Flanders is the northern federated state of Belgium with Brussels as its capital. It is the gateway to Europe and is located at less than 500 km from the major European capitals. It shares its own capital with the EU, NATO and numerous other international institutions and companies. Together with the renowned seaports, the extensive railway and road network, the productive and highly educated population, the excellent healthcare and the R&D-friendly climate, this is what makes Flanders unique in Europe.
Flanders is the gateway to Europe. In addition to a productive and highly qualified population and a research and investment-friendly climate, Flanders possesses an extensive rail and road network as well as several large ports. Discover the major sea ports and Zaventem airport below.
The past is tangible in Flanders. Impressive art collections attract tourists from all over the world. In our art cities you can stroll through the winding streets. Discover some of the highlights below.
The In Flanders Fields Museum is an interactive war museum located in the Cloth Halls of the City of Ieper (Ypres). The name refers to a poem written by the military physician John McCrae: In Flanders Fields. The stories of our contemporaries who experienced the war close up play a central role in the museum.
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In the Middle Ages, Bruges was one of the main trading cities in Europe. The ‘Brugse reien’, the small canals in the centre of Bruges, are highly distinctive. Bruges is called the Venice of the North because of its many small canals with their arch bridges.
Antwerp is a city on a river with a port. For centuries this has resulted in encounters and exchanges. The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) collects the traces of these exchanges and uses them to tell new stories. Come and discover Antwerp in the world and the world in Antwerp.
De Kuip is the historical centre of Ghent. There you can get to know the city, its rich history and self-willed residents.
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The Grote Markt or Grand Place in Brussels is the vibrant heart of the Capital of Europe. The square is a testament to Brussels’ aesthetic and historic wealth with buildings such as the Town Hall, the Breadhouse and many guildhalls. It is the perfect starting point for a visit to the capital of Flanders and of Europe.
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According to legend, Mechelen locals are always too late. Therefore, in the 18th century, St. Rumbold’s Tower was designed with a timepiece on four sides boasting dials larger than those on Big Ben in London. The timepiece is no longer there, but the weekly carillon concerts still remind us of this. Mechelen even has a Royal Carillon School, the first and oldest in the world.
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The first coal was mined from the Kempen substrate in 1901. Coal production peaked following the Second World War. In Beringen the oldest mining headquarters, including the city gardens that surround it, have been completely preserved. It is a gem of industrial archaeology.
The Flemish don’t just love chips from the chip shop. Good food and drink feature high on our list of priorities. Discover several typical local Flemish products and dishes below.
Chicory is a white vegetable with a bitter taste. Chicory was first ‘invented’ in a cellar in Schaerbeek. It is often used in oven-cooked dishes but can also be eaten raw in a salad..
Waterzooi is a typical Ghent dish made with chicken or fish, vegetables, cream and potatoes. It is served with bread as a kind of soup.
Hasselt speculaas is not thin and crispy but a thick biscuit that is soft in the middle. Combine it with Limburg treacle to create a delicious dessert.
Kasterlee, located in the verdant Antwerp Kempen, has been the ultimate pumpkin city since the 17th century. Its residents are famous for being lovers of pumpkin soup.
West Flanders is the main pig farming province: it is home to three times as many pigs as people. Discover this mouth-watering recipe of pork rib-eye with parsnips, a tasty and forgotten winter vegetable.
Education is a top priority for Flanders and ranks among the best in Europe. Flanders possesses an extensive network of schools offering high-quality education. Discover the five main university centres below.
Antwerp University Association is a structural cooperation partnership involving four higher education institutions in Antwerp: University of Antwerp, Karel de Grote University College, Artesis Plantijn University College and the Antwerp Maritime Academy.
The KU Leuven Association is a cooperation partnership involving twelve higher education institutions, making it the largest in Flanders.
Ghent University Association is a cooperation partnership involving four higher education institutions: Ghent University (UGent), University College Ghent, Artevelde University College Ghent and Howest, University College West Flanders.
The Brussels University Association consists of the VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and Erasmus University College Brussels.
The Limburg University Association is a cooperation partnership involving three Limburg institutions:[KF1]Â Hasselt University (UHasselt), PXL University College PXL and the PHL University College Limburg.
