Belgium – A Land of Varied Landscapes

Belgium, a small region of the northwestern Europe, is accompanied by France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Netherlands on its borders. Holding a contrasting topography, the southeast is adorned with the rivers and gorges of the Ardennes; while gently sloping plains cover the northern and western landscapes.

For nature lovers, the nation offers the vast forest of Ardennes adjacent to the border with Germany and Luxembourg and the extensive sun-soaked sandy beaches on the northern shore along the coast stretching more than 60 km (37 miles). The pastoral gems of the charming hilly eastern area of Ardennes and the wonderfully scenic Meuse Valley captivate the minds of all visitors. For historic wonderers, the ancient cities, fortresses, and churches in the region ensure that this foreign journey is memorable and worthy. For political enthusiasts, the mysterious political and bureaucratic structures in the periphery of Brussels, the capital of Belgium, simply take you to its official past.

To augment your zeal, visit the ancient cities such as Bruges, Ghent, Liege, Namur, and Brussels itself for its appealing architecture, vigorous nights, excellent food, and many more offerings. A source of modern fashion and polished plans, Belgium is a land of specialties irrespective of whether it is the case of natural beauty, delicious cuisines, daily life, vegetation, or wildlife.

Belgium is split into tow parts namely, Flemish north that is populated with Flemish-speaking people and the Walloon south holding French-speaking people. Convenient to approach and roam around, both the parts share a single capital, Brussels, which is also the hub of the European Union and the headquarters of NATO.

A democratically stable and developing nation, Belgium is considered as the nation progressed as an efficient federal system with the western-European liberal nature. This has been possible only after five reforms in 1970, 1980, 1988-89, 1993, and 2001. In 2005, the nation commemorated its 25 years of federalism and the article one of its Constitution mentioned that ‘Belgium is a federal state created out of societies and regions’. However, the prevailing tension between the Flemish north and the French south parts is the major problem of the nation.

Although majority of the population is Roman Catholic and other being Protestants and Jewish, Dutch, French, and German are the formal languages. Dutch is spoken much more than the other two, while German is given the least preference. English is widely spoken in the Flemish region.

History

• 1830:
  The nation of Belgium was found.
• 1958:
  Belgium became the member of EU.
• 1993:
  Belgium witnessed a federal state encompassing three independent provinces. King Albert II became the Head of the State.
• 1999:
  Guy Verhofstadt became the prime minister.
• 2004:
  The far-right Vlaams Blok obtained increased votes at regional and national elections. He deman+/ed Flemish independence and campaigned based on anti-migration. The high court later stated that it was racially prejudiced and it was then reconstituted with a new identity as Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest).
• 2005:
  A confidence vote made the government survived that resulted in a drop of the quarrel on the issue of voting rights of French-speaking people in the Dutch regions surrounding the capital.
• 2007:
  Guy Verhofstadt, the prime minister, resigned after a setback in general election.
• 2008:
  After nine months of political standstill that made the nation susceptible to divide, a new government finally came into power. Yves Leterme belonging to the Flemish Christian Democrats is heading a five-party alliance administration.

Etiquettes

Flemish inhabitants would mostly talk in English with the visitors rather than French irrespective of whether the tourists know French or not. If you are being invited for a meal, do not forget to take bunch of flowers or a small present. Check in the invitation if a special dress code is stated, especially a black tie or evening dress. Further, you are not allowed to smoke anywhere in the public.

Tourists’ Attractions

Listed below are the breathtaking sites offered by Belgium.

• Brussels:
  Do visit the stunning Grand Place. Close to this, are the famous statues of Manneken Pis and his less portent sister Janneken Pis, which inidcate the high spirits and disrespect of the ‘Bruxellois’. Other attractions include St. Michael Cathedral, St. Gudule’s Cathedral, the Mont des Arts Park connecting the upper and lower city sections, and the Place Royale. In addition, turn your trip towards the famous museums such as the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Comic Strip Museum, and the Museum of the City of Brussels – Maison du Roi.

• Heysel:
  Visit the strange Atomium here that is a huge depiction of a molecule initially made for the World Fair of 1958. The other worth visiting place is the Mini Europe that resembles the major EU cities.
• Battle of Waterloo Site:
  This is the historic site that has witnessed the battle in 1815 and is situated at a distance of 18 km (11 miles) towards the south of Brussels. This battle actually formed the prospects of Belgium.
• Antwerp:
  A fusion of traditional and modern sights, do visit the imposing Grote Markt that marks the story of the foundation of the city and offers the Town Hall and Brabo Fountain. In addition, the 18th century Groenplaats along with its Rubens statue is also amazing. Next, explore the land of diamonds at the Diamond Museum where you can observe cutting of gems and also become aware of the history of these timeless stones. Further, visit the
• Royal Museum of Fine Arts that was visited by Peter Paul Rubens and the Rubens House, the abode of a painter.
• Bruges:
  An ancient city of sculpting beauty and entitled as the Venice of the North, this historical area offers the 14th century town hall, the belfry tower, and the Cathedral of the Holy Savior. Due its architectural charm, it is the part of the UNESCO World Heritage. In addition, you can enjoy the canal boat ride on the waters of Bruges. If you are craft lover, you can explore the opportunity of learning the traditional Flanders lace at Kantcentrum. Here, you can observe the procedure of the craft and make yourself familiar with its origin.
• Ghent:
  This was the hub of the medieval period after Paris and is the home to several historic monuments. This city offers three abbeys, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, site of Charles V’s baptism, and the Adoration of the Mystical Lamb that is an exemplary piece of work from the Van Eyck brothers. Further, give some time to the worth visiting Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Industrial Archaeology.

• Wallonia:
  Located in the southeast direction from Brussels, this city is populated with people speaking French. Spend some time in Dinant holding an impressive cliff-top fort and cliff-face Notre Dame church besides the banks of the River Meuse. The citadel offers a magnificent view of the old city, which is the most striking area. Dinant was the place where Adolphe Sax who invented the saxophone was born. Further, do not miss the famous spot on the banks of the River Meuse, Liege. From here, take a cruise for a captivating scenic boat ride along the River Meuse in the southeastern region of Belgium. You can even take this ride from Namur.
• Coastline Beaches:
  The Belgian coast covers 67 km (42 miles) right from Knokke next to the Dutch frontier until De Panne on the French frontier. Offering more than a dozen resorts, the most energetic resorts are Knokke, Middelkerke, and Ostend.
• Tournai:
  Considered as the second most ancient city, it offers the oldest belfry of Belgium and the Cathedral of Our Lady dated back to 12th century. Both these monuments are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage buildings.
• Bastogne Historical Centre:
  This holds the location of the Battle of the Bulge occurred in 1944-1945 situated near to the Luxembourg border. It also exhibits a huge American memorial and series of memorabilia that belong to the critical World War II.
• Chocolate Museums:
  Chocolate being among the Belgium’s well-known products, do not forget to honor the Museum of Chocolate and Cocoa opposite to Brussels’ Grand Place and Choco-Story in Bruges.
• WWI Battlefields:
  This holds historical significance and offer sites with facilities. Among them, the assassinating fields of Ypres can be reached very easily.
• Carnivals and Festivals:
  Be an indivisible part in the nation’s several annually celebrated carnivals and festivals. Famous ones are the Ommegang Festival in Brussels, the Carnival de Binche, and the Ghent Festival.
• Shopping:
  Items include ceramics and copperware of Dinant; Belgian chocolates; crystals of Val Saint Lambert; diamonds and ornaments of Antwerp; lace of Bruges, Brussels, and Mechelen (Malines); woodcarvings of Spa; and comic-strip books of Brussels. Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels, Ghent, Liege, Mechelen, Mons, Namur, and Ostend offer many prominent shopping centres. The timings are Monday to Saturday from 1000-1800/1900. On Fridays, the department stores are open until 2100 hours.

Passports and Visa

All nationals need a valid passport for a minimum period of three months extending after the stay time. The EU nationals must hold a valid national ID card, except for the Denmark, Sweden, and the UK nationals. Visa is not required for British, Australian, Canadian, USA, and other EU nationals. If the stay is beyond three months, then a long-stay visa is required at a cost of 180 EUR.

Reaching Belarus

By Air

The Brussels Airlines is the national airlines. A flight from London to reach Brussels will take 50 minutes, while a flight from New York will take 7 hours. Listed below are the main airports.

• Brussels Zaventem (BRU):
  This is situated at a distance of 12 km (8 miles) in the northeast of the capital that can be approached within 35 minutes). The Airport City Express train to/from the airport is well linked with the three main railway stations (Brussels North, Central, and South) whose journey is 20 minutes. Further, you can catch trains to reach to different areas of Belgium. Coaches are available from the airport bus station for cities in Belgium, France, and The Netherlands. Buses and taxis can also take you to/from the city. The licensed taxis are in yellow and blue emblems.
• Brussels South Charleroi (CRL):
  This is located at a distance of 5 km (3 miles) from Charleroi and 46 km (29 miles) from Brussels. Bus services run regularly after every 30 minutes to Charleroi within 10 minutes. Other means such as regular coaches for Brussels and a bus taking to the local station are also available.

By Water

• P&O Ferries:
  Offer overnight sailings taking 14 hours from Hull.
• Superfast Ferries:
  Take you to Rosyth near Edinburgh in 18 hours from Hull.
• Transeuropa Ferries:
  Connects Ramsgate with Ostend in 4 hours.

By Rail

• Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Belges (SNCB) (Belgian National Railways):
  Offers trains running day and night to all halts over Europe.
• Trains à Grande Vitesse (TGV):
  This offer trains between Belgium and France from Brussels Midi station.
• Thalys:
  This service provides high-speed trains that connect Brussels with Paris, Amsterdam, and Cologne. To reach Brussels from Paris, it takes 1 hour 20 minutes, from Amsterdam – it is 2 hours 20 minutes, and from Cologne – it is 2 hours 25 minutes.
• Eurostar:
  This too offers high-speed trains that link Brussels with Lillie and London with St. Pancras via the Channel Tunnel taking 1 hour 51 minutes.

Rail Passes

• InterRail:
  Available from Rail Europe, this allows unrestricted first- or second-class travel in 30 European countries. It offers two types of passes namley, the Global and Country passes. The Global Pass is for 22 days, one month, five days in 10 days, or 10 days in 22 days. On the other hand, the One-Country Pass is for three, four, six, or eight days in one month except Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Kindly note that you are not allowed to travel in the passenger’s country of residence. Tourists who are under 26 years of age do obtain a discount and children are given 50% cut. A visitor possessing this pass is also entitled to some percentage off on Eurostar and a few ferry routes.
• Eurail Pass:
  Available from the Eurail Group, this pass allows you to travel in first class in 17 European countries without any upper or lower limit. Valid periods include 15 days, 21 days, one month, two months, or three months.
  • Eurailpass Saver Ticket:
    This offer discounts if you are not alone and have somebody along.
  • Eurailpass Youth Ticket:
    This is gift to those below 26 that ensures unlimited second-class travel.
  • Eurailpass Flexi:
    This provides 10 or 15 days travel within two months.
  • The Eurail Select Pass:
    This provides 5, 6, 8, or 10 days or 15 days for five countries in 2 months.
  • Eurail Regional Pass:
    This is valid for 4 to 10 days in 2 months in an area with 50% deduction in case of children.

By Road

Offering a good network of roads, Belgium is well linked with all of the Europe wherein a signpost with green ‘E’ symbols marks international highways.

• Eurotunnel:
  Offers shuttle trains for the means of transportation between Folkestone in Kent and Calais. All road vehicles are taken via the tunnel in trains.
• Coach:
  This is regularly offered by Eurolines from the UK to Belgium. A visitor can opt for a 15- or 30-day pass.