17 top destinations for your road trip holiday
10 surprising spots in Belgium
Kortrijk (West Flanders) Leave Bruges and Ghent aside for a moment. Kortrijk is an architectural gem with contemporary highlights.
Meetjesland (East Flanders) Escape into nature in this creek area that fits like a puzzle piece into Dutch Zeelandic Flanders. Perfect for walking.
C-mine (Limburg) This site in Genk reflects the region’s mining history. The highlight? Climbing the mine shaft tower on the C-mine square.
BAM Mons (Hainaut) Belgium wouldn’t be Belgium without the occasional rainy day—museum time! Head to BAM, with no less than 5,000 m² of exhibition space.
Eau d’Heure Lakes (Namur) Explore the vast reservoirs of Eau d’Heure. Did you know Belgium’s longest “beaches” aren’t on the coast, but in Namur province?
Belgium’s Grand Canyon (Namur) Okay, “Grand Canyon” might be an exaggeration—but the Viroin-Hermeton nature park features a gorge up to 20 meters deep. Still impressive.
The High Fens in summer (Liège) Belgium’s highest region is also worth visiting in summer. It’s much quieter than in winter, and the scenery is surprisingly beautiful.
The Belgian castle route Belgium boasts around 3,000 castles. Don’t miss Beloeil (Mons), Gaasbeek (Lennik), or Alden Biesen (Hasselt).
Lommel Sahara (Limburg) Crystal-clear lakes, heathlands, and a mix of coniferous and deciduous forests. Climb the watchtower and take in this miniature desert.
The ‘oldest’ city of Belgium (Luxembourg province) Arlon, in the far south, offers something for everyone: history, nature, and excellent cuisine.
4 trips in neighboring countries
The wonderful Terschelling (Netherlands) Drive and take the ferry to Terschelling. Explore dunes, forests, and rich flora and fauna on foot or by bike. Everything is close—the longest drive is just 15 km.
Germany’s Tuscany Discover Markgräferland in southwest Germany. Enjoy mild late-summer temperatures. Locals even call it “Germany’s Tuscany”—and yes, it’s a culinary hotspot.
Back to prehistory in Drenthe (Netherlands) Just below Groningen, travel back in time and learn about early inhabitants. Don’t miss the hunebedden—prehistoric burial chambers over 5,000 years old.
A quieter Côte d’Azur (France) France remains a favorite, but skip the Mediterranean this year. Explore the west coast instead—Cap Ferret in Gironde is a perfect alternative.
3 European destinations off the beaten path
Sweden This vast country has something for everyone in summer and never feels overcrowded. Combine lake-hopping with a city trip to vibrant Stockholm or Malmö.
Macedonia Visit Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes on the border with Albania. Or cool off in the 212-meter-deep Vrelo Cave.
Austria Did you know the world’s most famous cycling route is here? The Danube Cycle Path is a must. Nature lovers should head to Hohe Tauern National Park, home to Europe’s highest waterfalls.
