Great day trips Belgium -
Just across the border
Belgium is so small that it's fine to go abroad just for a day trip.
16 awesome places to visit close to Belgium.
Visit one of the other category pages for more great destinations in Belgium for activities and day trips.
Visit one of the other category pages for more great destinations in Belgium for activities and day trips.
1. tulips in lISSE [the netherlands]
Tulips! You either love them or hate them. Regardless, I believe everyone can appreciate the vibrant colors of endless tulip fields. Every year from March to May, with a peak in April, the flowers bloom, transforming the fields into beautiful color pattern, like a Bob Ross painting. It’s the perfect setting for a romantic getaway or breathtaking drone photography.
Try to avoid the crowds around Keukenhof, a flower-themed park, and of course, don’t enter fields where it’s not permitted. The most famous area to explore tulip fields is near Lisse, primarily because Keukenhof, is located there aswell. I haven’t visited the park itself, but I’m fairly certain it’s more enjoyable to explore the surrounding fields. And as a benefit, the fields are also free compared to Keukenhof. Keukenhof tends to be overcrowded, and the experience just isn’t the same. Instead, venture a little further from Lisse to soak in the scenery peacefully, away from the crowds.
Lisse is conveniently located close to Amsterdam and near the Dutch coast. It's about a two-hour drive from Brussels, which makes it perfect for a day trip.
Tips:
- End your day by catching the sunset at a nearby beach.
- You can also visit flower fields in Belgium. There are several spots within the province of Antwerp and Limburg. But for the real experience, just go to the Netherlands.
Try to avoid the crowds around Keukenhof, a flower-themed park, and of course, don’t enter fields where it’s not permitted. The most famous area to explore tulip fields is near Lisse, primarily because Keukenhof, is located there aswell. I haven’t visited the park itself, but I’m fairly certain it’s more enjoyable to explore the surrounding fields. And as a benefit, the fields are also free compared to Keukenhof. Keukenhof tends to be overcrowded, and the experience just isn’t the same. Instead, venture a little further from Lisse to soak in the scenery peacefully, away from the crowds.
Lisse is conveniently located close to Amsterdam and near the Dutch coast. It's about a two-hour drive from Brussels, which makes it perfect for a day trip.
Tips:
- End your day by catching the sunset at a nearby beach.
- You can also visit flower fields in Belgium. There are several spots within the province of Antwerp and Limburg. But for the real experience, just go to the Netherlands.
Tulip fields close to Lisse - Traveltower
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Holland has countless waterways - Traveltower
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2. Mullerthal trail [Luxembourg]
The Mullerthal trail is a 112 km long hiking route in the central-eastern part of Luxembourg, often referred to as "Luxembourg's Little Switzerland" due to its picturesque landscapes.
We explored just a small part of it: the B2 trail, which begins in the village of Bergdorf. This trail winds through enchanting forests and dramatic rocky formations. Be sure to venture off the main path to discover these formations up close—you'll find stairs, ladders, and narrow rifts to navigate through
Practical information:
- Location and start point of the B2 trail: drive to the fire brigade department in Bergdorf, there is a free parking where you can start your trail. The trail begins to the right side of the fire brigade building.
- Public Transport: public transport in Luxembourg is free, but don't forget to download the app.
- Trail Navigation: download the GPX map and of course a GPX map viewer.
Other Noteworthy Attractions Nearby:
- Schiessentümpel waterfall (located in Mullerthal)
- Turelbaach castle (located around Grosbous)
We explored just a small part of it: the B2 trail, which begins in the village of Bergdorf. This trail winds through enchanting forests and dramatic rocky formations. Be sure to venture off the main path to discover these formations up close—you'll find stairs, ladders, and narrow rifts to navigate through
Practical information:
- Location and start point of the B2 trail: drive to the fire brigade department in Bergdorf, there is a free parking where you can start your trail. The trail begins to the right side of the fire brigade building.
- Public Transport: public transport in Luxembourg is free, but don't forget to download the app.
- Trail Navigation: download the GPX map and of course a GPX map viewer.
Other Noteworthy Attractions Nearby:
- Schiessentümpel waterfall (located in Mullerthal)
- Turelbaach castle (located around Grosbous)
Cool tree at the B2 trail - Traveltower
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Turelbaach castle - Traveltower
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3. beautiful architecture in mONScHAU [germany]Monschau is located in Germany, just across the border from Belgium and not far from the High Fens (Hoge Venen). It's a small village where no cars are allowed; you'll need to park in a large (paid) parking area outside the town.
The village is filled with traditional German buildings and charming little shops, making it perfect for a short romantic getaway. It's also a great spot for photographers—you've probably seen photos of this picturesque town on Instagram before. However, the downside of this perfect mix is that Monschau can be very touristy. In Dutch, we have a saying, koppenlopen (literally "head-walking"), which describes crowded places perfectly—and it's quite applicable here, depending on the time of year and the weather. To make the most of your visit, try to combine your trip to Monschau with a nearby nature trail. You can explore the area around the village itself, or drive a little further to visit a nearby nature reserve. Some good options are mentioned on the nature page of my website, such as the High Fens in Belgium, the Vennbahn,... |
4. lUXEMBoURG cITY [luxembourg]
Luxembourg city - traveltower
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Luxembourg City is the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Despite its name, it’s not really grand in size, if you ask me. However, I found that Luxembourg City has a lot to offer, with an incredibly peaceful and cozy atmosphere. The surrounding area also provides plenty of opportunities for nature hikes.This picture was taken from within the city walls, which is a must-see when visiting Luxembourg. I visited in August 2017 with one of my best friends, Jonathan—who also helped me come up with the name of my page: traveltower. :) Luxembourg City is about a two-hour drive from Brussels or just 15 minutes from the southeastern Belgian border. |
5. NATURE PARK OF THE OPAL CAPES AND MARSHES [FRANCE]
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The landscape is a picturesque mix of rolling hills, alternating between fields and forests.
The national park is situated in the Pas-de-Calais region, in northern France, just about an hour's drive from the Belgian border. We drove aimlessly through the countryside until we stumbled upon a perfect spot to begin our walk. The scenery is both calming and stunning. I've visited during various seasons, and each time the landscape reveals a new and unique beauty.
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Aerial photo of Bales of hay - Traveltower
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6. HOGE VELUWE [the netherlands]
The Hoge Veluwe is a national park located in the heart of the Netherlands. The park is truly vast, covering approximately 55 square kilometers. You can compare the vegetation of the park to that of the Kalmthoutse Heide in Belgium.
The longest side of the park is about 60 km, which is nearly the same length as the Belgian coast. One of the park’s unique features is its wide variety of landscapes, including beautiful woodlands, open heath areas, and expansive sand drifts.
The Hoge Veluwe is also home to a rich array of wildlife, including deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species. Visitors can explore the park using a network of cycling and walking trails, and the park even offers free white bicycles for use by guests. Additionally, the Kröller-Müller Museum, located within the park, features an impressive collection of Van Gogh paintings and a stunning outdoor sculpture garden.
Sadly, I don't have any pictures of this place at the moment, but I plan to return this summer to take some photos and fully capture its beauty.
The longest side of the park is about 60 km, which is nearly the same length as the Belgian coast. One of the park’s unique features is its wide variety of landscapes, including beautiful woodlands, open heath areas, and expansive sand drifts.
The Hoge Veluwe is also home to a rich array of wildlife, including deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species. Visitors can explore the park using a network of cycling and walking trails, and the park even offers free white bicycles for use by guests. Additionally, the Kröller-Müller Museum, located within the park, features an impressive collection of Van Gogh paintings and a stunning outdoor sculpture garden.
Sadly, I don't have any pictures of this place at the moment, but I plan to return this summer to take some photos and fully capture its beauty.
7. ZEELAND [the netherlands]Zeeland is located in the southwestern part of the Netherlands. The vegetation is a bit similar to West-Flanders, but the fields are wider, the population is lower and it is much more quiet. Zeeland has many beautiful beaches and cosy villages. Just take your bike, scooter or car and discover the authentic area by yourself.
Other places in Zeeland are quite touristic, with many bars and shops, but that also has a charm of course. One of these places is Sluis, just one km from the Belgian border, and therefore, you'll find hundreds of Belgians enjoying their beers after biking there. Other notable places:
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8. SOUTH ENGLAND [united kingdom]You probably didn't expect England to be on this list. But yes, you can even go to England for just a day trip, and you won't have to sit in the car for a whole day, although it might depend on where you live.
First of all, you have to drive to Calais in the North of France. This trip by car takes about 1 hour from Ostend; from Ghent and Brussels, it is respectively a 1.5-hour and a 2-hour drive. The cheapest way to reach England is by ferry, which takes about 1.5 hours. You can also drive your car onto a train; in that case, the crossing is only around 30 minutes, but it will definitely make the trip more expensive. While 1.5 hours on the boat might seem long, I can guarantee that it is actually a great experience. When you arrive in England, you're good to go and explore! Just don't forget that you have to drive on the left side of the read. You don't have to drive far to find beautiful locations, such as (the drive time from the ferry in parentheses):
If you have multiple days, follow the English coast further to the west. The further you go, the more beautiful it gets. This picture was taken in Capel-Le-Ferne. |
9. big city vibes in ROTTERDAM [the netherlands]
Rotterdam is quite a modern city, just a one-hour drive from Antwerp. The city is a perfect location for urban and city photography. Sometimes, people are a bit critical of its lack of charm. The city was severely destroyed in the world wars, but the traditional architecture was not rebuilt. What is your opinion about this city? Write it in the comments below. I don't know the city very well myself.
The top locations for visiting and photography are:
Rotterdam is certainly on my to-do list!
The top locations for visiting and photography are:
- Delfshaven
- Cube houses
- White House
- Erasmus Bridge
- Skyscrapers at the Wilhelmina Pier
Rotterdam is certainly on my to-do list!
10. spectacular cliffs in étretat [france]
Étretat is a charming coastal town in Normandy, France, famous for its dramatic white cliffs and natural rock formations, including the iconic "Arch" and "Needle." The breathtaking cliffs offer stunning views of the English Channel and are a popular spot for hikers and photographers. The town itself has a rich history, with quaint streets, beautiful gardens, and artistic connections, having inspired painters like Claude Monet. Etretat is about a 4 hour drive from Belgium, which is a bit too far for a daytrip. But since the place is so incredible, I had to add it to this list!
Click on the pictures below to enlarge them.
Click on the pictures below to enlarge them.
11. INteresting places in northern france - in proGRESS
To be honest, I have only been to Northern France a few times, even though it is very close to where I live. I am quite sure there are many things to discover. Many people love the city of Lille; personally, I didn't find it that special. Nevertheless, not far from Lille, there are some places that caught my attention. Visiting each place separately is not enough to fill a whole day. The trip is only worth it when you combine several locations, but these places below can be some of them:
First stop: Spoil Hills near Lens (Terril De Loos En Gohelle).
A short but intense hike leads you to the top of the hills, offering a wonderful panorama over the city of Lens and nearby agricultural fields. Don't leave the marked paths, as the fauna is very fragile. I walked the trail during the 2020 heatwave and had to endure temperatures of 36°C. At the surface of the spoil hills, it is definitely much hotter.
Second stop: Abbaye du Mont Saint-Éloi.
Just a 15-minute drive from the spoil hills, you'll find the remains of the Abbaye du Mont Saint-Éloi. The abbey was built in the 11th century but was heavily damaged and destroyed during the French Revolution in 1793. The remains are impressive.
More places to be added soon.
First stop: Spoil Hills near Lens (Terril De Loos En Gohelle).
A short but intense hike leads you to the top of the hills, offering a wonderful panorama over the city of Lens and nearby agricultural fields. Don't leave the marked paths, as the fauna is very fragile. I walked the trail during the 2020 heatwave and had to endure temperatures of 36°C. At the surface of the spoil hills, it is definitely much hotter.
Second stop: Abbaye du Mont Saint-Éloi.
Just a 15-minute drive from the spoil hills, you'll find the remains of the Abbaye du Mont Saint-Éloi. The abbey was built in the 11th century but was heavily damaged and destroyed during the French Revolution in 1793. The remains are impressive.
More places to be added soon.
Terril De Loos En Gohelle
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Abbaye du mont Saint-Éloi
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12. mont saint-MICHEL [FRANCE]
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A bit too far for a day trip, but definitely a must-see, not too far from Belgium!
I had great expectations for my trip to Mont Saint-Michel. My visit was very short, but it far exceeded my expectations! The nature around Mont Saint-Michel is fantastic. The vast majority of people drive to one of the paid car parks around Mont Saint-Michel and then walk across the bridge to the entrance of the town. There is also an option to take the bus. Since we didn't want to spend a fortune on parking, we considered leaving the car at a free lot a little further away from Mont Saint-Michel and taking small bicycles with us. In the spontaneity of the trip, we forgot to bring the bicycles. It later turned out that they were not necessary at all! We parked in a small hamlet a few kilometers before the car park; from there, you can walk through the fields to Mont Saint-Michel. It's about the same distance as walking from the car parks! Unlike the road, where you have a less beautiful view and are surrounded by people, you pass sheep in the fields and almost no people. It's really a fantastic landscape. From the fields, you can also access the end of the bridge, from where you can reach Mont Saint-Michel. So forget about the expensive paid car parks and park your car for free in the hamlet called 'La Rive,' where the fantastic walk begins. There is also a beautiful winding river; during my visit, it was unfortunately dried out, but you have probably already seen it on social media. I will not disclose the location to keep it a secret, but you can search for it yourself. The village itself is, of course, also a nice place to visit; many narrow streets with small cosy shops lead you to the top of the hill, where you arrive at the large abbey. The village has a population of about 30. Keep in mind that there are thousands of visitors in the village. Because of this, I only visited the town very briefly. This is one of the most touristic places in all of France, alongside the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles. I won’t discuss the history of Mont Saint-Michel here; you should look it up online. 😁 Oh, one more tip: don’t cross these ‘dry’ rivers when the tide is low, as you can see in the pictures on the left. They look easy to cross until you take one step and start sinking away. Luckily, my girlfriend was there to save me! |
Le Mont Saint-Michel
I almost sank away in the mudd.
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13. THE DROWNED LAND OF SAEFTINGHE [THE NETHERLANDS]
An remarkable place just across the border with The Netherlands in the province of Zeeland.
The nature reserve is around 3580 hectares and is located next to the Schelde river. There are several walking paths both around and within the reserve, offering plenty of opportunities to explore. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting various species, and you might even come across grazing sheep.
The landscape's colors change with the seasons, though it’s typically lush and green. Please note, the colors in the photos below are an artistic interpretation and may not fully reflect the area's true appearance. I will go back this year to make some new photos.
The nature reserve is around 3580 hectares and is located next to the Schelde river. There are several walking paths both around and within the reserve, offering plenty of opportunities to explore. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting various species, and you might even come across grazing sheep.
The landscape's colors change with the seasons, though it’s typically lush and green. Please note, the colors in the photos below are an artistic interpretation and may not fully reflect the area's true appearance. I will go back this year to make some new photos.
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14. INteresting places around utrecht
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1. De Utrechtse Heuvelrug [Utrecht Hill Ridge] A stunning nature reserve with heath landscape, hills and forests. You can also walk and bike between Scottish highlanders. A spectacular experience! 2. The pyramid of Austerlitz The 36-meter-high pyramid was built by Napoleon's army in 1804. It is located on one of the highest points of the Utrecht Hill Ridge, the pyramid is definitely an interesting sight. 3. The lonely Oak You need a drone to see this incredible pattern from above. I needed to stitch multiple shots together to get the whole circle in one image. Nevertheless, the nature around the lonely oak is definitely beautiful on its own. |
The pyramid of Austerlitz - Traveltower
The lonely oak - Traveltower
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15. CAP BLANC NEZ & CAP GRIS NEZ [france]
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Less than an hour's drive from the westernmost border between Belgium and France, Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez can be found. It's a stunning location to admire white chalk cliffs, and you can even spot England on a clear day. It's one of the trips I've taken most frequently over the past few years. There is so much to do, and the landscape is completely different from what we're used to in Flanders.
Besides hiking and falling in love with nature, you can find fossils and ammonites on the beach, spot seals, try local dishes, or enjoy the traditional architecture. Be sure to get back onto the cliffs before high tide, or your shoes will definitely get wet! Also, be aware that there is a high chance of strong winds when you reach the top. Best reached by car, you don't have to pay road taxes to use the highway, and the parking is free. |
Cliffs at Cap Blanc Nez - Traveltower
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16. Paris ma belle [France]
Paris is always a good idea, and the cool thing is that it's only about a 3 hours drive from Belgium.
With the train from Brussels, you can get there even faster.
I've met there back in 2022 with a few photographers from different nations, and in one day, we were able to see many great spots.
However, it's more convenient to stay there a weekend or multiple days, to be able to visit all the highlights without rushing.
With the train from Brussels, you can get there even faster.
I've met there back in 2022 with a few photographers from different nations, and in one day, we were able to see many great spots.
However, it's more convenient to stay there a weekend or multiple days, to be able to visit all the highlights without rushing.