Attractions and Places To See in Flanders - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in Flanders include a rich array of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features across its Dutch-speaking northern region. The area is characterized by medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and picturesque canals, offering diverse points of interest. Flanders provides both urban exploration and serene natural escapes, from bustling market squares to national parks and coastal areas.
Best attractions and places to see in Flanders
- The most popular attractions is Cycling Through the Water — Fietsen…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Cycling Through the Water — Fietsen Door Het Water (Bokrijk)
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Market Square, Bruges
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Cycling through the Trees
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Bruges Town Hall
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Maas River Dike Cycling Path
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Bonifacius Bridge
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Bruges Canals (Brugse Reien)
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Old Civil Registry
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Schellemolen Windmill, Damme
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The two winding towers commemorate the history of coal mining. In less than a decade, the history of coal mining in the Hoge Kempen region drastically changed the landscape. The last coal mine (Eisden) closed in 1901. In those 1989 years, the landscape transformed from a "rural" landscape of mainly heathland, moors, and dunes to an "industrial" landscape with winding towers, slag heaps, pine forests for timber harvesting, and quarries for raw materials.
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The western headframe of the former Eisden mine was converted into the Visitor Center of the Hoge Kempen National Park. Those who choose Terhills as a base for exploring the National Park will be guided through the headframe, with a cafeteria, shop and information center on the ground floor. The existing wooden reception building has been preserved but has a different function. https://www.nationaalparkhogekempen.be/nl/schachtbok
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The Schellemolen is a stone windmill in Damme, Belgium. The white-painted mountain mill dates from 1867 and replaced an earlier standard mill. There has been a mill on this spot along the Damse Vaart since 1479. The mill is equipped with two pairs of stones and an oil mill in the basement. The mill operation was stopped in 1963, after which the Schellemolen fell into disrepair. In 1971 the province of West Flanders bought the mill and had it restored. In 1977 it was able to grind again. The mill can be visited every weekend from April 1 to September 20.
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Windmills, just as you would imagine in this area.
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One day at the beginning of the twentieth century, the then owner of the Arentshuis and the garden of the property were expropriated. The city council believed that the garden should be made public and that there should be a museum. In addition, there had to be a connection with the other part of the Arentshof. For this purpose, a simple bridge was built over the Reie in 1911, the Bonifacius Bridge. It became one of the most photogenic bridges in Bruges and much of the rest of the world. Who ever visited Bruges and didn't take pictures?
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The Bruges registry office (Oude Civiele Griffie), right next to the town hall on Burg Square, is the former court of justice and one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The Renaissance façade dates from the 16th century and is decorated with several gilded statues: the central figure is Justitia, on the left you can see Moses with the tablets of the law. From the river it is a brick building with small turrets; you pass it on a boat tour. The building is connected to the town hall by a small bridge that leads over a footpath.
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The "Oude Civiele Griffie", the Old Civil Chancellery, was completed in 1537 and is located on Burg Square in Bruges between the State House of the Bruges Free Office and the Town Hall. It is considered one of the oldest Renaissance buildings in Flanders. The front façade, which is decorated with numerous sculptures, was built from natural stone. The building has been restored and extended several times, most recently in 2001. It has been a listed building since 1942.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique cycling experiences can I find in Flanders?
Flanders offers innovative cycling experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in nature. You can try Cycling Through the Water — Fietsen Door Het Water (Bokrijk), where you ride at eye level with the water for over 200 meters. Another popular option is Cycling through the Trees in Hechtel-Eksel, an architectural marvel that gradually rises to 10 meters, offering unique views among the treetops.
Are there historical city centers or landmarks worth visiting in Flanders?
Absolutely. Flanders is rich in history. The Market Square, Bruges, is a historical heart with the impressive 83-meter-high Belfry and colorful gabled houses. In Bruges, you can also visit the Bruges Town Hall, one of the oldest in the Low Countries, and explore the picturesque Bruges Canals (Brugse Reien), often referred to as the 'Venice of the North'.
What natural attractions or reserves can I explore in Flanders?
Beyond its cities, Flanders boasts beautiful natural areas. The Hoge Kempen National Park offers extensive pine forests and blooming heather. You can also visit the Zwin Nature Reserve, a coastal area known for its unique ecosystem, or enjoy the serene Maas River Dike Cycling Path for scenic views along the river.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Flanders?
Many attractions in Flanders are suitable for families. The unique cycling experiences like Cycling Through the Water and Cycling through the Trees are popular with all ages. Historical sites such as the Market Square, Bruges, and the Bruges Canals offer engaging experiences for children and adults alike. The Eisden Mine Headframes and Visitor Center also provides an interesting historical and educational outing.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Flanders offers a variety of outdoor activities. For running enthusiasts, there are numerous trails like the 'Loop around the water sports course' or 'Exploring in the Kluisbos'. Hikers can enjoy routes such as the 'Duinbossen Trail' or the 'Mechelse Heide Red Triangle Trail'. Cyclists have options like the 'Tour of Flanders cycling route: blue loop' or the 'Flandrien Loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for Running Trails in Flanders, Hiking in Flanders, and Road Cycling Routes in Flanders.
Are there any notable historical sites related to industry or mining in Flanders?
Yes, you can visit the Eisden Mine Headframes and Visitor Center, located within the Connecterra area of the Hoge Kempen National Park. This site offers a glimpse into the region's industrial past and its transformation into a natural and recreational area.
What are some picturesque spots for photography in Flanders?
Flanders is full of photogenic locations. The Market Square, Bruges, with its Belfry and historic buildings, is a classic. The Bonifacius Bridge in Bruges, despite being one of the city's youngest, offers a mysterious and romantic atmosphere perfect for capturing the essence of the canals and overhanging half-timbered houses. The unique Cycling Through the Water path also provides striking visual opportunities.
Can I find historical windmills in Flanders?
Yes, you can encounter historical windmills that add to the picturesque landscape of Flanders. An example is the Schellemolen Windmill, Damme, which stands as a testament to the region's heritage and offers a charming viewpoint.
What is the best way to experience the canals in Bruges?
To truly experience the 'Venice of the North,' take a boat cruise along the Bruges Canals (Brugse Reien). This offers a unique perspective of the city's medieval architecture, charming bridges like the Bonifacius Bridge, and hidden corners that are not accessible by foot.
Are there any UNESCO World Heritage sites in Flanders?
Yes, Flanders is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites. The historic Beguinages in cities like Bruges, Leuven, and Lier are recognized for their unique architectural and cultural significance. For a comprehensive list of World Heritage Sites in Belgium, you can refer to Wikipedia.
What are some cultural highlights in Flanders beyond historical buildings?
Flanders offers a rich cultural scene. In Antwerp, you can visit the Rubenshuis, the former home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens, or the MAS Museum. Ghent's museum district is also notable. Bruges features unique experiences like the Historium Brugge, the Bruges Beer Experience, the Frietmuseum, and Choco-Story, a chocolate museum, offering diverse cultural insights.
How can I find information about specific destinations within Flanders?
For more detailed information on various Flemish destinations, including cities like Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges, you can visit the official tourism website for the region. A good starting point is visitflanders.com.
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