Belgium may be small but it is full of charm, history and variety. It is a country made for exploring by road. From the cobbled streets of Bruges and the towers of Ghent to the grand squares of Brussels and the green hills of Wallonia. In the north Flanders captivates with canals, art and chocolate while the south offers quiet forests, castles and small villages hidden among the valleys.
A road trip through Belgium is a journey through cultures and flavors. Start your morning with waffles and coffee in a historic square, visit an old brewery that perfected the art of beer making and end your day watching the sun set over the North Sea. Along the way you can see cathedrals, battlefields that changed European history and museums filled with art from masters like Rubens and Magritte.
Belgium brings together the best of Europe in one country. It mixes French elegance, Dutch creativity and German precision. Its size makes it easy to explore at your own pace and every route reveals something new. Whether you love medieval towns, coastal drives or peaceful countryside roads, Belgium offers a perfect mix of culture, food and discovery.
Belgium in a nutshell
- Population 11.8 million people
- Capital Brussels
- Citizens are Belgian
- Native languages are Flemish, French, German
- Local currency Euro
- Size 30.688 km²
The Big Four
Fun Facts
- Creators of Fries Despite common misconceptions: French fries originated from Belgium, not France. They are the true creators of the fries we all know and love to eat. In Belgium, they are typically served with mayonnaise rather than ketchup.
- King of the Castles The country has more castles per square kilometer than any other country in the world. From fairytale towers to moated fortresses, there are over 3,000 castles across the country. Offering visitors a wealth of historical architecture to explore.
- Origin of Comics Belgium is known as the birthplace of the comic strip, where storytelling meets art. Beloved characters like Tintin, the Smurfs and Lucky Luke were created here. Inspiring generations of readers around the world. You can explore this creative heritage in Brussels.
- Beer walhalla Belgium is a paradise for beer lovers. Home to more than 650 types of beer and hundreds of breweries that developed their craft over centuries. From strong Trappist ales brewed by monks to crisp blonde beers, every sip tells a story of tradition. Each beer is served in its own glass, a proud Belgian custom that turns tasting into an experience rather than just a drink.
Explore the regions
Belgium's history
Around 500 BC Celtic tribes known as the Belgae lived in the region, farming the land and trading along rivers. In 57 BC the Romans conquered the area building towns and fortresses. Cities like Tongeren and Tournai still carry traces of Roman walls and architecture. When the Roman Empire fell in the 5th century, the Franks took over, establishing early kingdoms and spreading Christianity across the land.
During the Middle Ages, Belgium’s cities flourished. Bruges and Ghent became centers of trade and textile production from the 12th to the 15th century. Antwerp rose as a major port in the 16th century, connecting Europe with the Americas and Asia which it continues to do to the present day.
Meanwhile, the region was under the control of the Spanish and later the Austrian Habsburgs. French armies occupied parts of Belgium in the late 17th and 18th centuries. Each ruler left its mark on culture, language and architecture.
In 1830 Belgium declared independence from the Netherlands and established a constitutional monarchy under King Leopold I. The 19th century brought industrial growth, railways and coal mining.
Today you can see this layered history everywhere: medieval squares in Bruges, Roman ruins in Tongeren, castles in Wallonia and art-filled streets in Brussels. Belgium is a country where its past is tangible at every turn.