulsonniaux
    • Reinhardstein waterfall in Ovifat
    • Celles
    • Château de Bioul
    • The Royale d’Ardenne Station in Houyet, a true hidden gem in Belgium
    • The Abbey of Villers-la-Ville
    • Cabine Téléphérique in Namur
    • Parc du Colombier in Floreffe
    • Ancien Château d’Emblève in Aywaille
    • Abandoned cemetery of Comblain-au-Pont
    • Quarries
    • Secret castle ruins in Sart-Bernard
    • Snow hike at Libramont
    • La Charmille du Haut Marêt
    • The Abbey of Maredret
  • Hidden places in Flanders
    • Blue plane in the Flemish Ardennes
    • Ter Elst Castle Ruins in Duffel
    • Flower & grain fields
    • Pumpkin fields in Kasterlee
    • Graventoren in Rupelmonde
    • Ruppelmondse Kreek in Rupelmonde
    • St Anna’s Tunnel in rainbow style in Antwerp
    • Cogels Osylei in Antwerp
    • Doorkijkkerk – Read between the lines in Borgloon
    • Buitenland, a true hidden gem in Belgium
    • The Castle Tower & Fairy Bridge in Deurne
    • Beguinage in Ghent
    • Malakoff Tower in Halle
    • Zimmer Tower in Lier
• Pin these hidden gems in Belgium for later!

Hidden gems in Wallonia

Hobbit house in Rochefort

Who thinks you should travel all the way to New Zealand to admire hobbit houses could not be more wrong! I found one at the Domaine de Chevetogne in Belgium! It is a big recreational domain that offers a lot of activities during the summertime. Even though during the off-season all activities are closed, you can still visit the park (for free!).

Every year the park organizes the Salon Passion Robinson, an event where architects and builders come to build all sorts of cabins, yurts, trailers, tree-tents and other light habitats. Normally all creations are taken down afterwards, but the park kept this unique hobbit house. Which I certainly don’t mind because I absolutely love it! Also its surroundings are stunning. This hidden gem is located in the forest near a pond with a wooden bridge.

Location: Rue des Pîrchamps 1, 5580 Rochefort

Wizard’s cabin near Namur, Belgium’s best kept secret place

Not only is this fairytale cabin a well kept secret and probably the most off the beaten path place in Belgium, there is also an interesting story behind it!

One day an American traveler visited a very large estate with all its meadows. He liked it, so he asked the owner to build a small house, so he could return whenever he wanted. The property would be of the owner, so he agreed and the cabin was built with recovered material. Strangely the American never returned…
No one really knows what happened to him?

I really felt as if I was Alice in Wonderland while looking for this cabin. First I got a little lost in the woods and when I arrived near the cabin there were a dozen bunnies and two deer fleeing. After a while the bunnies returned as if they were curious to find out what I was doing there.

Since this cabin is kind of on private grounds and I would like to maintain its uniqueness, I am not going to specify its exact location. This is not the kind of place that can handle crowds. It is a very quiet place surrounded by nature. It doesn’t need 100 people a day to visit it, because then it will probably be ruined by garbage, people stepping on plants and maybe even breaking things of the cabin, etc. I will only say this is situated northwest from Namur. If you use Google and Google Satellite View; you might find it! 😉 So please, if you do, respect this unique and secret place, keep it quiet and don’t ruin it!

Do not bother to send me messages to ask for its location. I will not share for the above mentioned reasons.

Also check out my video “Fairy-tale (secret) places & castles in Wallonia – Undiscovered Belgium!!

Maison de Hary Cot in Wéris

This is one of the most dreamy hidden gems in Belgium! This cute fairytale house called Maison de Hary Cot looks as if it comes straight out of a Tim Burton movie! It is situated at Wéris, one of Wallonia’s most beautiful villages. The house is built and owned by Dominique Noël, who I happened to meet while I was taking photos and admiring the house! He told me it took him 7 years to built and tried to do it as ecological as possible! He used wood from Grandmesnil and stones from a quarry in Heyd. A lot of elements come from recovery.

Unfortunately the restaurant that used to be here is closed due to Corona. So currently you can’t admire its interior. I heard the inside is also impressive with features like a bar half below the water level of the pond. The owner is considering to turn it into a shop though with some local artisanal products! So if it opens, I will definitely return to take a look!

Don’t hold back when you pass it in the street on your way to the dolmen! It is ok to take a closer look at the magnificent “garage door” and all the details you can find at this unique place in Belgium!

Location: Rue des Dolmens 32, 6940 Durbuy

Dolmen/menhirs in Wéris

Maybe menhirs aren’t that unique, but when I heard I could also find them in Belgium, it sounded pretty special to me! Especially because there is always such a mysterious vibe around them!

The menhirs (which are standing stones) at Wéris are over 5000 years old, going back to the Neolithic period. What’s even more mystical and mysterious is that the stones are perfectly aligned in a region of 8 km! Until now there is still no explanation for how people were able to do this over 5000 years ago without any technology.

I tried to time travel to find me a gorgeous man like in the series Outlander, but unfortunately I forgot my gem stones, so it did not work! I did feel as if I was in Scotland for a moment!

Location: Rue des Dolmens 30, 6940 Durbuy / Rue Soussy / in the field between Rue Soussy and Route d’Erezée

Hiking in the Belgian Ardennes: 11 most beautiful walks you must do

Bieley Felsen in Bütgenbach, a real unique place in Belgium

This awesome rock formation is located in a military zone, so it is not always accessible due to target practice (check the timetable on the Defence website). But when there is no military training, it is allowed to hike in the area! Not only the rock itself, but also its surroundings are absolutely stunning!

To hike to the rock you need to drive to the holiday home called Gut Heistert in Germany. From there you will hike back to Belgium to the highest rock of Wallonia (560m). A more detailed description of the hike you will find in my post about hiking in the Ardennes.

Saint Remacle Cave in Auby-sur-Semois

The Saint Remacle Cave is hidden deep in the forest near Auby-sur-Semois. The cave is carved in a limstone rock overhanging the Semois river and contains an altar dedicated to Saint Remacle. The relief on the altar represents the saint and a wolf, which refers to the legend;

Saint Remacle lived here in the 7th century with his donkey thanks to gifts offered by the nearby-village inhabitants. When Satan learned this, he turned into a wolf to attack the donkey who served Saint Remacle. But when he wanted to attack, Saint Remacle’s rosary fell around his neck and Saint Remacle was able to dominate the wolf. He put the wolf in charge of his supplies for the future. The legend says Satan was able to escape after a while though.

A lot of hiking trails pass the little side trail to this hidden cave, so if you are in the neighborhood, make sure to keep an eye out for a sign that says “grotte”.

Location: the woods between Auby-sur-Semois & Cugnon

Train tunnel in Nismes

This is one of my favorite off the beaten path places in Belgium! I discovered this hidden train tunnel when I was hiking to Fondry des Chiens in Nismes. It was an unexpected but very magical find! The train track is still used by the local steam train. I did not see any trains passing, but I will surely return once the train is riding again (due to Covid-19 the train is no longer running until the end of 2020).

When taking photos on the track make sure to check the train schedule so no accidents can occur.

Location: You’ll encounter it during the 8km hike that starts at the Rue des Juifs in Nismes. The hike is indicated with a yellow rectangle.

La passerelle du Moulin de l’Epine in Bouillon

While hiking along the Semois at the Tombeau du Géant I stumbled upon this cool hanging bridge! Since even locals I met there told me they didn’t even know this bridge existed, I knew I should include it in my “hidden gems in Belgium list”! This is also a beautiful region to hike by the way!

Location: near the Moulin de l’Epine, Bouillon

Château de Walzin in Dinant

I include this castle in my “hidden gems in Belgium” list because you will never encounter this castle on your way to somewhere else. It is located on a cliff next to the river Lesse and you can only spot it, if either you are going for a kayak trip on the river, or you go hiking there. A lot of people don’t know this castle exists, even though its location offers some epic views! You can park at the parking lot next to the castle and the river. It is also the starting point of a hike that will take you to the castle view point and to the castle of Vêves. I definitely recommend this hike!

The epic view point to see the castle from up above is located on private grounds, so I can’t share its exact location. When I went there, they did not put a “private” sign up yet, but now there is a chain hanging over the dirt road. If you use Google Satellite view, it is easy to find. Going there is at your own risk.

Location: Rue de Walzin 1, 5500 Dinant

The Ultimate Wallonia Road Trip: Chasing Castles & Fairy-tale Villages

Les Aiguilles de Chaleux in Hulsonniaux

Les Aiguilles de Chaleux is a limestone massif of about 70 m high located in the river Lesse. Even though it is considered to be one of the most beautiful cliffs in Belgium, a lot of Belgians have never heard about it. That is probably because it isn’t that easy to reach. You have to drive a rather hidden and bumpy narrow road to reach the small township of Chaleux. But the 3 km rugged drive is definitely worth it! You will also pass it if you hike from Château de Walzin to Furfooz.

Location: At the end of the Route des Aiguilles de Chaleux

Reinhardstein waterfall in Ovifat

Reinhardstein is the highest waterfall of Belgium, even though it is only 60m high. It is well hidden near Reinhardstein castle, but it only takes a short hike along the river. The hike is fun to do (there are two options; one starts before the entrance of the castle and the other one starts on the castle’s grounds along the river) and offers some nice views. Make sure to do more hikes here, because this area is very beautiful!

Location: Chemin du Cheneux 50, 4950 Ovifat

Celles

Celles is one of the 31 most beautiful villages of Wallonia. I stayed here for 2 nights and I absolutely loved this tiny village. Make sure to take the stairs up to the Saint-Hadelin hermitage which is lined with crosses, offering views on the village and the Romanesque Church. You will find a lot of limestone houses decorated with flowers and plants here.

Château de Bioul

I added this beautiful castle in my hidden gems in Belgium list, since it hardly gets ever mentioned on any other blog. Did you know you can find vineyards in Belgium? Château de Bioul owns 11 hectares of vines! At its museum you can discover how they produce wine using only biological products and even music and learn more about the castle’s history! (read more about it here) They organize wine tastings and you can also have lunch here. The castle’s domain with its vineyards is absolutely magnificent!

Location: Pl. de Vaxelaire, 5537 Bioul

The Royale d’Ardenne Station in Houyet, a true hidden gem in Belgium

This is certainly one of the most special off the beaten path places in Belgium! As soon as I heard of its existence I knew I had to hike to this abandoned train station! Especially because it looks like a castle and if you have been following me for a while, you already know how much I love castles!

At the end of the 19th century King Leopold II had opened a luxurious 200-room hotel, Château Royale d’Ardenne. He wanted to welcome its guests in all grandeur, so he built this train station looking like a fairytale castle. The guests were taken to the hotel by carriage through the woods.

The station and the hotel closed in 1919, after the hotel had suffered a lot of damage due to WWI. The hotel reopened in 1921, but unfortunately the station stayed closed.

Location: You can reach the station after a 2 km hike from Houyet along the Lesse river.

The Abbey of Villers-la-Ville

The abbey of Villers was built in the 13th century and for ages it knew its ups & downs. But it wasn’t until 1796 that the French revolutionary administration abolished the abbey. The ruins became a romantic attraction in the 19th century and restaurations started in 1893. They’re still not finished.

It’s incredible to walk between the ancient walls and explore every (dark) corner of these ruins. The church is the most remarkable building, but you can also explore places like the kitchens, the dormitories, the guesthouse, the pharmacy with its incredible herb garden and even a vineyard!

Location: Rue de l’Abbaye 55, 1495 Villers-la-Ville

A day trip to the abbey of Villers-La-Ville

Cabine Téléphérique in Namur

Another very unexpected hidden gem in Belgium can be found in Namur at a restaurant called Fenêtre sur Cour. Here you can still admire an original cable car from back in 1956 at its courtyard. It is the last of the iconic cabins known as “eggs”. It used to function until 1997, then it was closed due to falling rocks. According to my parents they took me and my sister for a ride when we were about 8-10 years old. When I look at the “egg” I can hardly believe I ever set foot in it, because it really doesn’t look very safe or comfortable.

Location: Place Chanoine Descamps 6, 5000 Namur

Parc du Colombier in Floreffe

Right next to the abbey of Floreffe you can find a little park with a waterfall and a mysterious tower located in a small lake; Colombier. It is a nice area to take a break while road tripping around the area. I haven’t visited the abbey with its brewery yet, but I think I will add that to my to do list!

Location: rue du Séminaire, 5150 Floreffe

Ancien Château d’Emblève in Aywaille

Even though this hidden gem is situated on the granite cliffs overlooking the Amblève, clearly visible, it is not a place that is well known in Belgium. Probably because it is marked as private grounds and thus not mentioned in travel guides. Still it is very popular with the locals who apparently all come here for picnics and walk their dogs. Even though seen from below, it seems as if all that is left of the 10th century castle is just one tower, this castle ruin is huge! What I loved most is that it is not restored. It is just a real ruin overgrown with lush vegetation! It made me feel as if I was Indiana Jones who just discovered a hidden temple in the jungle! I consider this my best find of 2021 so far and it definitely became one of my favorite off the beaten path places in Belgium!

Be aware that these are private grounds and that it is a ruin not maintained by anyone. Meaning there are a lot of loose rocks and it can collapse anytime. So always be careful when exploring places like this! Also enjoy exploring it and maybe have a picnic here, but always take all your trash with you. Leave it as you found it! Be respectful and do not destroy anything!

Location: at the riverbank of the Amblève West from Aywaille

Abandoned cemetery of Comblain-au-Pont

On a hill overlooking the small charming town Comblain-au-Pont, an abandoned cemetery can be found. Here you will find graves of Belgian military victims of the Second World War. In the middle of the cemetery the Tour Saint-Martin is situated. In the 12th century a fort stood here. Later in the 13th century they built a church on this location and used the remaining tower as a church tower. In the 19th century the church was destroyed, but the tower was restored in 1993. Now this unique place in Belgium is used as a chapel and exposition room. From the cemetery you have a fantastic view of the town!

Location: Rue de l’Egalité 1, 4170 Comblain-au-Pont

Quarries

Belgium has its fair amount of quarries spread all over the country. Some are even filled with water. This makes them look like emerald green lakes surrounded by beautiful grey canyons somewhere in Canada. Most of them are private property and it is not allowed to enter their grounds. But for those who are a little more adventurous than the average person can give it a try to explore these hidden places in Belgium. I am not sharing which one I visited, but there are a lot of quarry options in Belgium to discover. I loved walking on the cliffs and admiring the views. Just keep in mind to be cautious, so you do not trip or fall into the water. It is also absolutely prohibited to swim and dive here! So do not think you have found yourself a great spot to spend a warm summer day!

Location: spread all over Belgium, I use Google Satellite View to look for them.

Do you love my pink Fjällräven backpack? Buy a similar one here!

Secret castle ruins in Sart-Bernard

While I was doing a hike from Faulx-les-Tombs I encountered this castle ruin on my way. I saw something like walls peeping through the trees (What can I say, I have an eye for it!) and I decided to take the side path to check whether I was right. Something indeed was hidden there! I passed something that must have been an entrance gate once and I found a castle ruin! Only after minutes of shooting photos I discovered that this should be the back of the garden of Château d’Arville. But there was no gate or official sign, so I did not notice until I peeked through the ruin’s “window” and spotted a whole landscaped castle garden (but there was a lake in between, so it is not like you are close to the garden itself)! So I decided not to stay too long.

If you decide to come here, keep it short and quiet. Be respectful, do not leave any trash and do not harm the building. After all this all takes part of Belgium’s history and culture (and not to forget, maybe someone’s garden)!

Location: behind Château d’Arville by the lake, Sart-Bernard

Snow hike at Libramont

To show how diverse my home country Belgium is, I would like to add a truly unique experience! As you maybe already might have read in my Snow in Belgium article, it does snow in Belgium now and then. Especially in the higher regions of Wallonia. Most people go look for snow at the High Fens. So especially during the holidays that region becomes very crowded!

But there are a lot more off the beaten path places in Belgium where you can enjoy a wonderful snow hike! I discovered the woods of Libramont-Chevigny. This hidden gem is even more beautiful than the High Fens to do a snow hike! The best thing about it is that there is no indicated hike and there is a wide range of hiking paths. So it never gets very crowded because people are widely spread throughout the forest. I often had the feeling as if I was somewhere in Finland. The landscape is very diverse with pine and deciduous forests changing into open spaces looking over the snow covered hills.

Location: different starting locations at Rue d’Amperloup, Rue au Bois la Dame, Rue du Bois, Rue du Serpont, 6800 Libramont-Chevigny

La Charmille du Haut Marêt

Another true hidden gem in Belgium is the Charmille du Haut Marêt. Basically it is just a lane with hornbeams. But it is a super romantic place and it looks different and beautiful in every season! It consists of 4500 trees and has a length of 573 meters! When I looked straight to the end of the tunnel, I started imagining things. Sometimes it was as if something was approaching. It is difficult to see since it is such a long narrow tunnel. I was there on my own on an early autumn morning, so my imagination is always very vivid then. Especially around Halloween! I think I will return when it has snowed! It must look beautiful then as well!

Location: Chemin de Quarreux, 4910 Theux

The Abbey of Maredret

Less than one kilometer from the famous Maredsous Abbey, another small abbey can be found; Maredret. In 1893 nuns settled here to found a Benedictine community. The abbey is not open to visitors but you can visit its church and do a nice walk through the woods around its protective walls, which also contain fairylike towers. The area has a really nice vibe. Especially around Halloween! Their shop sells jams, fruit jellies and apple juice made from the fruits of the orchards. About five years ago the nuns decided to start brewing their own beer in collaboration with John Martin, so they could keep affording the costs for renovation of their leaking roof and cracked walls. Since this summer you can drink Maredret Altus, a 6.8% amber beer using cloves and juniper berries, and Maredret Triplus, an 8% blond incorporating coriander and sage.

Hidden places in Flanders

Blue plane in the Flemish Ardennes

A blue crashed plane is a true off the beaten path place in Belgium. It is hidden somewhere deep in the forest in the Flemish Ardennes. Or at least that is how it seems. Actually this plane served as a decor in a short film, so it was placed there. Still, it does not make finding this place any less impressive! First of all, its location is a well kept secret. Which I am not going to change, since the plane is located on private grounds (But it is quite unclear, since it depends from which side you enter the area. Not all sides have signs or fences. And I also read that certain bike tours pass here.). I also want to protect this place from the big public, since I already stumbled upon a LOT of mouth masks while looking for it. Which I think is absolutely disgusting. Some people have really no respect at all for nature.

How to find this well hidden gem in Belgium? Well, it only took me 10 minutes of research to find its exact location, so I am sure you are able to find it as well. One tip: Google is not the only search engine to use.
If you also want to become an expert in finding hidden gems, you can also get my Hidden Gems Expert Guide!

Ter Elst Castle Ruins in Duffel

This castle dates from the early Middle Ages. In the 15th century it was turned into a beautiful fortress. Among its famous guests are Margaret of York and Philip The Fair. In the 17th century it used to be a rectory, but in 1799 the castle was occupied and sold by the French. In the 19th century the domain turned into an industrial zone. It became a brickyard until WWI. After heavy damages in 1914 the castle continued to deteriorate. In 1972 the municipality of Duffel bought the ruins.

The ruins, which are surrounded by a moat, are still under serious renovations, but you can walk around them to have a good look. This is definitely a quiet and off the beaten path place in Belgium where you can just sit back and relax with a picnic.

Location: Ter Elstlei, 2570 Duffel

36 most beautiful castles in Belgium: a complete guide

Flower & grain fields

I wanted to bring the southern European feeling a little closer to home. So I decided to look for some flower fields. During the Summer there are a lot of flower fields to discover in the more rural areas (also in Wallonia by the way). All you have to do is take your bike and go! The easiest way is to download the Fietsknoop app. With this app you can plan routes following numbers. These routes take you to roads you would otherwise never explore!

Hiking is another option to encounter beautiful fields with flowers or grain. Every tourism website has hiking guides available. So I challenge you to find a place not too far from home and go hiking or biking and let me know what hidden gem you found!

These are the fields I visited, but there is no guarantee you will find these fields next year at the exact same place!

• Small sun flower field at Wijnegem (Houtlaan, near the bridge)
• Grain fields & wild flowers at Bierbeek
• Grain fields at Voeren
• (Sun) flower field at De Reukens, Aartselaar

Pumpkin fields in Kasterlee

Kasterlee is THE pumpkin town in Belgium! Every year in October pumpkin festivities are organized and there is even a weighting competition for biggest pumpkin! Pumpkins of up to 1000 kilos are no exception! You can even participate in a pumpkin regatta! Meaning you have to paddle in your hollowed out pumpkin (serving as a canoe) to the finish! 

Take a bike and make sure to drive around to discover the pumpkin fields! You can also go to De Pompoenerie, a work experience center for people with a (work) disability. They grow and sell pumpkins and you can visit their garden.

Location: Pompoenerie; Houtum 39, 2460 Kasterlee

Autumn in Belgium; most beautiful places to experience autumn & brighten your spirit!

Graventoren in Rupelmonde

Another off the beaten path place in Belgium not many tourists know about is the Graventoren. It is the only tower remaining of what once was a moated castle with 17 towers! It was built in the 12th century to protect the river Schelde from intruders and attackers. Mercator, the famous geographer and cartographer from the 16th century, born in Rupelmonde, spent 7 months in its dungeons on charges of heresy!

You can climb the Graventoren to get a fantastic view of its surroundings and in the basement you’ll find an exposition about the castle it once took part of.

Location: Dijkstraat 8, 9150 Kruibeke (Rupelmonde)

Ruppelmondse Kreek in Rupelmonde

Nearby the Graventoren you can do great hikes at the Rupelmondse kreek! This area consists mostly out of polders with beautiful creeks. If you are lucky you will be able to spot beavers or deer! I absolutely loved hiking there! Even found a cute cabin hidden deep in the creek!

St Anna’s Tunnel in rainbow style in Antwerp

Every year in August when the Antwerp Pride is organized, the St Anna’s tunnel gets transformed into a colorful fairy tale tunnel to show support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex people. If you are lucky to visit Antwerp around that time make sure to check it out!

Also during the rest of the year the Underpass is worth a visit with its authentic wooden escalators! At the other side of the Scheldt, you’ll get a fantastic view of the Antwerp skyline!

Location: Frederik van Eedenplein, 2050 Antwerpen

Cogels Osylei in Antwerp

Antwerp’s most exclusive street often gets overlooked by tourists! Which is a pitty, because this street offers magnificent stately mansions and a wide range of architectural styles from Art Nouveau to Tudor! Some houses even have their own name! Most houses look more like castles or palaces to me. Some even give me serious Harry Potter vibes!

If you are ever in Antwerp and you have enough time to spend, make sure to explore the Cogels Osylei and its surrounding streets!

Location: Cogels Osylei, 2600 Berchem

Doorkijkkerk – Read between the lines in Borgloon

Not sure if I can count this as a hidden gem in Belgium, but I am sure especially people outside of Belgium have never heard of this place before! This chapel is an art installation created by the Belgian architects Pieterjan Gijs and Arnout Van Vaerenbergh. They stacked 100 steel sheets on top of each other in the shape of a church. The way it was constructed makes both the church and the landscape visible.

It is a pretty crowded place on sunny days. People come to admire the art work and enjoy the view. Often with a picnic or on their way to do the hike that passes there. Especially kids seemed to enjoy running in and out of it! If I am ever in the neighborhood, I’ll return in the evening to watch the sunset here. Must be magical when the sunrays shine through the steel sheets!

Location: near the Sint Truidersteenweg in Borgloon (GPS 50°47’38″N – 05°21’06″E)

Buitenland, a true hidden gem in Belgium

Even though “Buitenland” actually is the Dutch word for “abroad”, this town is situated in Belgium. This is a true hidden gem in Belgium since you will never pass this tiny village unless you actually take the one street that leads to it. It is a hamlet where you can find a few houses that were rebuilt stone per stone after the WorldExpo of 1894. They were part of the exhibition Old Antwerp. The most famous ones left are the really crooked Saint Jacob’s Tower (Sint-Jacobstoren), the Giant House (Reuzenhuis) and the Guild Chamber (Gildehuis).

I visited this place early in the morning and I only saw one other person. This village is so tiny and quiet! It almost felt as if I was the only one left in the world!

Location: north of Bornem (GPS 51°06’54″N – 04°13’52″E)

The Castle Tower & Fairy Bridge in Deurne

Even though Boekenberg Park itself isn’t that very special, it does offer a beautiful fairytale decor; a castle tower, fairy bridge and a pond with swans. I went here often early in the morning during lockdown to watch the first sunrays shine on the tower and bridge, thinking I was in Scotland. The scenery is simply magical.

Location: Unitaslaan, 2100 Deurne

Beguinage in Ghent

The beguinage of Ghent is situated just a little outside of the busy city center. I loved walking through the white Provenierstersstraat. It is quiet and the houses are so cute! The pink houses with the white window frames at the Begijnhofdries are also worth admiring.

Location: Provenierstersstraat, Begijnhofdries, Zwartekatstraat, 9000 Gent

Malakoff Tower in Halle

In 2009 this place was chosen as the most beautiful place in Halle. The tower was built by mayor Paul Claes, who was also a gin baron, in the middle of a beautiful meadow as an eyecatcher. It had no use whatsoever. It is probably built as a memorial of the Crimean war that took place a few years before. The Battle of Malakoff was bloodily fought between the French and the Russian armies in September 1855.

I loved this tower because it gave me real Rapunzel vibes and it is situated in a beautiful nature park. I sat here for a picnic with the nice warm sun on my face!

Location: IJzerwegstraat, 1502 Halle, Belgium

Zimmer Tower in Lier

The Zimmer tower is named after Louis Zimmer. He was an astronomer and clockmaker to the King of Belgium. In 1930 he built the Jubilee Clock, which is displayed on the front of the Zimmer tower. The tower itself is the result of the renovation of the medieval Cornelius Tower, which was part of the first city wall of Lier. The tower is located on the Zimmerplein, near the river Nete. The quay here was used to load and unload ships. Lier residents therefore often speak of the “quay” or “quay” when they refer to the Zimmerplein.

Location: Zimmerplein, 2500 Lier

Stay tuned for more updates as I will continue to explore Belgium for more off the beaten path and unqiue places!

Pin these hidden gems in Belgium for later!

I hope you enjoyed this “Hidden gems in Belgium” article! Don’t hesitate to leave your comments down below! 
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